Competitors selected for grand finale
ABRAM-VILLAGE, P.E.I. – A documentary filmmaker, a mental and physical healthcare specialist and a special events organizer will be competing for a respectable $25,000 investment in their new entrepreneurial project on March 2, 7 p.m., during the finals of RDÉE Prince Edward Island's 2024 Francophone Ignition Contest.
This grand evening of competition, presented in the style of the TV shows "Shark Tank" and "Dragons' Den," will take place at the Village musical acadien in Abramvillage. The public is invited to attend, free of charge and in large numbers. A snack will be served during the judges' deliberations.
The champion project
– the one presented by Hélène Lebon of Productions LTDU in New Haven, by Josée Gallant-gordon of Elm Grove Centre Mental Health Services in Alma or by Marie Dubé and Cole Whiteway of Timeless Events P.E.I. Inc. in Cavendish – will also receive a series of other rewards to support his or her entrepreneurial journey.
The Greater Charlottetown and Area Chamber of Commerce will contribute a free half-page ad in its Connections magazine, the Greater Summerside Chamber of Commerce will give a free one-year membership, Collège de l'île will offer a free college course and the Acadian and Francophone Chamber of Commerce of P.E.I. will provide a free pair of tickets to the 2024 Entrepreneurs’ Gala (March 16). The Acadian chamber will also be awarding a free one-year membership to the three finalists.
The Francophone Ignition Contest initially attracted six competitors. Two withdrew from the competition. The remaining four took part in a recent weekend of intense training and attended the pre-selection day on Feb. 10. Judges Alcide Bernard (retired organization and business manager), Mathieu Foran (bilingual cultural development officer with Innovation P.E.I.) and Erika Naruwaza (special projects manager with CBDC Central P.E.I.) heard the competitors' seven-minute pitches, asked them questions, deliberated and selected the three they considered had the most potential for success.
The three finalists will compete one last time on March 2 before the public and three new judges – all from the world of business or finance. They will again have seven minutes to pitch their project, using samples and/ or large-screen presentations. The judges will ask them further probing questions to give them the chance to prove that their business development or expansion project is the most deserving of the monetary investment.
Following the snack and deliberations, the champion will be announced and presented with his or her prizes by the sponsors.