Alberta-Based Innovation Network's Host Pitch Competition
Four regional innovation networks and sponsor Alberta Innovates partnered to host the first ELEVATE Pitch Competition, with Canada's Dragons' Den judge and serial entrepreneur Arlene Dickinson as keynote speaker.
On April 19, 2022, eight Alberta-based business owners presented a five-minute pitch for the launch or growth of their business to a panel of judges in hopes of winning one of three prizes and bragging rights for their region.
"The "pitch" has become an important part of the entrepreneurial and innovation growth and scaleup process. We see ELEVATE as an opportunity to expose small business owners to pitching their products or ideas," says Jane Hunter-Uhryn, coordinator, Grande Prairie Regional Innovation Network.
"ELEVATE is an example of a collaborative effort between regional innovation networks. This event will expose rural entrepreneurs to pitch at the national level and learn from business experts like Arlene Dickinson," says Darshana Dave, economic development officer-startup YMM, Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Economic Development and Tourism.
The judges were presented with a wide array of unique business ideas. They congratulated three winners at the end of the event, one startup, one scaleup, and one with the overall best pitch presentation.
Owner of Nipiy Industries Jason Lizotte won Best Scaleup Business with his solar-powered hand-washing stations that can be used at events, construction sites, camping sites, and more. He is based out of Grande Prairie.
"Attending events like this is very rewarding because not only do I get to present my company to those who might use this product, I'm able to win things that help further my business, which is amazing," says Lizotte. "I love attending these events because it always helps me move forward with my business."
The Best Pitch was awarded to TruMe Whole Health from Medicine Hat. In 2020, Melissa Hozack and her business partner created a sugar-free product with amino acids and electrolytes to encourage a healthy lifestyle and support those who struggle with sugar intake.
"For us, it's really about learning how to grow and scale for where we're at with TruMe Whole Health. We launched 15 months ago, already have 28 different products, and are in 175 locations. I've not been involved in a pitch opportunity like this one, and it was great to showcase who we are and what we do and then be the grand prize winner at the end of it," says Hozack. "It's very exciting."
LRNKEY, an educational, online resource based out of Fort McMurray that virtually connects students and instructors for one-on-one classes and teaching sessions, was awarded Best Start-Up Business.
"This event allowed us to showcase the results of our hard work. In addition, it was an opportunity to receive critical feedback. Usually, entrepreneurship is a long journey, and it's very valuable when anyone is providing feedback about your business," says Hayro Hambardzumyan, owner of LRNKEY. "The win gave us another push, another breath of fresh air."
While the judges discussed and decided on these winners, Arlene Dickinson spoke and led a Q&A for an hour. She told the story of when she truly became an entrepreneur in her 50s after being affected by the devastating Calgary flood in 2013.
After reaching an all-time low from the natural disaster, Dickinson gathered her team, brainstormed ideas, and created and built VenturePark Accelerator. This ecosystem supports the food and health industry.
"It's funny how at the worst times of your life when things are going so bad as an entrepreneur that you don't know what you're going to do, you find the grit, determination and inner strength to figure out what the next steps will be," said Dickinson during her speech as keynote speaker. "Don't be afraid to go out and build something other people can't see. Don't be afraid to dream big and believe in yourself. Entrepreneurs have to believe that what they're seeing is possible and that they have the tenacity and ability to make it a reality."
The event hosts, GPRIN, WBRIN, ECARIN, and APEX, would like to thank all the businesses who participated and contributed, attendees, and sponsor, Alberta Innovates for making the event possible.
"As a collaborative event hosted by GPRIN, WBRIN, APEX and ECARIN, we couldn't have done it without the funding from Alberta Innovates and the opportunity to partner with like-minded organizations from across the province. Since we all know marketing is a crucial component for any startup, we are especially grateful to Ello Marketing & Design and Octopus Creative Inc. for sponsoring the marketing prize packages for our 2022 pitch competition winners," says Meagan McKenzie, regional innovation network coordinator, East Central Alberta.
"For the APEX RIN of SE Alberta, the Elevate Pitch Competition was all about working together for growth. By joining efforts, this partnership allowed us to bring in an inspirational speaker that would be prohibitive for just one Regional Innovation Network. We also had judges from across the province that we were able to share their knowledge, expertise, and connections with the companies pitching. Finally, we had Alberta businesses supporting other businesses, including aspiring entrepreneurs in the audience. I'm sure these relationships will last long after this event, and we are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate," says Tracy Stroud, regional innovation network manager, APEX Alberta.
If you are an Alberta entrepreneur who has created an innovative product or service, reach out to the Regional Innovation Network closest to you for additional support at Regional Innovation Networks - Alberta Innovates.
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