An entrepreneur pitch event aimed at introducing and better-preparing business in their early stages for equity investment.
HATCH is a high-energy pitch event designed for early-stage entrepreneurs, inventors, and big thinkers who are ready to take their bold ideas to the next level. Whether you're launching a scalable startup, developing a transformative product, or refining a unique service tailored to a specific market or industry, HATCH is your platform to shine. This event is specifically geared toward those who are in the testing phase—fine-tuning their go-to-market strategy and exploring viable sales channels. If your concept is built to grow, evolve, or disrupt, we want to hear from you.
HATCH is Wisconsin’s idea-stage pitch showcase for early-stage entrepreneurs, first-time founders, inventors, and creative thinkers ready to test bold concepts and build momentum. It's also for the investors, business mentors, community leaders, economic developers, educators, and innovation champions who believe in cultivating fresh ideas from the ground up.
Whether you’re building a scalable product, exploring a new service model, or turning a big idea into a business reality, HATCH is the place to take your shot. Finalists will pitch in front of a live audience for prizes, visibility, connections, and ongoing support, as the community rallies around the next generation of Wisconsin entrepreneurs.
✨ Join us to celebrate creativity, courage, and the earliest sparks of entrepreneurial journey. This is where big ideas begin.
Tuesday, November 11th
Hosted by EastBay Lodge
27325 268th Ave
Holcombe, WI 54745
5:30 PM – 6 PM RECEPTION Hors d'oeuvres prepared by our host, EastBay Lodge
6 PM – MAIN EVENT Seven pitches, sponsor highlights, judging, awards & photos
Founders know the truth: the fastest way to a better company is through the lessons that hurt. Join us for an invite-only, founder-first reception where investors and seasoned entrepreneurs open up about the misses, pivots, and near-misses that shaped their wins.
– Startup and growth-stage founders (all industries)
– Sponsors, investors, and banks
– 4:45 PM: Arrive, grab a drink, get settled
– 5:00 PM: Facilitated introductions to spark quality connections
– 5:05–5:30 PM: Small-group conversations at investor/mentor-led tables on “founder fails” and what they taught us
– 5:30–6:00 PM: Conversations continue as the reception and doors open
– 6:00 PM: HATCH begins
– No slides, no pitches—real talk in a supportive, off-the-record setting
– Candid lessons you can apply immediately
– Targeted introductions to investors, banks, and peers who get it
Founders (startup and otherwise): message us on our social channels or email
– Sarah Kowal: sarah@sarahkowal.com
– Casey Hedrington: staff@chippewa-wi.com
Capacity is limited; requests will be confirmed in the order received.
Optional: bring business cards or a one-pager to make follow-ups easy.
SPONSORSHIPS
Email Casey at staff@chippewa-wi.com for sponsorship info.
