SHEBOYGAN COUNTY, WI – The Sheboygan County Economic Development Corporation (SCEDC) has partnered with Startups Built Simply (SBS) to host the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) Blueprint Program. This intensive accelerator is designed to support both new and established entrepreneurs in Sheboygan County as they navigate the complexities of launching and scaling physical products.
While the region boasts a wealth of creative talent, local makers often face steep hurdles moving from concept to retail shelf. Through this partnership, founders receive specialized coaching, practical business training, and access to resources that help transform innovative ideas into market-ready products. To further accelerate growth, select founders demonstrating strong market potential will receive growth grants through the SCEDC, which are funded by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). These funds are designed to help entrepreneurs invest directly in initial production runs and growth strategies to bring products to market more quickly.
To date, the program engaged more than 20 entrepreneurs and is part of a broader entrepreneurial support ecosystem that includes access to more than $110,000 in startup grants and technical assistance funding administered through SCEDC programs. By combining education, mentorship, and capital, the initiative is helping transform innovative product ideas into scalable businesses that create economic opportunity throughout the region. Visit AccelSC.com to learn more about these programs.
Building a Stronger Business Foundation
Throughout the six-week curriculum, Startups Built Simply provide founders with tactical training on critical business metrics, including unit economics, gross margins, brand messaging, pricing strategy, and local distribution strategies.
“Our goal is to give entrepreneurs the tools and strategic foundation they need to build sustainable companies,” said Ray York, Business Counselor with the SCEDC. “This partnership demonstrates how focused mentorship, practical education, and access to resources can turn promising ideas into structured businesses that grow alongside our community.”
Purpose-Driven Products Addressing Customer Needs
Participants represented a diverse range of consumer product categories, including food and beverage, personal care, lifestyle brands, and outdoor recreation products. Together, they reflect the growing innovation and entrepreneurial talent emerging throughout the region.
Some of the inaugural participants completing the program include:
Cheri Meyer (Meyer Cocktail Co.) – Simplifying operations for bar owners and event hosts by offering bar-quality, complex cocktails in a shelf-stable, ready-to-pour format.
Evan Philibeck (Buck in a Hat) – Delivering comfort and community connection to the outdoor subculture through hunting hats engineered for an improved fit.
Drew Mueske (Crunch Collab) – Crafting granola bars for active lifestyles that balance clean, healthy ingredients with indulgent, innovative flavor profiles.
Mary Motiska (Wonderfully Made) – Empowering younger consumers with transparent, clean-label skincare formulated specifically for developing skin.
James Kaczmarowski (Glitch Gin) – Offering a modern, versatile profile for mixology with a fruit-first formula that avoids synthetic flavors while maintaining a traditional gin base.
One of the program’s primary objectives is helping founders gain confidence and clarity as they navigate the challenges of building a consumer product business. “Many creative founders have exceptional products but lack the capital and a clear roadmap needed to scale,” said Lee Veldkamp, Founder of Startups Built Simply. “By demystifying what it takes and giving them the courage to just go ‘kaboom’ and try things, we ensure good ideas don’t sit in cupboards but get a fair chance.”
How to Support Local Innovation
As these founders prepare for upcoming commercial product launches, community members and retail partners are encouraged to follow their progress. To support these emerging brands, stay informed on upcoming product launches, or learn more about the program, follow Startups Built Simply on Instagram at @startupsbuiltsimply or visit the program website at www.startupsbuiltsimply.com/pages/startup-6-week-program.
