Submission deadline is Jan. 3

WELLINGTON – Dec. 9, 2020 – “It’s time for those thinking of entering the Francophone Ignition Contest – for a chance to earn a $25,000 investment and a variety of prizes – to take action since the deadline to submit applications is Jan. 3 at midnight!” says coordinator Julie Gallant.

This contest, which is run by RDÉE Prince Edward Island, is aimed at Francophone people who have an idea for a new business and existing entrepreneurs who want to launch a new product or service or expand to introduce a new production line. The planned product or service must have the potential to be exported to other provinces or countries.

Gallant explains the business must be based on the Island and at least one of its owners must be able to do business in French and present their project in that language during the competition.

The winner of the competition will receive a $25,000 investment from Innovation PEI’s Ignition Startup Fund to help them get their business project off the ground. In addition, the winner will receive free one-year memberships to the Acadian and Francophone Chamber of Commerce of PEI and to the Greater Summerside and Greater Charlottetown Chambers of Commerce. And finally, the individual will receive free business courses from the Collège de l’Île.

HOW THE CONTEST WORKS

First, to enter the contest, you must go to the website https://www.rdeeipe.net/ignition/ to download the application form. Of course, the form must be filled out and submitted by Jan. 3.

Competitors will have to attend two days of mandatory training on the presentation of their project and their finances (with experts Ron and Connie Robichaud from C&R Care and Consulting and other trainers) on the weekend of Jan. 23-24. They will then be required to go through pre-selection interviews with a provincial panel Feb. 6.

The three contestants with the best potential for success will be invited to participate in the finals on the evening of March 3 at the Centre Belle-Alliance in Summerside. There, they will be asked to present their projects, in seven minutes, before an audience and a national panel of judges, and answer questions from the judges – in a style similar to the TV shows “Dragons’ Den” and “Shark Tank”.

The person having presented the project with the most potential for success will immediately receive his or her big, symbolic cheque and prizes and will benefit from substantial media promotion.

Gallant said organizers are hoping to be able to hold all components of the contest in person. However, if restrictions on public gatherings are still in place, certain components or the entire contest could be held online.

Please note that businesses that have already won an Ignition contest or a Dragons’ Contest from RDÉE PEI or funding from the province’s Ignition Startup Fund or from the Food Excel – Food Island Partnership are not eligible. Non-winning competitors of these contests can however compete again this year.

For more information, visit the website or contact coordinator Julie Gallant at ignition@rdeeipe.org.

The Francophone Ignition Contest is funded by Innovation PEI and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.

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PHOTO: Coordinator Julie Gallant reminds entrepreneurs that the deadline for applying to the Francophone Ignition Contest, for a chance to earn a $25,000 investment, is Jan. 3.

 

For more information:
Julie Gallant
Coordinator of the Francophone Ignition Contest
ignition@rdeeipe.org