A half-dozen fledgling businesses received a boost on Wednesday — and moved a step closer to $25,000.
The second annual Perfect Pitch competition kicked off in Bashaw, with young entrepreneurs making three-minute appeals to a panel of judges. Twenty-one ideas were presented, with six emerging as finalists for the next stage — a final pitch on Nov. 9 at Farmfair International in Edmonton for $25,000 in business start-up dollars.
“It was an extremely successful event,” said Sarah Wray, a Bashaw director with the FarmOn Foundation. “We actually doubled the numbers we had last year, which was really awesome.”
Partnering with FarmOn to organize Perfect Pitch were the Bashaw Agricultural Show Committee, Community Futures, Creating Pathways for Entrepreneurial Families, Northlands and the Rural Alberta Development Fund. Their goal is to encourage young, rural entrepreneurs.
Wray said one of this year’s competitors was from Ontario, with the rest Albertans.
“It went from Lethbridge all the way up to just past the Edmonton area.”
Twenty of the entries were in the senior category, open to ages 20 to 35. The other was in the junior classification, for 15- to 19-year-olds. The five senior competitors who advanced presented a variety of entrepreneurial ideas: an online comic book business, ultrasound for cattle, garage refurbishing, sales of haired lamb meat and online computer education. The junior entry involved a digital media business.
These finalists will receive mentorship, business coaching and planning support to assist them in implementing their business ideas. That assistance will be specific to their industries, pointed out Wray.
“It’s a very personalized experience and it’s going to be tailored to what each individual needs.”
The judges who chose the finalists were John Donald, president and CEO of Deermart Equipment Sales Ltd. and River Valley Properties, and a partner of Western Tractor; Ross Bricker, president and CEO of AVAC Ltd.; and Valerie Golka, a communications specialist.
This year, applicants were able to deliver their presentations via Skype, and four took advantage, said Wray.
Members of the public will be able to follow the finalists online as they fine-tune their business ideas and prepare to pitch for the $25,000 prize. The group will also gather on Sept. 27 for a day of networking with high-profile business people.
“It’s a great opportunity to network and to further your business,” said Wray.
Last year, Megan Oleksyn of Vermilion won Perfect Pitch after presenting on her communications consulting company.
“Megan has actually quit her day job and she’s full time in her business,” said Wray, adding that Community Futures has helped fund her business.
hrichards@www.reddeeradvocate.com