HARRISTON – The City of Minto and the LaunchIt Business Exploration Centre have selected Brass Ridge Acres as the winner of the 12th annual PitchIt Minto Business competition.
The competition began in 2012 to help grow Minto’s small businesses and raise awareness of available resources.
This year, the competition has the largest number of finalists ever, with a total prize pool of $28,500.
“We've never had this many finalists before, so we asked our sponsors if they would be willing to offer finalist awards to more businesses than we anticipated, and they agreed without hesitation,” said Belinda Wick Graham, director of Economic and Community Development.
The winning company, Brass Ridge Acres, is owned and operated by Jessica and Brad Cowan.
Brass Ridge is a small farm located west of Harriston.
During the harvest season, we grow a small amount of cut flowers and also offer bouquet collection and delivery.
With demand outstripping supply, the company applied to PitchIt to expand.
Expansion plans also include expanding the flower garden to a two-acre flower field, according to the release.
Investments in greenhouses, hoop houses, irrigation, frost cloth and landscaping fabric will be necessary to extend the growing season, the press release added.
With more growing space and access to needed resources, they plan to offer “pick your own” events.
The event will be a space for local residents and wholesale programming for local floral and event planning businesses.
The company will also offer pre-order and subscription services, outdoor learning opportunities for local youth, partnerships with local agritourism businesses and agricultural education programs.
Volunteer and employment opportunities are also offered.
Wyck Graham said they received 15 applications, all of which were deemed worthy of submitting a full business model canvas to present to the judges.
“This year we revamped PitchIt, moving away from the traditional business plan in favor of the Business Model Canvas,” Wyck Graham said in the release.
“This allowed participants to learn all the elements of a business plan and think through their business without the anxiety of creating a full-blown plan.”
The finalists are as follows:
– Brass Ridge Acres, owned by Jessica and Brad Cowan
– Mae's Specialties, run by Mabel Amapali
– Nadur + Nadur Wellness, run by Trish and Maggie Riley.
– Reroot Farm, owned by Caitlin Hall
– Eh 2 Zed owned by Jan Campbell;
– Dulce Heaven Cookies and Scoops, owned by Carlos Trivino
– Son of RA Sourdough, owned by Marc Larivière.
– Ellis Odesseys Travel owned by Tracey Ellis.
– Bright Green Roof submitted by Alan and Paula Roering
– Kyra Ash Nutrition Solutions, owned by Kyra Ash.
PitchIt Minto will provide prizes for the winner and all finalists, as well as a prize pool that can be customized based on the finalists' needs.
Finalists will receive more than $28,500 in cash and prizes, which will be distributed accordingly.
“The 2024 PitchIt competition was one of the best we've ever had,” said Dr. Shawn MacDonald, previous PitchIt winner, owner of MacDonald Chiropractic and current president of the Minto Chamber of Commerce.
“The judges were thrilled by the large number of participants, the variety of skills and business concepts,” McDonald added.
“I wish you all the best in starting your own businesses and congratulate not only the recipients but all the recipients, even though it was a very difficult decision.”
“I was personally extremely impressed with the experience, knowledge and creativity of all the contestants and I wish them all great success in their business goals,” said Christelle Maness, executive director of the Guelph-Wellington Business Centre and long-time judge.
Brad Cowan said the competition is a unique opportunity for new and expanding local businesses to receive ample support in learning how to grow.
“We are so grateful for the opportunity to take part in the PitchIt competition and look forward to expanding from garden to field in 2025.”
For more information, contact Belinda Wick-Graham at belinda@town.minto.on.ca or 519-338-2511 ext. 241.
Brass Ridge Acres Farm, owned by contest winners Jessica and Brad Cowan, pictured (from left) Belinda Wick Graham, Jessica Cowan and Mayor Dave Turton. Submitted photo
