Small Biz eXcellence: Second Libro/Biz X And Small Business Entrepreneurship Centre Windsor Winner Announced

Big Businesses Start Small . . . Second Winner Announced

Photographed at the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre (SBEC) downtown Windsor for the cheque presentation, from left are: Sabrina DeMarco, SBEC Executive Director; Christie and Jeff Denomme, Owners of Halo Heats; and Shannon Dyck, Small Business Specialist Coach for Libro Credit Union. Photo by Rod Denis.

The next installment of a special contest with Libro Credit Union (Libro.ca), the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre (SBEC; WeBusinessCentre.com) and Biz X magazine, rewarding new start-ups in the region has now awarded its second winner of the year.

So how does the process work?

The SBEC staff selected three finalists from 175 businesses who utilized their consulting services from May to August.

Libro then picked their top choice to receive a cash prize of $500 plus coaching sessions.

And now the second winner is, drum roll please . . . Halo Heats! (HaloHeats.com).

Launched in 2021 by husband and wife, Jeff and Christie Denomme, Halo Heats is a gourmet hot sauce company producing spicy condiments, which are all vegan, gluten-free, made with whole foods, developed and produced in Windsor.

“When reviewing each of the three finalists, the Libro team looked at how each business aligned with our 4 Pillars, the impact on our community, scaleability,” indicates Shannon Dyck, Libro Small Business Specialist Coach. “The Libro team chose Halo Heats to receive the Small Biz eXcellence Award as Jeff and Christie have been working diligently in their first year to promote their new hot sauces. Their branding expertise has catapulted them through to national exposure as a feature on the TV game show, Let’s Make a Deal. The condiment market is growing, and Halo Heats’ focus on creating a sauce accessible to vegan and gluten-free customers sets them apart.”

Dyck continues: “Halo Heats also demonstrated that they are eager to learn and are open to coaching and mentorship through the Libro sponsored Foodpreneur Advantage Scale-Up program, through the SBEC, providing them with additional business coaching and resources to take their business to the next level.”

The couple was thrilled to be selected as the winner, edging out two other amazing finalists.

“Launching a new business is incredibly difficult — let alone doing so amidst a global pandemic — and receiving this kind of support means everything to us,” they state. “It’s so encouraging for us as we come off celebrating our first year in business and we know our journey with Halo Heats has only just begun. Receiving a cash prize is wonderful, and those funds will likely be put toward purchasing kitchen equipment or marketing initiatives, but we are particularly excited to receive coaching sessions with Libro Credit Union to discuss our business goals.”

INTEREST WOULD MEAN MORE THAN A LOAN RATE.

Your business is your baby. You created and nurtured it, risking everything to make it a win. So yes - loan rates are important. A financial partner who shows genuine interest in your success is also important. Libro business Coaches believe in your company. Through good times and challenges. Making money better for businesses blends compassionate, expert financial coaching and fair rates. Contact a Libro business Coach today.

libro.ca/business

1-800-361-8222

Libro is excited to partner with Biz X Magazine and the Small Business Entrepreneurship Centre on the Small Biz eXcellence contest.