MADISON – Wisconsin Business World, a program of WMC Foundation, again partnered with Kwik Trip to announce the winners of the twice-annual Kwik Trip Innovation Competition. This statewide business-focused contest tasked 6th-12th grade students with creating and presenting a marketing plan for a new product to be sold in Kwik Trip stores. The program challenges students to develop original ideas that reflect real‑world business problem‑solving, customer focus, and operational excellence – values that align closely with Kwik Trip’s mission and culture.
The winners of the Fall 2025 Innovation Competition:
Emerson B. – Hamilton High School
Franny T. – Denmark High School
“This contest is all about empowering students to think creatively and apply their ideas in practical, meaningful ways,” said Senior Director of Wisconsin Business World Michelle Grajkowski. “Emerson, Franny, and Eli stood out for their creativity, polished presentations, and thoughtful approach to innovation. We’re proud to congratulate them and excited to see how their entrepreneurial mindset will help shape their future paths.”
La Crosse-headquartered Kwik Trip is a leader in vertical-integration, operating its own bakery, dairy, food-safety labs, distribution center, transportation company, and more. This gave students an opportunity to create a wide array of products for the contest. The three winning entries included the Share Your Plate Program, a Nutrition Kiosk, and a Local Farmer’s Display. Each entry included a virtual presentation on the product and a marketing strategy identifying a target audience and explaining how the product would increase consumer sales.
“It’s inspiring to see students engage so thoughtfully with real business concepts. We’re proud to partner with Wisconsin Business World to support this contest and the next generation of Wisconsin leaders,” shared Kwik Trip Government Relations Manager Carl Rick. “Congratulations to the winners, well done to each of the participants, and thank you to all of the teachers who are investing in innovation.”
The contest was open to Wisconsin students in grades 6-12. All projects were submitted between September 2025 – January 2026. The winners each received a $500 cash prize.
Wisconsin Business World – a program of WMC Foundation – educates students on business, entrepreneurism, and the free market through its statewide competitions, Summer Camps, one-day programs, online curriculum, and classroom presentations. The Business World message is simple: Business is a Force for Good.
More information about Wisconsin Business World and its programs can be found at www.wmcfoundation.org/wisconsin-business-world/.
