Take Your Shot awards $90,000 to local entrepreneurs

By Fred Groves

The expression on the face of Sarah Haefling was priceless.

Haefling, who recently turned 25, was the recipient of $20,000 courtesy of ‘Take Your Shot Entrepreneurial Pitch and Bursary Competition’, hosted by Leamington’s Bridge Youth Resource Centre.

With the final judging held Saturday afternoon, August 7, Haefling’s Elevate Podcast Company was one of five finalists of the competition which is similar to the popular TV show Dragons’ Den.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity,” said a humble Haefling, who plans on investing her winnings into a recording studio to get her business up and running.

Second place in the event went to Signature Catch which will receive $10,000; Sprouts, $5,000; Snow Peak Cold Brew, $2,500; and Filips Blaze and BBQ Sauce, $1,000.

According to The Bridge’s Executive Director Krista Rempel, when the competition started a few months ago there were 30 applicants who participated in three workshops including finances, marketing and practice pitch. That was narrowed down to 11 and on Saturday seven finalists made their final pitches to the five judges.

During the actual pitch, judges were allowed to make comments and ask questions of the young entrepreneurs. When Haefling took to the stage, she was poised and confident.

SARAH HAEFLING

“I think this is great,” said judge Peter Quiring about Elevate Podcast. “I like to be informed, not influenced. I like the podcast idea.”

Other judges were Mayor Hilda MacDonald, Sal Albano, Joe Oswald and Dave Kirby.

The event was open to those 17 to 24 who will not only receive the financial support to get their business up and running, but also a continual coaching and mentorship program.

“Part of what we do is empower youth,” said Rempel.

Not only did the Take Your Shot event provide young people with new funding, there was also a bursary competition for those who have enrolled or are already attending post-secondary education.

One of those bursaries was $20,000 in memory of Ryan Friesen.

“Our goal is you take it, learn, and pay it forward,” said John Friesen on presenting the award named in honouring his deceased son.

In all, $90,000 was awarded on Saturday and The Bridge Youth Resource Centre hopes that it will become an annual event.

“We have a very generous community,” said Rempel.