ABRAM-VILLAGE – Jan. 25, 2022 – Innovation PEI will once again provide $25,000 from its Ignition Startup Fund to RDÉE Prince Edward Island, the provincial francophone economic development council, so that it can invest this amount into the entrepreneurial project that wins its Francophone Ignition Contest on March 2.

“We know that the key to success in business is the spirit of the individual and the strength of their idea,” said Minister of Economic Growth, Tourism and Culture Bloyce Thompson. “Government recognizes this fund is crucial in supporting a business to take that next step and bring their company to the next level.”

“RDÉE PEI would obviously not be able to provide a $25,000 investment to its winner without this amazing contribution from the province,” says contest coordinator Alecia Arsenault. “This amount will greatly help one of our contestants start up their business, expand their operations or diversify their products, much like past winners have been able to do.”

Seven people submitted applications to the Francophone Ignition Contest this year. These people will be provided with business development, financial and pitch training during an intensive weekend Jan. 28-29. Then, on Feb. 11, they each get to pitch their projects to a committee during our pre-selection phase; the judges will pick the top three projects.

These three entrepreneurs will participate in the finals of the competition, pitching their projects to three other judges, in front of an audience, in a Dragons’ Den and Shark Tank style. The judges will ask questions to make sure the finalists’ proposals are solid.

The business project determined to have the most potential for success will be deemed the champion and provided with the $25,000 investment, along with other prizes, including free memberships to Chambers of Commerce and college courses.

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PHOTO: Alecia Arsenault, coordinator of this year’s Francophone Ignition Contest, recently met with Mathieu Foran, bilingual cultural development officer from Innovation PEI, to discuss the 2023 edition of the contest.

 

 

For more information:
Alecia Arsenault
Coordinator
Francophone Ignition Contest
alecia@rdeeipe.org
902-432-2026