Hawks' Nest

Get ready for Hawks Nest 2025!

Are you starting a new business? Have an existing business you’re looking to expand? Are you launching a new product? Apply for Hawks Nest 2025! Bruce CFDC and Saugeen EDC are hosting FREE Business Plan Training Sessions for anyone in the Bruce County, Grey County, Wellington North, Minto and Owen Sound area.

Register in advance to attend a session:

Saturday, November 9th. 9 – 3 PM

Thursday, November 21st 9 – 3 PM

Saturday Dec 7th (Youth session half day) 1 – 4 PM

Saturday, January 11th 9 – 3 PM

To register email us at hawksnest@sbdc.ca

The Live Hawks Nest event will take place at the Civic Theatre in Hanover, Ontario on June 18th, 2025!

Don’t miss your chance to gain valuable experience and possible investment!

OVER $36,000 INVESTED IN HAWKS NEST 2023!

In 2023, the “Dragon’s Den” inspired competition, covering the areas of Grey, Bruce, Wellington North, Minto and the City of Owen Sound, saw seven entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas to the Hawks, our local angel investors. Hawks, Tony Solecki from Caframo Ltd. (Wiarton), Howard Sher from Quality Homes (Wellington-North), Amanda Farrell Walsh from Miller Insurance (Kincardine), Ed Bosman from Bosman Home Front Ltd. (Minto), Rhonda Kirk from Home Décor and More by Rhonda Kirk (Owen Sound/Hanover), Craig Beck from The Beck Auto Group (Kincardine/Owen Sound).

Wow! Their commitment to entrepreneurialism is remarkable. We cannot thank them enough for sharing their expertise, their time and providing financial assistance. Each Hawk committed to invest $5,000 in the entrepreneurs during the evening, totalling a minimum of $30,000. But after hearing the presenting entrepreneur’s pitches, negotiations resulted in $34,000 in investments as well as mentorships and more. As well, Olivia Schlosser, (Mutts About You), tied with Youth Finalist Olivia, Sierra and Cole Graham (Griffin’s Sweet Sensations) for the People’s Choice Award Winners! They were presented the People’s Choice Award, which included a cash prize of $565 each and $500 advertising certificate from Shoreline Radio each.

Entrepreneurs:

Olivia Schlosser, “Mutts About You” (Hanover), received $5,000 in investments, mentorship and was one of the winners of the People’s Choice Award and will receive $565 cash and $500 of Free Advertising on Shoreline Radio. Mutts About You provides organic, single ingredient pet treats. Visit her website muttsaboutyou101.com.

Amy Caperchione, "iSUP Saugeen" located in Sauble Beach, received $3500 in investments, as well as mentorship, marketing assistance including a feature article in Miller Insurance Magazine. iSUP Saugeen is a mobile surf shop that specializes in rentals, aquatic recreation and outdoor swim lessons and water education. Check out everything they offer at isupsaugeen.ca

Julia Downer and Sharon Black, “Black Forest Eco Oasis” (Priceville) received $2000 in investments, marketing assistance, insurance, mentorship, and assistance with zoning and building permits processes from the hawks. They are hoping to provide off-grid, eco-friendly accommodations.

Nicole Ireland, "Stilara" located in Kincardine received $2500 in investments, marketing, mentorship and supplier sourcing assistance. Stilara is a local artisan shop that showcases handmade and sustainable products. Visit her stores website www.stilarakincardineshop.com

Monique Travale, “Dill Doughs” (Kincardine), received $7000 in investments, coverage for marketing costs, and mentorship. Dill Doughs provides handcrafted, internationally themed and inspired, artisan bread mixes. Check our what the products at dilldoughs.ca
Jennifer Osborn, “EcoWool Canada Inc.” (Ayton), received $10,000 in investments and mentorship. EcoWool initiates sustainability and supports farmers by upcycling wool and fiber waste into valuable products. See everything they offer ecowool.ca

Youth Entrepreneur siblings Olivia, Sierra and Cole Griffin, “Griffin’s Sweet Sensations” (Tiverton), received $3000 in investments, advertising, insurance and two hawks made standing 1-year orders for their products. Griffin’s Sweet Sensations provides high quality baked goods specializing in brownies and blondies. griffinssweetsensations.com

Barb and Rose had one special presentation for a second Youth Applicant.12-year-old Keegan Hill, “KH Carpentry” (West Grey) was invited onto the stage to receive investment of $500 from Rose Austin of SEDC and Barb Fisher of Bruce CFDC. Hawk Craig Beck decided to match theirs with his own $500 investment!

The seven entrepreneurs walked away with valuable advice and feedback from the six high profile business leaders.

The third Hawks’ Nest competition was deemed a huge success by the presenting partners. Rose Austin, General Manager for Saugeen Economic Development Corporation is pleased with the new partnerships formed with the Hawks and the participation of the sponsors. “Partnerships are of vital importance to any project, they are the reason for success. Small business is the backbone of our communities and with all the people involved in the Hawks’ Nest, we can’t fail.”
“We’re thrilled with the results and hope to do it again. More than 25 entrepreneurs took part in free business planning, all contestants attended expert pitch training, which definitely helped with their live presentations – they were all great, making difficult choices for the Hawks. It was an entertaining evening, and we believe everyone was a winner”, commented Barb Fisher, General Manager for Bruce Community Futures Development Corporation.

Rose and Barb would like to congratulate all the entrepreneurs and thank everyone who helped make this event a success.

Thank you to our generous Corporate and Partner Sponsors and everyone who participated.
Any questions or to become a sponsor please email Laura DeMille, Project Coordinator hawksnest@sbdc.ca