Most founders treat a pitch contest like a graduation. Something you do once the deck is polished and the numbers look good.
The New North Pitch Series works the other way. It has a ceiling, not a floor. If your business has brought in more than $300,000 in revenue or capital raised, you can't enter.
It's built for the early stage. The idea you're still testing. The side project that's starting to look like a company.
New North Inc. and 14 local partners are running six local pitch events across Northeast Wisconsin this November. The top finishers from each one advance to the NEW Launch Alliance regional pitch on Wednesday, December 2, at TitletownTech in Green Bay.
Applications close October 31.
You apply once, at the New North Pitch Series 2026 application page.
Who can enter?
The series is open to founders across New North's 18 counties: Brown, Calumet, Door, Florence, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Marinette, Marquette, Menominee, Oconto, Outagamie, Shawano, Sheboygan, Waupaca, Waushara, and Winnebago.
To be eligible:
- You or your business are located in one of those counties, or you're launching or relocating there
- You're at least 18
- Your business has no more than $300,000 in annual revenue or capital raised
- You can provide a W-8 or W-9 if you win prize money
If your business took first or second at one of these local contests in the last two years, you can still pitch for practice and feedback. You just aren't eligible for prize money this time.
How much can you win?
Each of the six local contests pays $1,000 for first place and $500 for second, and some events add local prizes on top of that. The top two from each local event move on to the regional.
At the regional on December 2, it's $2,000 for first, $1,000 for second, and $500 for third.
Add it up and that's $12,500 in cash across the series, before any local extras.
That money matters at this stage. But I'd argue the bigger win is the reps. You get a few minutes in front of judges who will push on your idea, a room full of people from your own region who want to see it work, and if you advance, investor attention at the regional.
Which event should you pick?
Pick one. Choose the event closest to where you live or where your business is (or will be). The six events run in this order.
Envision This!
Powered by Envision Greater Fond du Lac
Wednesday, November 4, at 5:30 p.m.
The Passenger Lounge, 105 S. Brooke St., Fond du Lac
Contact: Zach Beasom, zbeasom@envisiongreaterfdl.com
Apply to pitch at Envision This!
Fast Pitch
Powered by FVTC Venture Center, Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce, Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce, UW-Oshkosh SBDC, and UW-Madison Extension (Outagamie and Winnebago counties)
Monday, November 9, at 5:15 p.m.
Sage Hall, UW-Oshkosh, 835 High Ave., Oshkosh
Contact: Mia Ljung, mia.ljung@wisc.edu
Accelerate Sheboygan County
Powered by Sheboygan County Economic Development Corp., Lakeland University, and the SBDC at UW-Green Bay
Tuesday, November 10, at 5:30 p.m.
Jake's Café, A Lakeland Community, 529 Ontario Ave., Sheboygan
Contact: Ray York, york@sheboygancountyedc.com
Apply to pitch at Accelerate Sheboygan County
Pitch Greater Green Bay
Powered by the Greater Green Bay Chamber
Thursday, November 12, at 5 p.m.
Urban Hub, 340 N. Broadway Ave., #200, Green Bay
Contact: Shane Kanneberg, skanneberg@greatergbc.org
Apply to pitch at Pitch Greater Green Bay
LevelUp
Powered by Progress Lakeshore
Thursday, November 12, at 5 p.m.
Mosaic Event Center, 934 S. 10th St., Manitowoc
Contact: Jada Haese, jada@progresslakeshore.org
Lighthouse Launch
Powered by Door County Economic Development Corporation and UW-Madison Extension Kewaunee County
Wednesday, November 18, at 6 p.m.
Sturgeon Bay, venue to be announced
Contact: Shauna Blackledge, shauna@doorcountybusiness.com
Apply to pitch at Lighthouse Launch
How do you get ready?
Start with the application page. It links to a preview of every question you'll be asked and the criteria judges will score you on. Read the judging criteria before you write a single answer. It tells you exactly what the room cares about.
Pre-pitch workshops are also available for applicants, so you don't have to walk in cold.
And if you want more practice before or after November, we keep a running list of pitch competitions and accelerators in Wisconsin, plus a guide to startup funding in Wisconsin for what comes next.
Who's behind the series?
The local and regional contests are supported by the NEW Launch Alliance of New North Inc., along with WBD Inc. The alliance was formed to connect entrepreneurs across the region with mentors, investors, educators, accelerators, and other resources.
Sponsors this year are the NEW Launch Alliance, WBD Inc., Headway (which hosts the application site), TitletownTech (the regional event host), and CLA.
"We know that a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem is a pillar to the success of a regional economy and look forward to hearing from the region's newest entrepreneurs."
- Patti Habeck, president and CEO of New North Inc.
Get your idea in by October 31
You don't need a finished product. You don't need traction. You need an idea you believe in and a few minutes to explain it.
Apply to the New North Pitch Series 2026 and pick the event closest to you. We'll see you in November.
