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Gone are the days of just having a good idea or product – yes, thatโs a start but once youโve found a bit of momentum itโs time to move things to the next level. TELUS Pitch is an annual small business competition and the largest of its kind in Canada. Aside from mega bragging rights, the grand prize winner is awarded with a cool $100,000 in investment, along with a $10,000 donation on their behalf to the TELUS Future Friendly Fund. It has become one of the most exciting programs with seriously heavy competition.
This year over 6500 โelevator pitchesโ were submitted from across the country in a wide variety of categories. On July 30th, five finalists were given the opportunity to make their last in-person pitches to a highly respected team of judges including investor and TV personality (Dragonโs Den), Arlene Dickinson, at a live summit event held at the TELUS House headquarters in Toronto.
Dickinson is no stranger to being pitched business ideas and has seen them all.
โWith all the pitches that we see, thereโs an inspirational aspect that I canโt get past,โ said Dickinson at the event.
โAll I ever think about is โwow, how did they ever come up with this idea?โ Even after seeing thousands of pitches itโs still motivating to know that there are such innovative, imaginative, creative, enthusiastic and energetic entrepreneurs in Canada who are trying to grow their businesses.โ
The excitement was evident at the grand finale event as each finalist took to the stage to give a live presentation and to answer some tough questions from the judging panel.
The finalists included Creation Crate, FoodFund Inc., Goldilocks Sustainable Goods, HigherEdPoints.com, and InStage.
Divyansh Ojha was announced as the Grand Prize Winner for his business, FoodFund Inc. His company has recognized the alarming rate of fresh fruits and vegetables that never make it to the store shelves because they are deemed less than perfect. They may not be the perfect apple or a cucumber thatโs bent too far.
As a result, the discarded produce ends up in landfills or fed to animals on farms. FoodFund offers a way to get the imperfect-but-perfectly good produce into the hands of consumers while offering an additional revenue stream to local farmers. Currently in South-Western Ontario, the business is looking to expand the subscription-based service to more cities. Consumers can order up boxes – and even customize them based on whatโs available each season.
Ojha is a final year business student at Western University in the Ivey Program. He started FoodFund after his first year at Western when one of his mentors encouraged him to take a leap with his idea – the concept took off. We had a chance to speak with Ojha minutes after he won this yearโs TELUS Pitch.
How and Where Did You Submit Your Elevator Pitch?
Ojha: Interesting story, I saw an ad on YouTube about this competition and I remember messaging my cousin about it who is the operations lead on the business. I said to him โHey, $100,000 can really change our businessโ and thought why not? For some reason I put it off until the very last day and actually got my submission in right on time. It was a busy time as I was just wrapping up my third year at Ivey and I had a couple of conferences out west. I just jumped in.
What Went Through Your Mind Coming Into This Final Event Tonight and Hearing All the Other Finalists?
Ojha: Honestly, it was a bit intimidating. This was the only the second time pitching this business. I always learn from listening to other people that are pitching. Thereโs so much to learn from their experience whether itโs from their past jobs or if itโs their fourth startup. The value coming into an event like this is amazing.
If You Could Ask Arlene Dickinson Anything?
Ojha: Only one question? I have a billion! Sheโs in the space that I am in, so I was really excited knowing that coming into this competition. Sheโs passionate about food, health and wellness. But if I had to ask her one question? I would ask her, โhow do you maintain focus and manage your time?โ At times, I feel like I have a lot on my plate being in school full-time while trying to balance a business, so Iโd love to know that.
What Advice Do You Have for Future Small Business Pitchers Interested in Entering This Competition?
Ojha: Believe in yourself. Know that even if youโve made it to the top 100 then youโre there for reason. Also, stick to your strengths and be honest about your business.
Who Else Made the Final Five? Hereโs a Quick Look at the Finalists Who Received $10,000 Eachโฆ
Creation Crate
Pitch by: Chris Gatbonton
Delivers a monthly subscription-based DIY STEM project kit for kids and adults. Hands-on projects aim to inspire and spark more interest as well as helping to create more problem solvers for tomorrowโ something this type of learning is lacking in todayโs school curriculum. Online instructions also are available. Whatโs unique is each kit in the subscription stream is focused on ability instead of the same kit being provided to the masses each month. As the subscription progresses so does the level of experience.
Goldilocks Sustainable Goods
Pitch by: Amy Hall
After travelling to various beautiful places around the world, Hall noticed an increase in plastic that was polluting the earthโs most precious oceans and seas. Looking for a way to make a difference, Amy has created an eco-friendly alternative to plastic wrap. Goldilocks are beautifully designed, handmade and reusable beeswax food wraps.
HigherEdPoints.com
Pitch by: Suzanne Tyson
So many loyalty points go unused – Tysonโs company helps transfer billions of these points to the education sector so students and families can put them towards tuition and student loans. Anyone can transfer their unused points to be redeemed.
InStage
Pitch by: Imran Mouna
For many people speaking out is a challenge whether itโs a school presentation, at work asking for a raise or even presenting to a room full of colleagues or strangers. InStage is a virtual reality training program that helps individuals practice their skills in settings that mimic that of audiences in a variety of sizes and situations.
