Alexandra’s Airbrush is the winner of the 2014 Pitch It! Minto business plan competition.
The business, owned and operated by Alexandra Cooke-Wasberg, opened in 2013 and is currently located on Main Street in Palmerston.
The success and continued growth of her business has her looking at expanding and opening a second location to be able to spray larger items and offer workshops for those interested in learning more about airbrushing, notes the town in a press release.
The Town of Minto, in partnership with local sponsors, launched the Pitch-It! Minto Business Plan Competition in 2012 in an effort to grow small businesses in Minto and increase awareness of the resources available locally.
The competition is geared towards entrepreneurs that wish to open a new business venture, purchase an existing business, expand an existing business or re-locate an existing business within the Town of Minto.
Six finalists submitted full business plans and made presentations to the judges.
“We received six amazing business plans, which once again made the judging very difficult for our panel of judges” said Belinda Wick-Graham, the town’s business and economic manager.
The five finalists were: Minto Mom, Free Range Arts, Alexandra’s Airbrush, Weathered, Grant’s Service Centre and Minto Computers.
“I was extremely impressed with all the finalists this year, and I would like to congratulate them all for operating such unique and interesting businesses,” said Saugeen Economic Development Corporation general manager Rose Austin, one of the competition judges.
“The passion that each of these entrepreneurs shows for their business and their community is extremely evident in all they do.
“It was an extremely difficult decision to narrow it down to just one, because in my opinion they all deserve to win. Congratulations to all of them, and to Minto, you truly have the entrepreneurial spirit.”
Cooke-Wasberg said, “Winning Pitch It! has given me the affirmation from business professionals that I am on the right track to grow my company successfully. It’s not just the money which will help me upgrade a secondary location; it’s also the opportunity to study business.
“When I initially started out in 2013 I quickly discovered how little I knew about running a small business effectively. Artists are seldom given the chance to immerse themselves in a business environment. And yet when we leave school we are in essence a sole proprietorship.”
Cooke-Wasberg added, “My art skills are strong, but with the proper training I will be able to take my company to the next level. My gratitude again to the Pitch It! judges for believing in my company’s future.”
With the support of community sponsors, finalists receive over $1,040 worth of prizes and the winner takes home over $10,000 in prizes, including $3,000 cash in start-up capital.
