Kohner, Mann & Kailas, S.C. Sponsors Governor’s Business Plan Contest

Kohner, Mann & Kailas has agreed to sponsor the Wisconsin Governor’s Business Plan Contest for 2012. The mission of the Governor’s Business Plan Contest is to encourage Wisconsin entrepreneurs in the creation, start-up and early-growth stages of high-tech businesses. Finalists will share in $100,000 in seed capital and in-kind services that will help them launch their businesses. Since its inception in 2004, more than 1,500 entries have been received and $1 million in cash and in-kind prizes has been awarded.
 
Organized by the Wisconsin Technology Council, the contest involves a six-month process that includes mentoring from judges. It also offers valuable public and media exposure for the best business plans and encourages economic growth in Wisconsin. In addition, past finalists have raised a reported $11 million in private equity, such as angel and venture capital. Winners of the contest will be announced at the 10th Wisconsin Technology Council Annual Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Conference on June 8th and 9th in Milwaukee.
 
The Wisconsin Technology Council is the science and technology advisor to the Wisconsin Governor and Legislature. Launched in 2001, the Tech Council was created by a bipartisan act of the governor and the Legislature. It is an independent, non-profit and non-partisan board with members from tech companies, venture capital firms, all levels of education, research institutions, government and law.
 
Kohner, Mann & Kailas Shareholder and business attorney Alexander “Sandie” Pendleton has served on the Board of Directors of the Wisconsin Technology Council since its founding, and been appointed and reappointed to the Board by Wisconsin Governors of both parties. Other KMK attorneys (including business attorney Stephen D. R. Taylor) have also volunteered their time to the Business Plan Contest as judges and mentors to companies involved in the Contest.
 
“We are proud to support this contest and the mission of the Tech Council, as for over 75 years, the attorneys at KMKSC have been dedicated to helping businesses of all sizes get started providing them with the legal services they need not just to survive, but to thrive,” said KMKSC President Steve Kailas.