ST. CROIX COUNTY – The St. Croix Economic Development Corporation (SCEDC), in partnership with the St. Croix Valley Business Innovation Center and the UW-River Falls Small Business Development Center, is excited to announce the seven finalists selected to participate in the inaugural Scale-Up Challenge pitch competition. These outstanding businesses, all headquartered in St. Croix County, were chosen from a strong pool of applicants based on their growth potential, innovation, and community impact. 

The finalists are: 

• Mindful Fork Catering 
• Perceptive Avionics 
• Woodsy Wild 
• O-I-See Youth Strategies 
• Busted Knuckle BBQ 
• Sonya's Employment Options 
• Jeonsa Studio 

These companies will present their business pitches to a panel of judges from 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at the St. Croix Valley Business Innovation Center. The event is free and open to the public, and community members are encouraged to attend and support these local entrepreneurs as they share their visions for growth. 

The winner of the competition will receive a $5,000 prize, a one-year co-working membership at the St. Croix Valley Business Innovation Center, a one-year small business membership from St. Croix EDC, and mentorship from industry experts. Finalists will also gain access to legal, marketing, and technology resources, as well as valuable networking opportunities. 

“This competition is a celebration of the entrepreneurial spirit in St. Croix County,” said Melissa Meschke, Executive Director of SCEDC. “Each finalist represents the innovation, resilience, and vision we are proud to support through this new initiative.” 

For event details, visit stcroixedc.com/events. For questions, contact Amanda Connelly at 715-690-2100 or amanda@stcroixedc.com.

Submitted by St. Croix EDC