City of Whitewater officials announced Monday that the winners of the Whitewater WindUp business pitch competition have received awards distributed through the city’s Community Development Authority (CDA).

Distributions included $71,153.92 awarded to the competition’s first place winner, Barista Cat Cafe, and $33,302.83, to Stellar Vintage, defined as the competition’s “runner-up.” 

The city’s Whitewater WindUp competition was held earlier this year, with a final round of pitches made before a panel of judges in May.

Organizations making pitches during the final round included: Whitewater Grocery Cooperative, The Book Teller, Uptown Revive, Stellar Vintage, The Wellnest Shop, The Poppy Seed Company, BaristaCats Café, and BH Events LLC- Bowers House.  

Judges making the final selections included: Whitewater City Councilman Neil Hicks, CDA board member Christ Christon, student and young entrepreneur Chad Tjgum, Jefferson County Economic Development Consortium Director Deb Reinbold, Walworth County Economic Development Alliance Director Derek D’Auria, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater College of Business and Economics professor and a Whitewater WindUp workshop facilitator Kevin Kaufman, and Miguel Aranda, who is a Whitewater Unified School District Board of Education member serving the panel as a community representative.

According to information recently released by city staff, the WindUp competition  business plan competition was designed to “foster innovation and entrepreneurship in our community.”

The release noted that the winners participated in a months-long process before a selection was made to invite them to participate in the final presentation of their business plans in May.

The CDA met earlier this month to allocate the funds to the chosen entries, the release noted.

According to the release, Barista Cat Cafe was selected as the winner of the “grand prize” for its innovative concept, which, the release noted, “combines a cozy coffee shop with a cat adoption center, offering patrons a unique and heartwarming experience.”

As a stipulation of the monetary award, the release continued, the cafe “must seek two additional quotes for their planned renovation, ensuring responsible and efficient use of the funds.”

Additionally, the release noted, Stellar Vintage was selected as the contest’s runner-up due to its “dynamic business specializing in curated vintage clothing and accessories. … This recognition acknowledges the business’s potential to add value to our community through sustainable fashion and unique offerings.” 

Within the release, the city’s Economic Development Director Taylor Zeinert stated her enthusiasm regarding the contest, saying: ”The Whitewater WindUp has demonstrated the incredible talent and innovation present in our community. We are proud to support Barista Cat Cafe and Stellar Vintage as they embark on their exciting ventures. These businesses not only enhance our local economy but also contribute to the unique culture and vibrancy of Whitewater.”

She continued by noting that “the CDA’s decision to allocate funds to these promising businesses underscores the commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and economic growth within the community. The support provided through this competition will enable Barista Cat Cafe and Stellar Vintage to implement their business plans and make a positive impact on Whitewater.”