Local entrepreneurs vie to win $10,000 in prizes in pitch competition by Link North

TIMMINS – Nov. 9, 2021: Local entrepreneurs Jessica West, founder of Trésor Kombucha, and Jared Rodgers, owner of Jared’s Metal Art, are the two finalists for Link North’s Pitch 2021 competition. Join the livestream on Thursday, Nov. 18 at 7 p.m. to watch the two entrepreneurs compete to win over $10,000 in cash and prizes.

Link North and its partners have worked tirelessly over the last several months to bring this groundbreaking event to life. Pitch 2021 will be hosted by local celebrities KINZ and KLOMP LIVE and will feature 10-minute pitches from each entrepreneur, a Dragons' Den-style panel of judges, and an entertainment segment sponsored by Bereskin & Parr LLP. 

West recently launched her kombucha brand, Trésor Kombucha, which focuses on a low-acidic tasting recipe and providing support to brain injury survivors.

“I’m looking forward to the judges' feedback that will help me continue to scale my business and increase revenues,” says West.

If she wins, Jessica aims to expand her market to southern Ontario with the support of the Link North team.

“I’m also excited for the great exposure that this event will bring to my business," says West. "I’m certain that many connections and partnerships will be created from this and I could not be more appreciative!” she added.

Rodgers’ experience in metal work inspired him to recently launch Jared’s Metal Art, a custom metal art fabrication company providing personalized text, designs and décor to homeowners.

“Participating in this event has been a great experience and I look forward to mastering the craft of the pitch,” says Rodgers.

With his winnings, Rodgers plans to move to the wholesale market by manufacturing home décor options for retail distribution.

“I was very pleased and impressed with the setup of this competition,” he added.

Pitch 2021 is much more than a competition. Link North’s partnered with the Northern Ontario Angels so they can distribute recordings of the pitches to the more than 400 angel investors that make up the NOA. This provides opportunities for the entrepreneurs to cultivate investment prospects through North America’s largest angel network.

“Pitch provides a one-of-a-kind experience for northeastern Ontario entrepreneurs. This competition and the opportunity for angel investment helps entrepreneurs expand their business network,” says Fred Gibbons, chair of the Timmins Economic Development Corp. board. “That will, in turn, have a ripple effect on the socioeconomic landscape of this region.” He added.

Viewers can RSVP here for the free event to receive the YouTube link. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn leading up to the event to get exclusive event details. This event is supported by the Government of Canada.

Link North works with innovative entrepreneurs and businesses to help them start, commercialize or scale their operations. We provide advisory services, workshops and funding to businesses operating within far northeast Ontario. We are one of 18 Regional Innovation Centres (RICs) in Ontario and are co-located with the Timmins Economic Development Corporation and the Business Enterprise Centre. Link North is proudly supported by the Government of Canada.