This week I was surrounded by entrepreneurs of all stripes when I attended the second annual Innovation Expo in Guelph.
The event is put on by Innovation Guelph and Bioenterprise Corporation and brings together companies that have received funding from one of the two organizations.
As the associate editor of Business Leader it was a fantastic way for me to meet the creators of new and interesting businesses in Wellington County.
Look for future stories about Oak and Hazel Farm in Guelph-Eramosa and N’Oats in Puslinch.
Oak and Hazel Farm owners Patrick Hazen and Kathleen Galias are growing acorns and hazel nuts but they’re also looking for a way to bring truffles to southern Ontario. I am a pretty big fan of truffles so I was quite intrigued by this business.
N’Oats Cereal was created by Janice Hunter after she developed N’oats Goji Cocao cereal for her kids when they experienced numerous dietary restrictions imposed by a naturopath.
The company has the Goji Cocao and Apple Sunrise available for purchase now with a third flavour set to be released soon.
I tried all three of the flavours at the show and I must say they all were very tasty and worth a try.
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Another one of Wellington County’s long-term businesses featured in the fall edition of the Business Leader is Lloyd Scott Enterprises.
The business is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Sons Rick and Jeff Scott have taken over the business from their dad Lloyd.
Fifty years ago the business began by providing and installing aluminum siding. Now it focuses on supplying new construction and retrofitting existing buildings with windows and doors as well as kitchen design, manufacturing, installation and refacing.
Rick and Jeff attribute a lot of the business’ success to the Scott farming work ethic.
Congratulations to a mainstay in Alma.
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A Wendy’s is coming to Fergus!
The fast food restaurant is constructing a new building in the Fergus Canadian Tire parking lot in the south end of town. A sign on the building notes the restaurant is hiring.
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There are a couple of new businesses in Mount Forest.
Wrap Stars is located at 360 Main St. North and offers a variety of wraps and Italian dishes. Not only are the good eats available for take out, but owner Marco Guarino also offers catering. To contact the restaurant call 519-323-WRAP (9727).
The other new business in Mount Forest also has a super catchy name. Hairforce One is located at 129 Wellington St. East. Owner Adri Cea is a second generation Italian barber.
For more information call 519-313-6471.
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Don’t forget to email questions/news tips to businessleader@wellingtonadvertiser.com.