"This is a dynamic place:" Get money for your business plan, and help transform downtown Waukesha

WAUKESHA (WITI) -- It is a competition worth thousands of dollars, but the impact could be priceless. Waukesha's downtown business district is looking for the best idea for a new company -- and this contest could be a game-changer for anyone trying to launch a business.

Terry Mackay

It took more than a decade for Terry Mackay to get to the point where she now employs 18 people. In the beginning, it was just her. Mackay now runs one of the hottest coffee and cake joints in downtown Waukesha.

"This is a dynamic place. We've been here 11 years and it has been in a revival mode and we are at the top," Mackay said.

As Mackay said, downtown Waukesha is in a revival mode, and with that in mind, the Wisconsin Women's Business Initiative Corporation is trying to attract entrepreneurs to take down Waukesha's "for rent" signs.

"The winner will actually receive $3,000 worth of technical assistance through WWBIC. So this could be to help legal, branding, logo, marketing -- anything that you need to be a successful business owner," Amber Miller said.

This is a competition. The person with the best business plan gets the money -- as well as three months paid rent.

"This would be a prime example of how you can start your business with little or no capital," Miller said.

Mackay says downtown Waukesha is ready for the next great business, and she's looking forward to meeting her new neighbors.

"Try it! Have faith this community will support you," Mackay said.

Future business moguls -- you have until June 19th to get your ideas in. Finalists will be announced in July and the winner will be announced in August.

It's called the Wisconsin Women's Business Initiative Corporation, but you don't have to be a woman to enter this contest. There are, however, rules and requirements. CLICK HERE to learn more.