PLUG In.
BOOST YOUR NETWORK.
MAKE YOUR BUSINESS SURGE!
Throughout Surge, each contestant refined their business model, gained exposure, and built their confidence while tapping into an audience of industry and community partners to expand their network. Eight entrepreneurs were selected to pitch to our panel of judges for cash prizes. Leading up to the competition event, contestants had the chance to practice pitching, tell their start-up story, get tips from experts, and meet other entrepreneurs.
2023 Participants
XioPrints LLC
We provide excellent customer service and acrylic charms to small businesses, specifically artists, in the United States. Artists are facing high shipping costs, long shipping times, poor quality control, and poor customer service. Our target market is artists who sell at conventions in the United States. Our initial goal is to collect less than 1% of my largest competitor's audience, which is equivalent to roughly $46,000. As a wholesale business, money comes from bulk orders and the best marketing is done through references in online groups such as facebook.
Nordic Night LLC
We provide high-quality, authentic, wood-fired sauna in a community setting and through private event rentals. Our eye-catching Scandanavian design and incredibly unique offering stop people in their tracks time and time again. We offer an unmatched experience unlike anything else that people can find in the area. Public saunas are having a renaissance throughout the United States, almost entirely in larger cities like Portland and Minneapolis. We are here to prove that a community the size of Stevens Point can support this business model in a big way.
Hackett Rods
We’re a custom rod-building company that seeks to meet the unique needs and specificity of anglers everywhere. Hackett Rods works with individuals to customize all aspects of an open-water or Ice fishing rod. It’s a level of customization and specificity that cannot be found with larger companies or in any store. Additionally, Hackett Rods offers pre-built rods, providing a local business outlet for general fishing needs. Fishing rod blanks (the main part of a fishing rod) are sourced from manufactured in the USA.
Em-Spired LLC
We are a personalized embroidery business with a focus on Hmong inspired designs. Em-Spired focuses on embroidery that inspires. Through custom embroidered products that have a Hmong cultural influence, our goal is to preserve and promote traditional symbolism by staying relevant through current merchandise trends. With the convenience of an ecommerce experience, we personalize apparel and miscellaneous gift items for any occasion.
Tasteful Tours
We provide downtown walking tours in a fun, delicious, and immersive experience that explores our local culture, uncovers the town's history, and visits 4-5 iconic locations, providing a true taste of our local community. Tasteful Tours seeks to develop partnerships with local businesses, community organizations, and tourism boards to enhance our tours' offerings and gain valuable support and resources. Collaborating with these stakeholders will gain insight into Stevens Point's unique characteristics and build connections that facilitate the growth of our walking tour business. Once our business is established, the model could then be taken to other communities in Central Wisconsin.
Authentic Grace Company
We’re an online fashion retailer, and our vision for Authentic Grace Company is to open a clothing store and coffee shop in one building. By catering to two different types of clientele, we will be able to bring in more people. Those who grab a coffee and a snack are likely to walk over to the shop and look around while waiting for their drink, and those who come in to buy new clothes are likely to grab a coffee while they’re shopping.
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. We’re a small team and are currently seeking funds to move our catering kitchen to a new location. In the process of moving, we’re also refocusing efforts to grow the overall business.
A Moving Company & More
We offer junk removal services with an emphasis on repurposing & recycling as much as possible in an effort to reduce our impact on the planet by using less of our planet for landfills. Connect with Jacob Sniadajewski
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
PARTICIPATING PARTNERS
