The Hawk's Nest competition resulted in over $47,000 worth of investments into companies located in Grey, Bruce, Owen Sound, Minto and Wellington North.
This week's Dragon's Den inspired competition at the Kincardine Pavilion saw seven entrepreneurs pitch their ideas to the Hawks to solicit an investment.
A pitch by Kathy Ackerman and Tina Artuso to expand the Schultz Bakery in Kincardine resulted in $7,500 in loans.
The Halliday House Seniors Lodge received $5,000 in grants to expand the housing facilities to areas across Grey and Bruce. The Lodge's Renata Peto was also presented with the People's Choice award of $3,500.
Elly Ward was offered $20,000 worth in partnerships for a plan to sell organic, natural nut free food and personal care products on line.
Melinda Leifso's plan to offer daycare 24-7 in Chesley was awarded $5,000 in grants.
Other winners included Deb Summers and Danielle Valiquette who earned a $2,500 loan for their Pony Express Girls business. Kayli Hall Elwood and Sarah Martyn received $7,500 in loans and mentoring to offer art therapy through Penetangore Wellness.
And Patrick Lahey wants to inspire people to find their dreams, with a presentation around mental illness, addiction and substance abuse. He received an event sponsorship.
The General Manager of the Bruce Community Futures Development Corporation, Rose Austin, was thrilled with the results, adding small business is the backbone of the community.
Local Investors were Ashley and Lesya Chapman of Chapman's Ice Cream in Markdale, Bruce Power's Kevin Kelly, Dr. Bob McFarlane of Mount Forest, Tony Solecki from Caframo in Wiarton, and Sandy Gott from Ice River Springs Water in Feversham.
From left to right -
Rose Austin (SEDC), Deb Fawcett (Project Co-ordinator), Sandy Gott (Ice River Springs Water
Company), Tony Solecki (Caframo Ltd.), Dr. Bob McFarlane (McFarlane Health Facility), Kevin
Kelly (Bruce Power), Lesya & Ashley Chapman (Chapman’s Ice Cream), Barb Fisher (Bruce
CFDC)