Winners announced in 1Awards business competition
Burlington businesses rose above the rest in this year's 1Awards competition.
The annual competition, run by FirstOntario Credit Union in partnership with seven other organizations, gives local businesses in the Hamilton, Halton, Brant and Niagara regions the chance to showcase their ideas as they vie for prizes of cash and in-kind services.
Among the 10 contenders, this year's winners are Laila's Cheesecake Co., Joe Apps Technology Support Inc., Toques from the Heart and Kintore Coffee Co.
The four businesses that gave winner-worthy pitches" will share $25,000 in cash and $175,000 in professional, in-kind services, according to a media release.
Joanne Battaglia, senior vice-president of marketing at FirstOntario, said the contest saw a record-setting" number of applicants this year as the program continues to grow.
We're fortunate to be surrounded by business owners who are so passionate about what they do and how they can make an impact," Battaglia said in a release.
Here are this year's winners:
Joe Apps Technology Support Inc. (Burlington)
Located on South Service Road, this computer support and services company works with small businesses, offering services such as cybersecurity, remote support, cloud services, on-site support, infrastructure services and emergency support.
Kintore Coffee Co. (Embro)
This Huron Street cafe and coffee wholesaler roasts beans from all over the world and sells its goods in more than 100 retail locations across Ontario. The company offers a number of different roasts and makes its own canned nitro cold brew.
Laila's Cheesecake Co. (Burlington)
Located on Fairview Street, this bakery was inspired by the pregnancy cravings of the owner Laila Diodati. The shop specializes in handcrafted cheesecakes that come in flavours such as cinnamon roll, caramel chocolate pecan, lemon and blueberry.
Toques from the Heart (Greater Toronto Hamilton Area)
The company was founded in 2019 by three McMaster University students who wanted to start a business that could make an impact in the lives of others. For every toque sold, they donate a hat to a Canadian in need.
Fallon Hewitt is a reporter at The Spectator. fhewitt@thespec.com