The Business Centre Guelph-Wellington (BCGW) is nearing the end of its ‘Win This Space’ competition, where business owners will be matched with prime real estate space downtown Guelph.
The BCGW received 21 applications from people wanting to enter the competition.
Executive director of the BCGW Kristel Manes, said out of the 21 applications received only 15 people actually started the six weeks of training.
“Some people decided that it was too much, or not the right timing for them because that’s the benefit of having that education piece and business training, is to really take a hard look at the validity if you will of the business idea, whether it’s viable, [or] whether it’s a sustainable business that they’re going to be able to build,” Manes said.
Manes said after the six weeks of training they narrowed it down to three finalists who will make their business pitch next Tuesday, April 13 to a panel of judges and commercial property owners.
Manes said the ‘Win This Space’ competition finalists include Amber Ozols Arts, Amber is an artist in the community who is currently situated in another gallery space and is looking to open her own in the downtown core.
“Pam Fanjoy is a celebrated chef, she has a business in Hillsburgh, Ontario, and is looking to bring her cooking school concept to Guelph,” Manes said. “Noki Farm is a mushroom farm, and they’re actually looking to create a retail space where you can buy fresh produce along with their speciality mushrooms.”
The three finalists have a chance to win a prize pool valued at more than $40,000 in cash, rent incentives, and ongoing business mentorship.
Manes said it’s free for members of the public to attend the final pitch virtually through Zoom.
“We also have a wonderful speaker that night, we have Laura Beauparlant, who’s one of our local Guelphites who’s going to be talking a little bit about marketing, branding and chemistry,” Manes said.
The event will run from 6 till 8 p.m. and tickets can be found here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/win-this-space-pitch-night-tickets-141869346033
KRISTEL MANES, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE BCGW:
