08
April
2019
|
17:25 PM
Europe/Amsterdam

Mohawk College entrepreneurs win funding for business ideas during MindShift

Mohawk College entrepreneurs win funding for business ideas during MindShift

Three student entrepreneurs received the nod from judges at the Pitch It to Win It competition, part of MindShift - the one-day summit for budding business leaders held at Mohawk College in March.

In this Dragon's Den/Shark Tank-style pitch competition, students pitched their business ideas to a panel of experts for a chance to win cash and in-kind prizes.

Winner Iris Dip receives her funding cheque for her Cozy Kiln business ideaThe overall winner was Iris Dip, a first-year Small Business and Entrepreneurship student whose Cozy Kiln business idea involves an interactive pottery studio. She is aiming to gather with friends and family to create beautiful and timeless ceramic pieces for tourists visiting wineries in Prince Edward County and local retirees who seek leisure recreational activities.

“I am very grateful to have this opportunity and all the support to get this far,” says Iris. “Looking forward to starting Cozy Kiln this summer thanks to Pitch It to Win it.”

Customers can drop in anytime with no appointment needed to paint bisque pieces or make their own fresh clay creations with trained staff providing assistance if needed. Cozy Kiln also hosts parties and group events.

Second prize was awarded to Trevor Nagy, a 3rd year Software Development Program student. His business, Icarus, involves building a “yelp-like” interface to assist family physicians with the process of connecting and accurately referring their patients to nearby specialists.

“With the money from this pitch,” says Trevor, “we will be able to pay for highly secure hosting fees and legal costs associated with incorporation and meeting health regulation requirements.”

Bugg Davis, a first-year Business Administration student, earned third place honours for his business idea, Liminal Coffee Co.

This business involves roasting and delivering fresh coffee every week, sourcing organic, fair trade, green coffee beans from ethical companies, to eventually meet a bigger picture of creating a coffee business that hits all points of the industry including store front, direct sourcing with farmers, shipping and delivery, with a focus in social/community outreach and innovation/change.“Being a part of this competition was an incredible experience, and being able to walk away from it with the tangible ability to move forward in my business is so invaluable,” Bugg says.