By Kim McDarison

Applications are available for those interested in participating in a “business pitch competition,” Whitewater city officials have announced.

The competition, dubbed, “Whitewater WindUP,” offers business owners and entrepreneurs an opportunity to win space in a downtown storefront, along with monies for some renovations and rent for one year, according to a recent news release. 

Community members who are not interested in starting a business can find participation with the program by voting for a winner, the release stated.

Those interested in competing in the WindUP event are asked to submit an application using the following link: https://www.whitewater-wi.gov/259/Community-Development-Authority.

A deadline to submit an application is Sunday, April 20, at 11:59 p.m.

Rules and eligibility requirements are included with the application,Taylor Zeinert, city of Whitewater chief of staff and interim economic development director, said in a recent telephone interview.

Zeinert was recently identified during a Whitewater Common Council meeting as the interim economic development director, following the resignation of former development director Calli Berg.

Berg resigned from the position in January.

A story about Berg’s resignation is here: https://whitewaterwise.com/whitewaters-economic-development-director-resigns/.

Throughout the competition, participants will have access to workshops focusing on finance, marketing, ideation, and pitch submission, the release noted. Such workshops are designed to provide guidance and support to participants as they develop their business ideas.

Submissions will undergo an evaluation process, the details of which are forthcoming.

Those interested is receiving updates about the contest are directed to the city’s website, found here: www.whitewater-wi.gov, and its social media pages.

The public will be offered an opportunity to vote for a preferred pitch on Monday, April. 22, according to the release.

“As a community, we believe in the power of entrepreneurship and the positive impact it can have on our local economy,” Zeinert was quoted as saying in the release.

She noted that city officials are eager to see creative and innovative ideas.

“This is a unique opportunity for individuals to turn their dreams into reality and contribute to the growth of our community,” Zeinert continued within the release. 

In an earlier press release, city officials noted that the winner of the pitch competition will receive $160,000, with those monies coming from the city’s Community Development Authority (CDA).

Following the appointment of Patrick Singer to a vacant seat on the Whitewater Common Council earlier this month, the appointee chose to step down from the position of chairman of the CDA.

CDA member Joseph Kromholz has been installed as the new chairperson.

An earlier story about Singer’s appointment to the city council is here: https://whitewaterwise.com/mccormick-singer-join-council/.

Responding to questions by phone, Kromholz said he was new to the position of chairman, and still “getting my feet wet,” noting that his responses were individually his.

He said: “The hope here is to identify businesses within the city that will not only provide a sustaining tax income, but will improve the life of everyone in the city. The thought was that through substantiating a business fund, it would be a wise use of money to create self-sustaining businesses, and, along with providing services, along the way, revitalizing buildings in parts of our downtown.

“I think it offers a very positive commitment to the community; it shows that Whitewater is open for businesses. If you are willing to invest in the community, so are we.”   

Recently, WhitewaterWise met with Zeinert in front of a downtown building often referenced as “The White Elephant Building,” 183 W. Main St.

The building is an example of the type of space that city officials hope to make available to a contest winner. Plans to include the building within the scope of the contest are still being finalized, she said.

“It’s one possible option. The space is huge and offers lots of potential,” Zeinert added.

CDA Administrative Assistant Bonnie Miller, responding to questions by phone, noted that the building is formally called the Bower’s House.

Zeinert described the $160,000 offered by the city’s CDA as “a pool of money” which can be used to provide renovations and rent.

The storefront can be anywhere in Whitewater; however, staff recently has been focused on vacancies downtown, but the winner can be anywhere in Whitewater, Zeinert said.

The Bower’s House is undergoing renovations, Miller said.

Work began with facade improvements, she said, noting that the process included removing stucco to expose the exterior brick. Also, new windows and a new roof have been installed. Interior renovations, to date, have included improvements made to the stabilization and support structure.

Miller said that some monies for the renovations are anticipated to come through a Community Development Investment (CDI) grant facilitated through the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC).

In March, she said, the city will be submitting invoices for work done to the building, which is capped at $250,000.

Zeinert said that the building, when completed will provide space on the first floor for at least two retail shops, with further plans calling for apartment spaces to be developed on the building’s upper levels.

The contest provides an opportunity to bring entrepreneurs and buildings providing various opportunities together, she said.

Describing the contest within a earlier news release, Whitewater City Manager John Weidl said: ”This is exactly the type of bold initiative that will position Whitewater as a credible hub for innovation and public-private collaborations. It’s about bringing community-driven business ideas to life and catalyzing real change.”

Additionally, the release noted, “A unique feature of this competition is the entire community’s direct involvement. Alongside a panel of expert judges, interested community members will have a say in the ranking and scoring of the business presentations via web-based application. This approach not only empowers local voices but also ensures that the selected businesses align with the community’s needs and aspirations.

“This innovative competition … aims to foster entrepreneurial spirit and economic growth within Whitewater. The competition will be a platform for budding entrepreneurs to receive essential support and training in business planning and other critical areas. Over several weeks, participants will be guided through a series of development stages, culminating in a public presentation where their business concepts will be evaluated.”

An earlier story about the competition, as described by Berg when the idea was in its formative stages, is here: https://whitewaterwise.com/cda-approves-160000-prize-fund-city-uw-whitewater-to-offer-entrepreneurial-contest/.