MINTO – The Town of Minto and the LaunchIt Business Exploration Centre have wrapped up the 10th annual PitchIt Minto Business Plan Competition.
The winner of the 2022 edition is TNT Fishing Lures, owned and operated by Tia Biro and Ty Henry, new residents to Minto who started their business in April 2022.
TNT Fishing Lures is a Harriston-based lure company that “focuses on producing high quality durable fishing tackle” using only North American made components, organizers state.
The PitchIt Minto Business Plan Competition started in 2012 to grow small businesses in Minto and increase awareness of the resources available. The competition has grown and evolved over time and after taking a break in 2021 returned in 2022 to offer the largest prize pool yet – over $32,000 in cash and prizes
Economic and community development director Belinda Wick-Graham noted three entries were received, and all were deemed worthy to submit full business plans.
“Coming out of COVID we didn’t know how many new businesses would be looking to start, but we wanted to bring the program back and try and help anyone who was looking at opening a new business or purchasing an existing business,” said Wick-Graham.
The three finalists were: TNT Fishing Lures, Building Bridges Adult Day Program owned by Sierra-Lynn Moreira from Palmerston, and Café at the Old Post under new ownership of Hayley Pavao, located in downtown Harriston.
PitchIt Minto offers prizing for the winner and all finalists as well as a pool of prizes that can be customized based on the needs of the finalists.
“Thanks to the support of our generous community sponsors over $32,000 in cash and prizes has been awarded to the three finalists,” organizers state in a July 5 press release.
“It was great to see such a diverse group of businesses starting in our community this year. It is a true testament to how Minto is growing,” said Minto Chamber of Commerce vice president and past PitchIt winner Dr. Shawn McDonald, a first-time judge of the competition.
“As a business we are grateful for the opportunity that the Town of Minto has provided. We have worked hard as a team to launch TNT Fishing Lures and grow both in Canada and Internationally. We look forward to all the future holds,” state Biro and Henry.
Longtime judge Rob Mattice, general manager at 88.7 the River, said, “What I noticed most this year was the passion that all the candidates exhibited.
“The presentations were well put together, but just by talking with the candidates you can see their drive and determination to succeed. I congratulate all of this year’s businesses that participated and look forward to watching them grow.”
Entrepreneurs are urged to watch for the annual PitchIt competition, which launches each year in March.
For details contact Wick-Graham at belinda@town.minto.on.ca or 519-338-2511 ext. 241.
