Local businesses win 1Awards

A licensed barbershop, a mobile auto repair company and a small café specializing in catering and patisserie are the winners of this year’s 1Awards.

The entrepreneurs will share $150,000 in cash and in-kind services as the recipients of FirstOntario Credit Union’s annual small business competition. The awards, in their sixth year, offer Hamilton and Halton entrepreneurs a chance to grow and expand their businesses.

“The 1Awards competition continues to grow and succeed, just like the local businesses that make our communities strong and unique,” Dave Schurman, executive vicepresident, chief strategy officer and chief risk officer at FirstOntario, said in a media release.

“Each year, we continue to be blown away by the talent that is right here in our own backyard.”

This year’s competition saw a record 53 applications from Hamilton, Burlington and Oakville entrepreneurs, up almost 30 per cent from last year.

Since the awards were established, FirstOntario and 1Awards partners have invested more than $800,000 in the local small business landscape.

GARY YOKOYAMA, THE HAMILTON SPECTATOR Winners Joshua Lombardo of GoWrench Auto, Phil, son Timonthy, and Alexandra Kinsman Saving Thyme Catering and Patisserie, and Peter Mokrycke of Architect Hair Design.