Have you been toying with an exciting business idea, something that’s burning in your brain? Or maybe it’s time to expand your existing enterprise? The upcoming Southwest Business & Entrepreneur Expo coming up on Feb. 8 can give you a leg up, with cash prizes available and a host of learning and networking opportunities.
This year’s speaker is a celebrity success who began out of his garage. Kim McConnell hails from rural roots in Hamiota.
“We couldn’t be happier to be hosting Kim McConnell. I had the chance to hear him speak in Hamiota this past summer and I knew he was the perfect fit for our event,” says Expo chairperson Tiffany Cameron. “He’s so encouraging to entrepreneurs and his story is inspiring. He’s reached huge levels of success, but he loves to give back.”
Kim McConnell is the founder and the former CEO of AdFarm, one of the largest and most respected agri-food marketing communications firms in North America. Over the years, he led many national and international brand and marketing assignments and has been the catalyst behind many major industry ventures including an initiative to build greater public trust in food and farming.
McConnell is also the recipient of many national business awards including ‘Agri-Marketer of the Year’ and the Canadian Youth Business Foundation “Mentor of the Year”. In 2012 he was inducted into the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame. And in 2017 he was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada.
He’s a director on a number of corporate boards throughout North America, and a director on community organizations including Calgary Stampede Foundation, Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute (CAPI), and the Chair of the Canadian Centre for Food Integrity.
Kim and his wife Carolyn reside on an acreage near Okotoks, Alberta but will always call Hamiota, Manitoba home. The McConnells have three children and two grandchildren.
EXPO PITCH COMPETITION
The Southwest Business Expo committee is a regional effort to promote entrepreneurship and business development in the Westman Region. Community and business sponsorships mean that each year more than $10,000 has been awarded.
If you have a business idea or an ongoing business, check out the criteria to see if you qualify for an opportunity to present your plans. To get in on the Dragon’s Den style business pitch, register right away.
This expo sees over 100 potential and growing entrepreneurs per year, providing ample opportunity for business development and growth.
You may be wondering if your dream is worth pursuing. Is it the right time for your idea to take shape? Aside from the cash prizes, experts say there’s a lot to learn and it can make the difference between success and an expensive flop.
According to entrepreneurscan.com: “72 percent of small business owners lack a clear view of their skills. Research shows that survival rates of coached entrepreneurs went from 49 percent to 89 percent in five years.”
The Southwest Business & Entrepreneur Expo is a business education event with speakers, a panel of entrepreneurs, a tradeshow, workshop sessions and a pitch competition with real cash awards.
Recently, ongoing southwest businesses have benefited from all the expo has to offer including the pitch for cash prizes. They include businesses such as a start-up refrigeration business, a tire and auto service, specialty agriculture and agronomy, a homebased beauty spa and an engraver/key business to name a few.
Business owners or anyone thinking about starting a business will glean powerful information and inspiration. More information can be found at www.swbusinessexpo.com
Register ahead of time for the 6th annual Southwest Business and Entrepreneur Expo on Feb. 8 in Kola, Man. (20 minutes west of Virden; or 15 minutes southwest of Elkhorn). It will be educational, with speakers, an entrepreneur panel, a tradeshow, workshop sessions and a pitch competition with real cash awards.
