A local granola business is the winner of the 2024 Progress Lakeshore Level Up Pitch contest.
“There were so many good ideas tonight (November 14th) and I learned a lot from others, and I’m just surprised and grateful at the same time,” said Peggy Sonnenburg, who won the contestant and received a $1,000 check from NEW North Inc.
Sonnenburg pitched her business called Peggy Bakes to a three-judge panel. Each pitch from eight different businesses was graded on different criteria like economic feasibility, growth strategy, and quality of their presentation.
Sonnenburg said she has a broad range of experience after working in different industries before transitioning to Peggy Bakes, where she makes freshly baked and naturally sweet granola.
She’s learned a lot transitioning out of her previous jobs.
“You have to be smart and really leverage your network of people, which, I feel grateful it’s broad.” she explained. “I have a lot of talented friends, former colleagues, that have been at the ready to support me in any way.”
Sonnenburg eventually wants to see her granola products on store shelves.
The second-place winner was Jessica Wegener of Sunshine and Sass Creations who was also shocked that she won $500 for her business.
Runner Up – Jessica Wegener of Sunshine and Sass Creations
She pitched her elderberry syrup kits to judges and told SeehaferNews.com that the money was going toward marketing.
“I didn’t realize how important it is to really analyze that data and get your target consumer and all of that stuff,” she said. “And that is not something that I overly enjoy, so I can not wait to pay someone to do it.”
Progress Lakeshore Entrepreneurship and Businesses Development Director Ann Flad-Jesion, who hosted, explained that this Level Up Pitch contest had more businesses around the area than other contests in other counties.
She said she was happy with those who pitched their business.
Ann told SeehaferNews.com, “There were a number of fantastic ideas. In fact, I would say all eight contestants had really unique and interesting ideas and all did a really great job.”
Peggy Bakes and Sunshine and Sass will move on to the next level of the Level-Up Pitch Contest in Green Bay called Titletown Tech.
She will pitch her idea with many other entrepreneurs around northeastern Wisconsin on December 4th.
The Level Up Pitch contest took place at the Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center.
