{"id":480525,"date":"2025-07-03T15:08:02","date_gmt":"2025-07-03T15:08:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.annapolisnewsupdates.com\/news\/story\/480525\/cedc-launches-bear-25-to-showcase-the-regions-top-growthstage-businesses-with-the-bear-pitch-event-to-drive-business-expansion-and-economic-impact-across-wisconsin-and-the-twin-cities-region.html"},"modified":"2025-07-03T15:08:02","modified_gmt":"2025-07-03T15:08:02","slug":"cedc-launches-bear-25-to-showcase-the-regions-top-growthstage-businesses-with-the-bear-pitch-event-to-drive-business-expansion-and-economic-impact-across-wisconsin-and-the-twin-cities-region","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.alaskanewsdesk.com\/news\/story\/480525\/cedc-launches-bear-25-to-showcase-the-regions-top-growthstage-businesses-with-the-bear-pitch-event-to-drive-business-expansion-and-economic-impact-across-wisconsin-and-the-twin-cities-region.html","title":{"rendered":"CEDC Launches BEAR ’25 to Showcase the Region\u2019s Top Growth-Stage Businesses with the BEAR Pitch Event to Drive Business Expansion and Economic Impact Across Wisconsin and the Twin Cities Region"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"CEDC<\/a><\/div>\n
CEDC launches BEAR ’25 to spotlight growth-stage businesses shaping Wisconsin and Eastern Minnesota\u2019s economy.<\/div>\n

Chippewa Falls, WI –<\/strong> The Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) proudly announces the launch of BEAR ’25: Business Expansion and Retention Pitch Showcase<\/a>, a new event dedicated to highlighting growth-stage companies that are actively scaling and making significant economic contributions. The event is scheduled for Thursday, August 14th<\/strong> at East Bay Lodge in Holcombe, Wisconsin.<\/p>\n

Building on the success of last year’s HATCH<\/strong> startup competition—nationally recognized by the Mid-America Economic Development Council—BEAR ’25<\/strong> shifts focus to second-stage businesses that have moved beyond the startup phase and are poised for rapid expansion. The showcase reflects CEDC’s ongoing commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and economic development in Wisconsin.<\/p>\n

“BEAR ’25 is about celebrating the businesses that are already making an impact—those that are hiring, scaling, and innovating,” said Charlie Walker<\/strong>, Executive Director of CEDC. “This event gives them a platform to connect with capital, mentorship, and exposure that can take them to the next level.”<\/p>\n

The event is open to businesses from across Wisconsin<\/strong>. Six companies will be selected to pitch from nominating partners including the St. Croix Economic Development Corporation, Dunn County Economic Development Corporation, and a public lane through CEDC. The companies will pitch live in front of investors, community leaders, and business development professionals and the event will be hosted as a Facebook Live on CEDC’s Facebook page.<\/p>\n

Highlights of BEAR ’25:<\/strong><\/p>\n