MINTO – The Town of Minto and the LaunchIt Business Exploration Centre have wrapped up the 11th Annual PitchIt Minto Business Plan Competition. The winner of the 2023 competition is Two Pines Herbals, owned and operated by Lior Sabach-Stewart.
Two Pines Herbals is a natural wellness clinic offering herbal consultations, herbal remedies and reiki sessions as a means to help people reach their health goals. Two Pines Herbals will be offering services virtually and in person.
The PitchIt Minto Business Plan Competition started in 2012 to grow small businesses in Minto and increase awareness of the resources available, the competition has grown and evolved over time and this year offered over $18,000 in cash and prizes.
Director of economic and community development, Belinda Wick-Graham noted that three entries were received, and all were deemed worthy to move on to submitting full business plans.
“We are always impressed with the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of the participants in the PitchIt program. All should be commended for taking the plunge and participating,” said Wick-Graham.
The three finalists were: Two Pines Herbals, Sweeter Side Bakery owned by Samantha Moore from Palmerston and Strengthening Connections Counselling Group owned by Katrina Krieck and Linda Gray from Palmerston.
PitchIt Minto offers prizes for the winner and all finalists as well as a pool of prizing that can be customized based on the needs of the finalists.
“Thanks to the support of our generous community sponsors over $18,000 in cash and prizes has been awarded to the three finalists,” states a July 12 press release.
“Saugeen Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) was proud to be a part of the PitchIt! contest, we look for ways to support new and existing businesses in our catchment area and this is an event that we have participated in the past and hope to do so in the future,” said SEDC business community councillor Jamie Doherty.
“All business participants showed various skill sets and tremendous passion during their pitch to the panel of judges, it made it difficult to select an overall winner. SEDC wishes all the best to each of the PitchIt contestants moving forward and offers our services and support to all who participated.”
“Being a part of the competition and being a finalist, I had to dive deep into the what, how and how much of my business. The competition gave me the opportunity to figure this all out,” said Sabach-Stewart.
“I was lucky to have all the resources offered in the area including LaunchIt Business Exploration Centre, Saugeen Economic Development Corporation and the Business Centre of Guelph Wellington that I could tap into, and it played a huge role in helping me to write my business plan and figure out my operations and plans for the future. It was a very good experience and I look forward to starting to offer my services to the area in September and contributing to the wellbeing of the area.”
Entrepreneurs are encouraged to watch for the annual PitchIt Competition which launches each year in the spring.
For more details contact Belinda Wick-Graham, Director of Economic & Community Development at belinda@town.minto.on.ca or 519-338-2511 ext. 241.
