There's a call out to all entrepreneurs in the Grey, Bruce, Owen Sound, Minto and Wellington North areas.

The Hawks’ Nest is a Dragons' Den type of competition, and they're running free virtual business plan workshops to help local entrepreneurs pitch their plans:

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The Saugeen Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) is pleased to partner again with the Bruce Community Futures Development Corporation (Bruce CFDC) to deliver the Hawks’ Nest, a Dragons’ Den inspired competition where entrepreneurs from various sectors will pitch their business ideas in an attempt to secure financial support from local “Hawk” investors.

As part of preparations for submitting applications in the Hawks’ Nest competition, entrepreneurs have the opportunity to attend free virtual business plan training sessions, which are coming up soon. Pre-registration is required. These sessions will take place on:

Tuesday, Jan. 10 – 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 14 – 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (youth session only)
Wednesday, Jan. 18 – 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 14 – 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

Once plans are completed and submitted for Hawks’ Nest, a review of each application is conducted. Those chosen to proceed will get “pitch” training to prepare for a presentation to the Hawks at the event, planned for May 17 at the Roxy Theatre in Owen Sound.

“We are excited to once again bring the Hawks’ Nest to the Grey, Bruce, Owen Sound, Minto and Wellington North areas,” said Rose Austin, General Manager, SEDC. “This event continues to support local economic growth and provide a development opportunity for new businesses and local business expansions.”

Six regional entrepreneurs and one youth from the program coverage area will have the opportunity to gain investment from the Hawks, with each investor committing to a minimum $5,000 value investment in one or more competitors they see as a good fit for them. The investment is at the discretion of each Hawk.

‘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.”

Each entrepreneur with a new business is required to take the business plan training. Expanding businesses are encouraged to do so and should present a plan in accordance with the template used for the training. Deadline for submissions to the Hawks’ Nest is March 10.

The Hawks’ Nest is supported by many regional businesses through a sponsorship package.

For more information on the Hawks’ Nest, to attend training, submit a proposal or get involved as a sponsor, see the websites at sbdc.ca or bruce.on.ca or email [email protected]. 

The SEDC and the Bruce CFDC offer a wide variety of programs and services supporting community economic development and small business growth. In particular, they provide:

• Community strategic planning and socio-economic development 
• Support for community-based projects 
• Business information, training and planning services, and 
• Access to capital for small and medium-sized businesses and social enterprises. 

The SEDC and the Bruce CFDC are not-for-profit organizations that have partnered to provide an avenue for existing businesses looking to expand and entrepreneurs wanting to start a business.

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source: media release, Hawk’s Nest Live Competition