The 1st50k startup competition has gone through 3 rounds, receiving hundreds of applications representing 31 states and 39 countries.
A substantial part of our economic future will be built on the shoulders of entrepreneurs. Fortunately, when I speak with other small metro markets, it’s clear this is one area where we really shine. Cape has a rich history of entrepreneurs. Today, the heartbeat of that activity is in the Marquette Tech District and nothing more exemplifies this than the 1st50k competition.
Since 2015, there have been four winners chosen from over 250 applicants across the country and all around the world. Edible Education, one of the recent recipients, now based out of Codefi, went on to win the Delta Challenge pitch competition and is projected to hit $1 million in sales this year.
But the thing that really makes this all work is the incredible group of individuals who have come together, pooling money, time, intelligence, to create an entrepreneurial ecosystem. This is what sets us apart…it’s all been built by entrepreneurs themselves...many of whom are choosing to take time away from successful businesses to be a part of it. They see a future most don’t yet see and believe Cape can play a role. And I believe they are right.
