Students present business ideas at entrepreneurship competition
Mid-State Technical College hosted the New Ideas Pitch Challenge on April 21 at its Stevens Point Downtown Campus LEAD Center, bringing together students from across Wisconsin technical colleges to present innovative business ideas and compete for top honors.
The regional entrepreneurship competition featured 10 student participants representing multiple colleges, including Fox Valley Technical College, Nicolet College, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, Moraine Park Technical College and Mid-State. A panel of local business and community leaders served as judges, including Staci Kivi, president/CEO of Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce; Ben Bauer, vice president of marketing at Simplicity Credit Union; Tara Manzke, owner of Bria Bella & Co.; and Chris Klesmith, neighborhood planner/economic development specialist at the City of Stevens Point. The event was made possible through the support of Simplicity Credit Union, a strong supporter of Mid-State and the local community.
Students delivered short pitches, participated in a question-and-answer session with the panel of judges and competed for recognition and cash prizes. The event was designed to provide students with a real-world, supportive environment to develop and present early-stage business ideas while strengthening communication, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
“Events like this are one of my favorite parts of the work I do,” said Mid-State Technical College Business Management instructor Morgan Vanderhei. “It takes a lot of courage for students to share their ideas and step outside their comfort zone, and it’s incredibly rewarding to watch their confidence grow. These events also bring students together from different colleges, creating opportunities to connect and build their networks.”
At the conclusion of the competition, top honors were awarded to:
• First place: Valerie Rivera, Foldilocks – Moraine Park Technical College
• Second place: Jessica Hermanson, Mama Jess’ Crumbs of Grace – Mid-State Technical College
• Third place: Les Cornette, Fish Frenzy Baitz – Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Mid-State was represented by two students who advanced from the College’s internal “The First Pitch” competitions. Jessica Hermanson, a Business Management student, earned second place with her idea Mama Jess’ Crumbs of Grace, while Zayden Brennan, a University Transfer and Business Management student, presented his idea, Shrimpin’ Around.
“I really enjoyed this experience,” said Hermanson. “Starting with The First Pitch and then representing Mid-State at the New Ideas Pitch Challenge helped me build confidence and continue developing my idea. I’m really grateful for the support I received along the way.”
Through events like the New Ideas Pitch Challenge, Mid-State continues to strengthen partnerships with regional businesses while preparing students with real-world knowledge, practical experience and the confidence needed for success in today’s workforce.
