2024 Participants
Curbwise LLC
Curbwise LLC provides bicycle-powered delivery & distribution of goods/foods in Central WI through 24 local businesses, non-profits, farmers, and government entities. The need to reduce last mile emissions for our delivery partners and customers presents a new service we are already piloting – palletized delivery & distribution. A second new service opportunity involves transporting people with pedicabs. Both services have very large market potentials based on current demand and new requests.
Innovation Data + Design Studio
IDDS assists nonprofits, government agencies, and educational institutions, using evaluation and organizational learning to help them grow. Their work with IDDS helps them leverage data to enhance fundraising, tell impactful stories, and activate their communities. Each engagement is tailored to the unique needs and goals of the client. With over 40,000 nonprofits in Wisconsin, along with numerous educational institutions and government agencies, the potential for impactful work is vast.
BoBabes Inc
Bobabes Bubble Tea serves premium, Taiwan imported tea-based beverages and baked good through a vibrant uplifting, and interactive shop on campus. We’re positioned for scalable success by addressing the need for inclusive, community-focused spaces in Stevens Point, a college town with limited non-bar social options. We cater to students and local residents seeking a welcoming environment and premium bubble tea, enhancing social connections and offering diverse activities. By expanding our menu to include food options and launching delivery and catering services, we tap into a growing market demand. Our revenue streams include in-person and online sales, a loyalty program, and future catering services, which collectively ensure our financial sustainability and potential for growth.
Dilly Dahl Deli
We provide customized catering options throughout central Wisconsin for both personal and corporate events. Dilly Dahl Deli stands out by creating personalized menus and custom items for customers. Since moving to our own location, we’ve been booking more consistent catering jobs from both corporate and private customers with our current sales of items being at $32k as of July 8, 2024 (last year, we sold $32k in items for the entire year). We have also expanded to Doordash where we have several five star reviews and repeat customers. We were also nominated for the first time as the Best of Portage County in the catering category.
Sourcer AI
Sourcer AI addresses one of the biggest issues our society has today: online misinformation. Sourcer AI is designed for a wide range of customers, but the target demographic is educated high-income young adults living in urban areas aged 18-35 that have an interest in politics, news, and journalism. The market opportunity is vast, as the software as a service (SAAS) and Artificial Intelligence industry are both growing at an incredible pace. Our revenue is generated through subscription models, offering a $5 per month premium subscription.
XioPrints LLC
XioPrints LLC's purpose is to provide artists in the United States with a communicative, reliable, and trustworthy acrylic charm (keychain) manufacturer. Last year, our website finally launched, and we are continually working to improve it. Our average revenue per customer for 2023 was $25.84 and has grown to $32.81 in 2024, resulting in a 47% growth. We expanded our product lines to include acrylic pins and "Linky Charms", which are multiple acrylic charms linked together to make an extra-long keychain. It allows for fun designs and is a higher ticket product. This fall, we are launching custom earrings, cake and cupcake toppers and small to medium business signage as part of our product lines.
The Garden
The Garden is a vibrant and energetic workspace tailored to cater to professional needs. Offering dedicated desks, private office space, conference room, event space, kitchenette, and a phone booth for uninterrupted conversations. Our space is intentionally curated to boost productivity and infuse joy into the workday. We’re Currently working on developing key partnerships through The Portage County Business Council, Create Portage County, networking meet ups, and key stakeholders.
Up Outdoors
Up Outdoors designs, builds, and sells USA-made products to get gear up and off the ground. We’re solving the problem of working on the ground while trying to enjoy the outdoor experience by creating durable, easy-to-use products designed for all ages. Markets that have shown interest in Up Outdoors products include sporting goods (camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, etc), utilities, forestry, and sports medicine. Sales channels include an e-commerce website, social media, trade shows, retailers, licensing product rights, and potentially government and utility contracts.
Bear's Wild Creations
There are very few businesses in the US that offer art made of repurposed real feathers. Since most of these birds are game species, naturally my art resonates with the hunting community, particularly those who hunt with bird dogs. Any nature lover or person who appreciates the beauty of the feathers are drawn to my artwork. Thanks to word of mouth, I have a growing customer base across the US. Since I can create any design topic and do custom designs, my artwork can fit any occasion or interest a customer may have.
Bucket Ruckus
We provide organic waste management solutions through curbside pick-up service to homes, businesses, and events and process the material into valuable compost products. We’re also poised for scalable success because of a critical need to stabilize soil health, productivity and nutrient cycling, address greenhouse gas emissions, and restructure our conceptualization of waste and resources. Our business is supported by customers paying a subscription to enlist our service. People who are engaging with our services within our community are taking part in a global effort to build a more promising future at a grassroots level. It is exciting to be building a local model within central Wisconsin to tackle broad and pressing issues.