The Citizen, 2017-09-21, Page 24PAGE 24. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2017.
Brussels 'Win This Space' attracts 12 contestants
The Hopeful Dozen
Huron East Economic Development Officer Jan Hawley
reported that a dozen different businesses are competing in
the Brussels Win This Space competition. Hawley has run
the program for two years, once across all of Huron East
and, last year, in Vanastra. This year she decided to focus
on Brussels to encourage development in the village's
downtown core. Above are some applicants alongside
By Denny Scott
The Citizen
Huron East Economic
Development Officer Jan Hawley
has found a dozen applicants for the
Brussels version of her successful
"Win This Space" business
competition this year.
The event, which was originally
held across the municipality and
then in Vanastra last year, was
moved to Brussels to focus on
bringing a business to the
community's downtown.
Hawley said this year there are
several great potential companies
involved including several that
would work well together.
"We have 12 contestants in total,"
she said. "There was some really
good synergy between them as well.
There is someone looking at an
upholstery business, which is new,
and like several of the other
applicants, he is considering a
teaching component to it."
Hawley also said one applicant
was looking at opening a yoga and
wellness centre and said the
applicant is already teaching in the
community.
individuals responsible for the program and representatives from
Huron East. From left: Kim Postma, Katie Mills, Lisa Houthuyzen,
Jan Hawley, Huron East Councillor David Blaney, Councillor Ray
Chartrand, Councillor John Lowe, Grace Scutella, Jackie DeWit,
Adam Haney, Graham Lichti, Penny Mulligan, Maureen Agar,
Daniel Rooney, Alison Lobb, Jason Adams, Sandra Ambing and
Cathy Elliott. (Denny Scott photo)
"She came to the community six
months ago from Belleville and saw
potential in Brussels," Hawley said.
Two proposals have come forward
with organic products in which
Hawley said she saw synergy as
well. She said there was also
someone interested in opening a
bakery in Brussels.
"We have attracted entrants from
the Kitchener, Goderich and
Listowel area as well as some local
contestants," she said.
Each applicant is required to
attend three mandatory training
sessions which will be held after the
We pledge...
As part of the Elementary School Fair parade in Belgrave last week, Ms. Earl's class at
Maitland River Elementary School has pledged to follow the instructions of Kid President to
"Be More Awesome". They began their journey at the fair and plan to continue it for the rest of
their lives. (Denny Scott photo)
International Plowing Match has
concluded, Hawley said.
"We're looking at the end of
September or early October," she
said. "Alison Lobb, who has her own
business and was an educator, will
be running the courses. She does
really relate to these young
entrepreneurs."
Hawley said the first training
session would focus on the
mechanics of the business plan, the
second on financial planning and the
final on marketing.
"After all three sessions, the
applicants should be able to develop
a full-fledged business plan," she
said.
The competition is set to finish
with a Dragon's Den -style finale at
the Seaforth Golf and Country Club
on Oct. 27.
While there had been plans to host
the finale at the Four Winds Barn in
Brussels, Hawley said the site won't
be ready until at least next spring.
The winner of the competition will
receive a prize package worth more
than $25,000, and that value could
continue to rise.
"We're not just going to leave
them after the contest," Hawley said.
"It can be daunting running a
business, even after the first year,
and we want to work with them"
The prize includes $9,000 in rent
for space on Brussels' main street as
well as assistance from local
businesses and educational
opportunities.
The applicants have until Oct. 13
to submit business plans at which
point the six judges, who are either
in business or have histories in
business or economic development,
will narrow the field to the top five
for the Oct. 27 finale.
While there will be only one
winner, Hawley said the
competition, now in its third year,
could result in multiple new
businesses opening in Brussels.
"All the applicants will be
winners, as they are receiving the
training for free and I expect there
will be more than one business start-
up," she said.
The finale is open to the public
and will give each of the five
finalists a chance to speak about
their business. The judges will
deliberate that evening and, before
the night is finished, choose a
winner.
For more information, visit
www.huroneast.com.
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