SHEBOYGAN COUNTY, WI – The Sheboygan County Innovation Council, in partnership with the Sheboygan County Economic Development Corporation (SCEDC), successfully hosted its latest Innovation Speaker Series event at Road America, featuring Carbliss founders Adam and Amanda Kroener.
The event saw overwhelming interest, with more than 300 registrations and a strong turnout of entrepreneurs, business leaders, and community members from across the region for an evening of networking, learning, and inspiration. Attendees heard firsthand from the Kroeners about their journey building Carbliss into one of the fastest-growing beverage brands, offering valuable insights on entrepreneurship, resilience, and scaling a business.
“We are incredibly grateful to Adam and Amanda for sharing their story and investing their time in our community,” said Justin Vannieuwenhoven, Chair of the Innovation Council and event emcee. “Their transparency, energy, and practical advice created an unforgettable experience for everyone in attendance. They’ve built not only an incredible business, but also a strong team and culture of leadership that continues to positively impact our region. We are fortunate to have them and Carbliss here in our community!”
The Innovation Council also extends its sincere thanks to all attendees whose enthusiasm, engagement, and questions, made the event a success. Events like the Innovation Speaker Series continue to demonstrate the strength and momentum of
Sheboygan County’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Looking ahead, The Innovation Council invites the community to stay engaged and participate in upcoming events designed to support and celebrate entrepreneurship:
Pitches & Pizza (Startup Idea Night)
May 21, 2026 | 5:30–8:30 PM
3 Sheeps Loft
A fun, high-energy evening featuring one-minute pitches, audience voting, and free pizza. $2,000 in awards and open to aspiring entrepreneurs, creatives, and business owners. Register for this event at: https://sheboygancountyedc.formstack.com/forms/pitches_and_pizza
Additional events in the 2026 series include:
Startup Idea Night 2
July 21, 2026 | 5:30–8:30 PM
3 Sheeps Tent
A second community pitch event focused on supporting idea-stage founders.
Startup World Cup: Sheboygan Regional Pitch
October 19, 2026 | 5:30–8:30 PM
Weill Center for the Performing Arts
The winning startup advances to the global Startup World Cup finals in San Francisco for a chance to win a $1 Million investment.
New North Startup Pitch Competition
November 10, 2026 | 5:30–8:00 PM
Jake’s at Lakeland University
A regional showcase highlighting innovative startups across Northeast Wisconsin.
“We’re building a full pipeline of opportunities for entrepreneurs in Sheboygan County,” stated Ray York, business counselor for the SCEDC and the Small Business Development Center at UWGB . “From idea-stage events to funding and mentorship, there’s never been a better time to start or grow a business here.”
For more information and to stay updated on upcoming events, visit AccelSC.com.
