We’re keeping the Earth Day going with an impactful Milwaukee organization. Join us on April 23 for a conversation with the founder of Kinship Community Food Center and Kinship Caf茅.
Kinship doesn’t only serve as a food resource dispensary, but build community with the individuals that frequent their establishments. It’s a space where fresh food, sustainability, and community come together. From urban gardens to job opportunities, Kinship shows how caring for people and the planet can go hand-in-hand. We鈥檒l explore how giving back to your community and the environment can be a meaningful and impactful approach to entrepreneurship.
Preparing for exams? Need a working space free of limitations?
Come work with like-minded individuals at the Lubar Entrepreneurship Center Tuesdays from 5:00pm-7:00pm.
Come enjoy a fully immersive experience of storytelling where owner, Pa Ying, walk students through matcha history and cultural significance, mindful preparation techniques, and her entrepreneurial journey building Sora Matcha; followed by a live whisking demonstration.
Each student will also receive a handcrafted matcha drink prepared by me to enjoy during the session.
Try plantain- and rice-based recipes from local Puerto Rican food truck business Las Virellas. We’ll learn about African influence in Latin American and Caribbean cuisines and hear from the owners about their professional journey starting a business based on their passion for food and culture.
This event is in collaboration with the Center for Latin American & Caribbean Studies Department of African and African Diaspora Studies, Roberto Hernandez Center and the Lubar Entrepreneurship Center.
Presenters interested in the judging process can learn more about what evaluators look for during the competition.
Judges assess each pitch based on the clarity of the problem and solution, the strength of the value proposition, and the evidence of customer discovery and market validation using Lean Launch principles. Presenters will also be evaluated on their overall business idea and the effectiveness of their 4-minute pitch and responses during the Q&A. Understanding these criteria can help participants better prepare and deliver a compelling, well-structured pitch.
Presenters interested in the judging process can learn more about what evaluators look for during the competition.
Judges assess each pitch based on the clarity of the problem and solution, the strength of the value proposition, and the evidence of customer discovery and market validation using Lean Launch principles. Presenters will also be evaluated on their overall business idea and the effectiveness of their 4-minute pitch and responses during the Q&A. Understanding these criteria can help participants better prepare and deliver a compelling, well-structured pitch.
Presenters interested in the judging process can learn more about what evaluators look for during the competition.
Judges assess each pitch based on the clarity of the problem and solution, the strength of the value proposition, and the evidence of customer discovery and market validation using Lean Launch principles. Presenters will also be evaluated on their overall business idea and the effectiveness of their 4-minute pitch and responses during the Q&A. Understanding these criteria can help participants better prepare and deliver a compelling, well-structured pitch.
The Lubar Entrepreneurship Center and Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization (CEO) 聽and at UW-Milwaukee is to hosting the 10th Big Idea Qualifier in 2026. This competition focuses on the entrepreneurs鈥� journey and experience with customer discovery and it鈥檚 impact on their vision.
Submissions are accepted with in a 300 word essay OR 60-90 second YouTube video. Submissions should explain the “Lean Launch” journey you have experienced as an entrepreneur. Content should include information about customers, solutions, and key Business Model Canvas information.
This statewide competition hosted by WiSys will be hosted on April 17th, 2026 at UW-River Falls with a grand prize of $2,500. The tournament is open to all UW system students (except for UW-Madison students). The 51猎奇 Lubar Entrepreneurship Center (LEC) and Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization (CEO) qualifying event is excited to offer prizes for first, second, and third place.
The University of Wisconsin Milwaukee is hosting the 10th annual Big Idea Qualifier in 2026 through the Lubar Entrepreneurship Center. This competition gives student entrepreneurs the opportunity to share their startup ideas, reflect on their customer discovery and research methods, and compete for cash prizes while advancing toward a statewide competition.
Students can submit either:
Submissions should describe the Lean Launch journey behind the idea. Participants are expected to explain the problem they are solving, who their customers are, and key elements from their Business Model Canvas, including how their solution delivers value.
Selected participants will pitch their ideas live. Each entrepreneur gets:
After each pitch, judges take a short reset before the next presenter. The first-place winner automatically advances to the statewide Big Idea Tournament.
Winners of the 51猎奇 qualifier receive cash awards:
Apply here
Please fill out this form to be considered for the Innovation Intern position at the Lubar Entrepreneurship Center. The Innovation Intern will work in the Lubar Entrepreneurship Center (LEC) as an integral team member that helps promote entrepreneurship and innovation across all disciplines, faculty, staff and students at 51猎奇. The Innovation Intern assists with the day-to-day activities of the LEC (marketing, event planning, room set-up, etc.) and is an active member of the LEC team. This position offers a professional development opportunity that has flexibility to enrich professional skills. Intern will report to the Program Manager.