NEUSTADT – Inspired by Dragon’s Den, The Hawks’ Nest is a competition where entrepreneurs pitch business ideas in an effort to secure financial support from “Hawk” investors.
The competition is delivered by the Saugeen Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) and Bruce Community Futures Development Corporation (Bruce CFDC).
Interested entrepreneurs can attend free virtual business plan training sessions before submitting competition applications.
These sessions will take place on Nov. 9 from 9am to 3pm, Nov. 21 from 9am to 3pm, Dec. 7 from 1 to 4pm (youth session, and Jan. 11 from 9am to 3pm.
Participants must register by emailing hawksnest@sbdc.ca.
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.
The competition
Deadline for submissions to the Hawks’ Nest is March 10.
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 at the event, planned for June 18 at The Civic Theatre in Hanover, Ontario.
“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 from the program coverage area 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 choose.
“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.”
The Hawks’ Nest is supported by many regional businesses through a sponsorship package.
For more information on the Hawks’ Nest, to attend training, submit a proposal or get involved as a sponsor, email hawksnest@sbdc.ca.
