Pitch Competition Results
PRESS RELEASE
Guelph, ON June 7, 2019 – For Immediate Release – Innovation Guelph (IG) is excited to announce the Rhyze Award recipients for 2019. The Rhyze Awards are provided to local women entrepreneurs in Guelph and Wellington County. From approximately 70 applicants, 11 were selected to attend a pitch-camp coaching session before pitching to a panel of judges on June 6, 2019.
Just Call Lynda, Lynda Flisak – $2,500
Tapestry Equine Products Inc., Linda Hauck – $2,500
Salad Days Farm, Paula Reynolds – $5,000
Active Caregiving, Paige MacLean and Lorien Bellamy – $10,000
“Congratulations to our 2019 Rhyze Award recipients! We’re excited to see where you go from here.” said Anne Toner Fung, IG Executive Director. “It’s our privilege to hear from women with innovative ideas and to support them as they build the economy of the future.”
This sentiment was echoed by Kristel Manes, Rhyze Partner and Executive Director of the Business Centre Guelph-Wellington, who commented: “The ideas, the pitches and the amazing women of Rhyze always inspire me!”
In addition to the four cash prizes totalling $20,000, each award recipient has access to a matching pre-approved business loan from title sponsor, Meridian Credit Union, to better leverage their win.
IG would like to recognize the women-led companies who participated in the pitch competition for their preparation, dedication and innovative ideas:
- Active Caregiving
- Ambiances Gourmandes
- Coworking Parent Studio
- Salad Days Farm
Just Call Lynda - Pomegranate Yoga and Massage Boutique
- Safe Step
- Tapestry Equine Products Inc.
- The Work Space
- Wrist Walk – Keep Your Dog Safe
IG is grateful for the objective evaluation provided by the judging panel that included:
- Shan Gibson – Meridian Credit Union
- Crystal Ellis – County of Wellington
- Dana McCauley – University of Guelph
- Jennifer Fletcher – Grand Innovations
- Mickey Campeau – Innovation Guelph
For more information:
Contact Diana Train, Facility and Event Manager, Innovation Guelph 519-265-4495 ext. 101 Diana.Train@innovationguelph.ca.
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The Rhyze Award
The Rhyze Award, nurtured by Innovation Guelph, is now delivered in partnership with the Business Centre Guelph-Wellington. The award is given annually to help women entrepreneurs fund their businesses and to provide the mentoring and support they need to build and grow their businesses long term. https://innovationguelph.ca/rhyze-award/
About Innovation Guelph
Innovation Guelph is building prosperity for community well-being by providing mentorship and business support programs and services to help innovative enterprises start, grow and thrive. Innovation Guelph’s business acceleration programs are designed for high-potential start-ups, small to medium-sized enterprises and women-led businesses across southern Ontario. Innovation Guelph also serves as a one-stop point of access to Ontario Network of Entrepreneurs (ONE) programs and resources. www.innovationguelph.ca