Visionary Ventures
A page within Menard Family Initiative
2025 Visionary Ventures Session
During our fourth annual Entrepreneurship Research Conference, we invited students to showcase their business ideas and innovations at the Visionary Ventures Student Poster Session, sponsored by the Idea Fund of La Crosse.
This year's session was judged by Christopher Wysong from Bucket of bread, John Kruger from Incubation Studio, Garrett Lauderdale from the Idea Fund, Mallory P. from WWBIC and Maida Swenson-Fortune from Sage Asset Management!
A total of 17 creative concepts were presented, and after the final round of presentations, the top three business ideas—Fresh Start, Black County Vault, and Seedling—were recognized for their excellence.
Scholarship amounts:
- 1st Place: $1,200
- 2nd Place: $600
- 3rd Place: $500
Posters addressed:
- Overview & Fit: Highlight why you or your team is uniquely qualified to solve this problem, showcasing relevant expertise and experience.
- Problem, Solution & Differentiation: Define the problem, present the solution, and explain how it stands out from current competitors.
- Market Opportunity & Business Model: Outline the market size, target customer profile, and the business model for capturing value.
- Next Steps: Detail the immediate actions needed to validate the idea and advance the project forward.
2025 Visionary Venture Winners
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