Winners for 2022 FirstOntario Credit Union 1Awards announced
Four women-led small businesses were announced winners for the 2022 FirstOntario 1Awards competition among 11 finalists during an in-person event at Carmen's Banquet Centre on Wednesday.
Three Hamilton businesses - Darling Donuts, Love My Mat Yoga and Wax and Fire Co. - and a Port Colborne-based entity, Anchors Away Support Services, altogether bagged $200,000 in cash and in-kind professional services as a means to help businesses thrive," the website noted.
For the 10th year in a row, the FirstOntario 1Awards were open to local businesses from Hamilton, Halton, Brant and Niagara regions that have demonstrated growth and impacted their community.
The contest has invested $1.8 million in local businesses across regions over the past 10 years, a release said.
The 11 shortlisted participants were invited to pitch their ideas to a panel of judges at Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton earlier this month.
Here is a list of winners:
Love My Mat Yoga
A mother-and-daughter-led Hamilton business, Love My Mat Yoga won $72,300 in cash and professional services. The store, located on King Street East, has been selling esthetic yoga and meditation products made from reclaimed and forgotten fabrics since 2008. Their product line includes yoga mats, yoga bolsters, yoga mat bags, eye pillows and essential oils.
Shelley Gordon, co-founder of Love My Mat Yoga, told The Spectator that a good chunk" of the prize money would be contributed to marketing, advertising and creating new processes for end-of-life products. And also, for some staff bonuses," she added.
Darling Donuts
This Binbrook bakery, known for its mini baked doughnuts won $61,200 in cash and professional services. Selling fresh goods Friday to Sunday, Darling Donuts is a woman-led bakery that offers 19 varieties of doughnuts to choose from - also available for customization with edible prints, personal messages, or desired shapes and numbers.
Alyssa Lancia, who started the business as a fun project" from her home kitchen, told The Spectator that she is looking to take her business to next level" with new production and operation systems, as well as utilizing marketing opportunities for promotions.
I would also expand beyond Friday to Sunday and have more availability for people during the week," she said. Currently, Lancia provides for orders placed in advance. If you want to buy some mini doughnuts, the next available spot on her calendar is in July.
Wax and Fire Co.
Launched in 2018, the group sells a variety of zero-waste, handmade soy candles in reusable jars. Wax and Fire Co. received $52,200 worth of professional services, allowing them to collaborate with marketing and advertising agencies to further their growth.
Ella Nunes, founder of Wax and Fire Co., said she is happy to see the amazing growth over the last four years," and is excited to work with companies that would continue to boost the brand.
Wax and Fire Co. candles - classics, limited editions and wellness items - are available in all Healthy Planet locations and Nature's Emporium.
Anchors Away Support Services Inc.
A Port Colborne-based business, Anchors Away Support Services Inc. bagged $14,300 in cash and in-kind services. A business led by a couple is providing young people with disabilities a 2,000-square-foot recreational and learning facility for social interactions. Anchors Away is currently offering day programs, employment opportunities and assistance in applying for funding from the government.
Kim Simons, the co-founder of the facility, told The Spectator that prize money would add to the savings toward establishing a second location in Port Colborne.
Ritika Dubey is a reporter at The Spectator. rdubey@thespec.com