Startups in Grey, Bruce and beyond, have a chance to get some helpful advice and investments from local business leaders, if they can land in the Hawks Nest.
The Dragons-Den inspired pitch competition for local entrepreneurs returns for its fourth edition next summer, but preparations are already underway.
There are free virtual business plan training sessions running next month, that those who want to compete will need to attend.
"We're really excited about the business plan training," said Laura DeMille, Hawks Nest Coordinator. "The first one is coming up, so anyone that is interested, even looking down the road someone that might not want to apply to Hawks Nest this year, it's really good training to have."
Hawks Nest is a local competition that gives six regional entrepreneurs and one youth a chance to secure investments for their start-ups on stage at the Civic Theatre in Hanover.
It is open to residents in the Grey, Bruce, Owen Sound, Minto and Wellington North areas. The competition is put on by the Saugeen Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) and Bruce Community Futures Development Corporation (Bruce CFDC).
DeMille says each of their "Hawks" have a fair share of funds available to help whatever competitor impresses them.
"Each investor is committed to a minimum of $5,000 in one or more competitors," she said. "Whether that's one thousand to five finalists or all $5,000 to one is up to the Hawk, but it's a good opportunity."
DeMille says there's also invaluable mentorship the Hawks can provide to these start-ups as they move forward.
For any new business idea, the first step is taking part in the one of the three business plan training sessions.
There's one on November 9 and 21, as well as January 11. All three run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Those interested need to pre-register, by contacting hawksnest@sbdc.ca at least one day prior to the sessions.
There is also a youth training session on December 7 from 1 to 4 p.m.
The deadline for business plans to be submitted is March 10, 2025. From there, interviews will be conducted by the Bruce CFDC to determine finalists.
"We are very pleased to be involved in this important project," said Barb Fisher, General Manager for the Bruce CFDC. "We see this as a great way to reach out to entrepreneurs, so they can bring their enthusiasm to the Hawks for consideration of their new or expanding business."
The Hawks Nest is planned for June 18th, 2025 at The Civic Theatre in Hanover.