Fusion Credit Union's Community Infusion event is coming up on October 4th, at 6 p.m. at the George P. Buleziuk Community Centre in Russell. Four businesses will give their pitch to a panel of judges, with the chance to win part of $30,000.
Fusion's Business Development Manager Mike Csversko says last year's event was so successful they decided to make it an annual competition.
"We opened it up for anybody to enter, whether that's a new business, maybe it's just a concept people have on paper and they need more information or help or financial help, and also to people who are in business but are looking to expand. So we go through a process where they apply and then we go through a business plan, judging around, and then it leads us to what we're talking about today in the final event where it's like a live pitch, much like, I guess, you would see on T.V. with the Dragons Den or Shark Tank."
This year, there are four businesses competing for a portion of the prize money says Csversko.
"We have four finalists, unfortunately, we had five but one just very recently had a family commitment come up so they weren't able to make it on October fourth, so we're going ahead with four. We have Fierce Female Hockey, Modern Mini and Me, Dauphin Lake Rentals, and Moonlit Canopy, so they'll all be competing for a chance to share in $30,000 which should be very exciting and really fostering that economic development in our region."
The event is free to attend and the winners will be announced after the business pitches.