Entrepreneurship event helps kick start rural businesses

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Published on Monday, October 16, 2017

Kate Jackman - Atkinson
Neepwa Banner & Press

Big ideas can grow from small towns and this year, three communities have partnered to help rural entrepreneurs launch their ideas. This year marks the third instalment of What’s the Big Idea, a unique event aimed at helping local entrepreneurs take their idea to the next level.

Originally organized by the Economic Development offices in Neepawa and Minnedosa, this year will see a new partner, the Economic Development office of the Town of Carberry and the Municipality of North Cypress-Langford is joining the event. The event is open to new or expanding businesses in the area.

The event includes not only educational seminars, but also the chance for entrepreneurs to pitch their idea to a “Dragon’s Den” style panel of judges. Not only do the entrepreneurs have the chance to win over $40,000 in cash and prizes, they also get valuable feedback about their idea from industry experts. The event also helps the greater business community. “It gets the community talking about entrepreneurship,” said Town of Neepawa EDO Marilyn Crewe.

Crewe said that What’s the Big Idea can help serve as a focal point for entrepreneurs thinking about growing or establishing their business, it gives them something to work towards. Crewe, for example, has been working with one entrepreneur who first contacted her last winter with the early stages of an idea. The event itself is also a great resource, “The pitch parlour gives validation to their idea and feedback,” said Crewe. With a goal of success, the EDOs will work with the entrepreneurs, helping them refine their idea and practice their pitch in advance of the event. “It’s not difficult,” said Crewe, explaining that they will help walk through all of the necessary steps prior to the event.

In its first  two years, the event has been extremely successful, three new businesses opened following the 2015 edition, while four new businesses were launched following 2016’s event. Organizers are hoping that this year’s event will continue to spur entrepreneurship in the region.