WELLINGTON NORTH – The Saugeen Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) and Bruce Community Futures Development Corporation (Bruce CFDC) have partnered again to deliver the Hawks’ Nest, a Dragons’ Den-inspired competition where entrepreneurs from pitch business ideas in an attempt to secure financial support from local “Hawk” investors.
To prepare to submit applications in the Hawks’ Nest competition, entrepreneurs can attend free virtual business plan training sessions.
The next session will take place on Jan. 11 from 9am to 3pm. Pre-registration is required.
Once plans are completed and submitted, a review of each application is conducted.
Those chosen to proceed will attend “pitch” training to prepare for a presentation to the Hawks on June 18 at The Civic Theatre in Hanover.
“We are excited to once again bring the Hawks’ Nest to the Grey, Bruce, Owen Sound, Minto and Wellington North areas,” said SEDC general manager Rose Austin. “This event continues to support local economic growth and provide a development opportunity for new businesses and local business expansions.”
Six regional entrepreneurs and one youth will have the opportunity to gain investment from the Hawks, with each investor committing to a minimum $5,000 value investment in one or more competitors they see as a good fit for them. The investment is at the discretion of each Hawk.
‘‘We are very pleased to be involved in this important project,” said Bruce CFDC general manager Barb Fisher.
“We see this as a great way to reach out to entrepreneurs, so they can bring their enthusiasm to the Hawks for consideration of their new or expanding business.”
Each entrepreneur with a new business is required to take the business plan training. Expanding businesses are encouraged to do so and should present a plan in accordance with the template used for the training. Deadline for submissions to the Hawks’ Nest is March 10th, 2025.
The Hawks’ Nest is supported by many regional businesses through a sponsorship package.
For more information, to attend training, submit a proposal or become a sponsor, visit sbdc.ca or bruce.on.ca or email hawksnest@sbdc.ca.
