The Grand Finale of the Eagles’ Nest Business Competition – Cornwall’s version of the popular Dragon’s Den TV show – will feature 6 local business owners each looking to take home the top prize of $3,000. Each business owner will make their “pitch” to the Eagles panel, after which the panel will come to a final decision and award a total of $6,000 to the top 3 contestants.

“This competition gives small business owners who have the passion for business, an opportunity to win some cash that will assist in taking their business to the next level” said Julia Lucio, panelist and co-owner of The  Seeker Newspaper. “I’m excited to see the presentations.”

The competition began in the fall of 2012 with the announcement of this new event. Contestants submitted their business plans in early January 2013, followed by a Round 2 short presentation to the Eagles’ Nest panelists. The 6 finalists will have one last opportunity to convince the panel that they deserve the top prize.

“Every business owner has a vision and ultimately a plan to move their business from point A to point B,” said real estate investor and panelist Brock Frost. “It is always interesting to discover the path that business owners follow and the thought process that has inspired them. I look forward to our finalist presentations and interacting with them.”

Having been a business owner himself, and now the Executive Director of the Community Futures Development Corporation, panelist Francois Desormeaux works with business owners on a daily basis.

“As a panel we are quite interested in the potential viability of the contestant businesses.,” said Mr. Desormeaux. “Owning a business is hard work and requires a great deal of planning. This contest is an exciting way to learn about these businesses and their vision of their future.”

Candy Pollard, Business Consultant with the Cornwall Business Enterprise Centre agreed with all three of the panelists. “Planning is of utmost importance in creating a strong and viable business. The vision a business owner has in moving forward is the key to success. It also takes passion and dedication to build and maintain a business, and the journey is an exciting one. We congratulate all contestants!”

The Grand Finale event will take place on Wednesday, February 27th at 7pm in Salon C of the Cornwall Civic Complex. The event will be taped by TV Cogeco and aired the following evening. If you would like to be part of the studio audience, free tickets can be obtained from the Cornwall Business Enterprise Centre at the Civic Complex, the CFDC office at 850 Boundary Road or The Local Seeker office at 327 Second St. East.