Four people continue in township's "Win This Space" program

Huron-Kinloss Township has received five applications for the "Win This Space," pilot project, and four of those are continuing on with Phase 2 of the program.

The township launched the contest in late September, with a focus on filling the vacant Farmers Diner location on Huron Street in Ripley. The program urged budding entrepreneurs to submit their ideas for a great restaurant concept by the end of October, with the chance to win a $25,000 prize package to open that business in the Village of Ripley.

Michelle Goetz, community development officer, said the four applicants will receive industry-specific training to assist them in bringing their restaurant concept to life. This will include mentorship through the business planning process and an introduction to restaurant ownership by a number of guest speakers. The contestants will be required to attend a minimum of three seminars with Bruce County’s Business to Bruce team, and will submit a completed business plan and budget by Jan. 12, 2018.

Jan. 31, the contestants will present their completed business plans and budget to the judging panel and the judges will choose the winning entrepreneur.

The judges include:

Belinda Wick-Graham of Harriston, manager of economic development for the Town of Minto since 2005. Prior to working for Minto she completed her Honours Degree in Tourism Administration at Brock University in St. Catharines. She also holds both her Canadian and International Certified Economic Developer designations and a Certificate in Downtown Revitalization.

Dave Patterson of Kincardine, a sales representative for more than 10 years with ReMax Land Exchange in Kincardine. Previous to that, he owned and operated the Sunset Tavern in downtown Kincardine for seven years. He worked in several other hospitality establishments for roughly 20 years after receiving his Red Seal Chef's papers from Georgian College in Barrie.

Susan Fournier of the Bruce County economic development department. She is a graduate of the University of Toronto and has completed her EcD (Certified Economic Developer) through EDAC. In addition to more than 20 years of experience in economic development at a municipal, county and regional level, she has co-owned and operated a publishing company, insurance brokerage, retail store and art gallery.

Glenn Grubb, general manager of Hurontel, based in Ripley. He oversees the operations of the co-operative, including finance, human resources, technology, policy, regulatory matters, marketing and contract negotiations. He also serves as a director at Co-operative Synergies Inc. and president of Comcentric Networking Inc.

Amy Irwin of Ripley, owner and publisher of award-wining local magazines, Grey-Bruce Kids, Grey-Bruce Boomers and Huron-Perth Boomers. She is passionate about entrepreneurship, marketing and community and economic development. She is chairperson of the Ripley Business Community, a business mentor with Business to Bruce, and a 'Spruce the Bruce' committee member.