Over 100 people participated in the 6th Annual Southwest Business & Entrepreneur Expo on Feb. 8 at the Kola Evangelical Mennonite Church Hall.
The Business Pitch Competition was a closed-door event where each business owner sells their start-up plan to a panel of judges.
Winners were honoured, and received cash prizes as well.
DR. KENN’S WOODWORKS - $250 for Most Unique or original pitch of the day from Goodlands Environmental
STUDIO T VIDEO CREATION & DESIGN - $1000 Business Award from the Municipality of Two Borders
CUSTOM CUTTING & CHARCUTERIE BOARDS - $500 Business Award from Crocus Country EDC
ZOEY JEBB WELLNESS - $1000 Business Award from the RM of Wallace-Woodworth
SANDY SOIL FARM AND GARDENS - $250 Marketing Excellence from the RM of Pipestone; $500 Original or Unique Business from the RM of Pipestone; $750 Ability to Succeed from the RM of Pipestone
THE DENNIS COUNTY CAFÉ - $500 Best Business Pitch from the RM of Pipestone
SANDERS WATER & ICE - $1000 Business Award from the Town of Virden
EXACT SHINE AUTO DETAILING - $1000 Best Overall Pitch of the Day from Community Futures; $500 Demonstrates a sound business plan with steps for growth from the Municipality of Souris Glenwood; $500 Best overall presentation from the Municipality of Souris Glenwood; One-year membership from the Souris & Glenwood Chamber of Commerce; $1000 Advertising Credit to the most creative business pitch from CJRB Golden West Radio.
Since the Southwest Business Expo began, over $41,500 has been distributed to the winners of the business pitch competition, with 71% of the businesses still in operation today.
For the full story and more photos, see the Empire-Advance Friday print edition.
