SUMMERSIDE – Feb. 28, 2025 – The champion of RDÉE PEI’s 2025 Francophone Ignition Contest will earn not only a $25,000 investment in their business project, but also several exciting prizes to support their entrepreneurial journey.

Again this year, the Greater Summerside Chamber of Commerce will provide the champion with a complimentary one-year membership, giving them access to a wide range of support services as well as training and networking opportunities. Chamber executive director Mitch Martin recently met with contest coordinator Natalia Saldarriaga to discuss this year’s event.

Saldarriaga explained that the three finalists of the competition will present their entrepreneurial project in front of a panel of judges and the public on Wednesday, March 5, at 7 p.m. at the Village musical acadien in Abram-Village in a style similar to what is seen on the TV shows Shark Tank and Dragons’ Den. The project showing the most potential for success will receive the investment and prizes.

The finalist businesses this year are MAD-ÎPÉ by Tsiori Razafindrakoto of Summerside, Timeless Events PEI Inc. by Marie Dubé of Bayview and Productions LTDU Inc. by Hélène Lebon of Bonshaw. Everyone is invited to come watch the competition, free of charge; snacks will be served while the judges deliberate.

The Francophone Ignition Contest is carried out in partnership with Innovation PEI’s Start-Up Fund and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.