Local investors hear innovative business pitches in quarter-finals of contest to win up to $100k

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Local entrepreneurs showcased their innovative business ideas to interested investors as part of a competition which carries up to a $100,000 investment as a prize.

The Northern Angel Summit, brought by Northern Innovation Network, is a 10-week program that trains new innovators to pitch their ideas effectively, secure funding and grow their businesses.

The second day of the summit’s quarter-final pitches were held on June 11th, during which founders presented their business ideas to local investors. 

Shannon Stange, a northeast regional innovation liaison at Northern Innovation Network, describes the event as similar to other investment shows like Dragons’ Den, with the aim to foster innovative talent in the population and create a better economy for businesses and people to prosper in.

Each presenter appeared either by Zoom or in person at the summit in Prince George and had three minutes to give their business presentation, followed by a two-minute question period. 

Angel investors in Fort St. John met at the Northern Legendary Construction office to attend the summit virtually, including councillor and local business owner Trevor Bolin, Shane Sterling, Eric Bell, Tim Smith, Nelson Stowe, Gary Patara and Gary Foster.

“We’re seeing their passion, which I think reminds most of us how we started our own businesses 20, 30, maybe 40 years ago,” said Bolin. 

The investors said they were impressed with some of the presenters and welcomed the opportunity to foster new and innovative ideas. 

“I think we all have established businesses here in the north and I think one of the big things was the opportunity to get a northern business live off the ground,” said Sterling.

The angels will take the time to consider all the pitches they heard and will decide who will advance by next week. 

Twelve of the pitches will advance to the semi-finals.

Six of the competitors will then advance to the finals for a chance to win up to $100,000 investment. 

More information on the Northern Angel Summit can be found here.