Local entrepreneurs, Tim Ford (left),  Rachael Laidler (middle), and Melissa Jelonek (right). October 26, 2016. (Photo by Natalia Vega) Local entrepreneurs, Tim Ford (left), Rachael Laidler (middle), and Melissa Jelonek (right). October 26, 2016. (Photo by Natalia Vega)
Chatham

Local Entrepreneurs Participate In CK Dragons' Den

A handful of people representing small businesses within the community have gained exposure by participating in a Dragons' Den styled luncheon.

Six local entrepreneurs pitched their ideas in front of a panel of judges at the Chilled Cork, Wednesday afternoon.

The Small Business Centre and Chatham-Kent Workforce Planning Board (CKWPB) hosted the event, in celebration of Small Business Month.

Project Manager of CKWPB, Kristy Jacobs says today's event exceeded expectations.

"We sold out early this week which was phenomenal," says Jacobs. "We had six amazing pitchers for amazing businesses in the community and we got some exposure for them so that's a huge win in my books."

Jacobs says there were about 14 people who had submitted an application online to pitch at today's luncheon, but due to time constraints they had to narrow it down.

Of those six, three people walked away a little richer.

First prize of $5,000 went to Tim Ford, who pitched his ideas for Cider Mill Apiaries Beekeeping business.

"I am shaking more now than when we spoke," says Ford after his win.

Ford says he plans on spending the money on new equipment for his business.

"Specifically I'm buying extracting and processing equipment so I can process my own honey," says Ford.

Second prize went to Rachael Laidler who pitched healthy food within the community. She received $2,000, saying it will help with her business start-up.

"It's really going to help me start with a bang," says Laidler, whose business is expected to start-up in November and run out of the KBDC hall on 34 Byng St., in Chatham.

Third prize went to Melissa Jelonek of Melissa's Canine Services. She recieved $1,000 and says she plans to put the money toward a new shower at their location.

"I've been recently diagnosed with some very serious back issues," says Jelonek. "So I was pitching to hopefully get the fund to install a large walk-in shower, large enough to accommodate our large breed dogs."

Jacobs says the Small Business Centre and CKWPB will be checking up on the businesses throughout the year to see how they're doing and offer advice if necessary.

She also says there is a possibility that they'll be hosting this event again next year, but the plans are in the very preliminary stages.

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