Six finalists are in the running in the first ever Leeds Grenville’s Greatest Entrepreneur Competition.
Launched this year by 1000 Islands Community Development Corporation and Community Futures Grenville, officials say the competition drew 26 applications from across the region, with each showcasing the creativity, innovation, and determination that define Leeds Grenville’s business community.
After a competitive selection process, officials say six entrepreneurs have risen to the top and will advance to the live pitch gala, where they’ll share their stories and compete for two grand prizes—each offering $10,000 in cash and over $10,000 in business services.
One will be awarded within the 1000 Islands CDC service area and one within the CF Grenville service area.
The Gala will take place on Jan. 28 at Prescott Town Hall and will be a ticketed event open to all who wish to attend.
The six finalists are:
· Curran Reading Corner (curranreadingcorner.ca) is Leeds and Grenville’s only community -based literacy centre specializing in reading intervention and dyslexia support with proven reading success for all ages. “Be a Reader” drives their plan to triple their capacity in the region through this competition.
· Gan Fitness Centre (gan-fitness-centre.square.site) is a welcoming fitness hub that promotes health, strength, and community for people of all ages and abilities. The competition will support Gan Fitness to expand and renovate to fill key gaps in local recreation and wellness options.
· GreenVeil Packaging (greenveilpackaging.com) is a sustainable cleantech startup developing ultra-biodegradable and antimicrobial materials made from locally sourced minerals and wood by-products for food packaging and agricultural applications. GreenVeil is using the competition to launch its technology locally and accelerate the setup of its pilot production line at the Kemptville Campus.
· Monday Nutrition (mondaynutrition.com) is a health food store and wellness hub in Spencerville offering nutritious food and community programs that support healthy living. The competition will help Monday Nutrition expand in-house food production and invest in hiring and staff training.
· Tempo Drive Music Studio (tempodrivemusic.com) is a music school offering piano and instrument lessons for all ages, encouraging creativity and performance skills. Tempo Drive will use the competition to support their move from a home studio to a commercial space, quadrupling capacity and creating a hub for music learning and workshops.
· QueenCare (queencare.ca) is a wellness organization that supports women and families from pregnancy through postpartum with education and hands-on care. The competition will support QueenCare to launch a 1:1 postpartum depression mentorship program to meet a vital need in the community.
