MINTO – The three finalists to compete for cash and prizes in the 9th annual Pitch It! Minto Business Plan Competition were announced by the municipality on April 17.
The competition is designed to encourage small business growth in Minto and increase awareness of the resources available to businesses in the community.
The competition is geared towards entrepreneurs that wish to open, purchase, expand or re-locate a business in Minto and have done so within six months of the launch of the competition or are planning to do so within six months of the completion of the competition.
“We launched the 2020 PitchIt! Competition at the beginning of March and had no idea of what was around the corner,” said Minto business and economic manger Belinda Wick-Graham.
“We decided to continue the competition knowing that our numbers would likely be down.
“We have received three applications that the judges have deemed to be finalist quality and deserving of receiving the support of our business coaches and the amazing prizes that are up for grabs thanks to our generous partners and sponsors”.
The three finalists are: Clifford Takeout, Unique Fashions ‘N Treasures, and Jiggers BBQ.
Clifford Takeout was recently purchased by the new owner/operators Sean and Carolyn Lemay. Located in downtown Clifford, the business offers subs, panzerottis, salads and cold drinks for dine-in, takeout and delivery.
Unique Fashions ‘N Treasures opened in late 2019 in downtown Harriston. The business is owned by James Lorentz and operated by Tammy Lorentz. It carries ready-to-wear designers and casual contemporary apparel and accessories for women and hope to carry on to a complete line of the same quality for men and children.
Jiggers BBQ is a start-up owned by Jeffery Mock of Harriston. Jiggers currently offers a gourmet BBQ sauce for all styles of cuisine and is looking to expand into the BBQ rub/spice industry. You can currently purchase this product at the Harriston Home Hardware.
The finalists will now be required to attend a virtual training session at the end of April. Following the training they will write a full business plan and present to a panel of judges (possibly virtually) on June 8.
The winner will be announced at Minto council meeting on June 16.
