First Capital Challenge Announces Winners
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Read about entrepreneurs following their dreams in Kingston
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WHAT'S NEW
[15:00 April 24, 2008] First Capital Challenge Announces Winners
First Capital Challenge today announced the winners in the 2008 business plan competition.
• TripzSystems Inc. for $30,000, and
• Ockham Communications Inc. for $20,000
Profiles of the winners are attached.
From left to right: Kurt Carter, Tripz Systems, Randy Dzierniejko and Shawn Gee, Ockham Communications Inc., and Brad Ross, First Capital Challenge
Eleven business plans were submitted and reviewed by a team of three independent judges. Selections were made based on the soundness of the idea, the quality of the plan and the potential for growth. Finalists made oral presentations to the judges who then chose the winners to split the $50,000 in start-up loans.
The winners were announced at the awards luncheon at the Kingston Banquet & Conference Centre (Days Inn) in front of over 100 attendees. Current and past candidates also showcased their businesses at the luncheon's Trade Show. At the Awards Presentation Luncheon, finalists presented 90-second elevator pitches to the audience in competition for a $1,000 prize. This year's winner was Chameleon Nation.
Also annouced at the awards luncheon was that First Capital Challenge is changing to become a community business loan fund with the annual luncheon continuing as a celebration of entrepreneurship. Look for details at www.FirstCapitalChallenge.com in September.
The prize money was raised in the community and matched dollar-for-dollar by the Kingston Economic Development Corporation. Our other lead sponsors this year are Novelis Global Technology Centre, St. Lawrence College, and Skebo & Associates.
2008 Winners
Tripz Systems Inc. - Co-WInner $30,000
Entrepreneur: Kurt Carter
Tripz Systems is a leading provider of software and services that help tour operators increase revenue and reduce costs by leveraging the power of the Internet. We help them manage their business with great software and a common-sense approach to solving everyday problems.
We serve the tour operator market in North America with our flagship products, the Tripz Tour Management System and the Tripz WebCMS Website Content Management System.
Tripz is an Internet-based software management system that will run a tour operator's entire business with tightly integrated modules for Planning, Creating, Selling, Managing, Accounting and Marketing.
Tripz WebCMS allows tour operators to "Click, Publish and Sell" on the Web. They can create and manage their website content themselves with an easy-to-use interface. Once a tour is built in Tripz, it can be published instantly on the Web with a single click of the mouse.
We have a growing number of satisfied customers across Canada and the United States and strong interest from customers internationally. With company management and headquarters in Kingston since October 2007 Tripz Systems Inc. is a young, growing company that plans to become the #1 provider of tour management software in North America and the world.
Ockham Communications Inc. - Co-Winner $20,000
Entrepreneurs: Randy Dzierniejko, Shawn Gee
Mi WiFi is instant mobile Internet for students, residents and businesses in Kingston, Ontario. Mi WiFi provides free and upgraded paid wireless Internet access via a secure login page; allowing us to offer a gateway to the Internet anywhere in our coverage area which includes the "Student Village" and downtown business core. Our company is dedicated to providing Internet access to under-served areas with unsurpassed customer service response time and network reliability. If you are in the vicinity of Princess Towers look for the Mi WiFi network in your computers list of available wireless networks and login today!
Chameleon Nation Inc. - Pitch Contest Winner
Entrepreneur: Ashleigh Fortune & Lorraine Pierce-Hull
Chameleon Nation – Creative Emporium is a multi-media creative arts space located in downtown Kingston. Introducing a gallery with fresh ideas and a relaxed environment is where Chameleon Nation began. With each month comes a new exhibit featuring the work of both emerging and established Canadian artists. By doing this we are not only able to offer more opportunities to a variety of artists, but we can also ensure there is artwork in everyone’s price range.
Charities and local community groups are invited to join in each month’s exhibit. These community partnerships help create an environment that is geared towards learning, not only about art, but our city as well. So far Kingston Literacy, H’Art Studio, Nan’s Legacy, and the Boys and Girls Club have been amongst our community partners.
Ensuring our customers feel welcomed and relaxed as they come through the door is very important at Chameleon Nation. As all mediums and ideas are welcome, there will always be something for everyone to enjoy. Breaking the boundaries and bringing new energy to the art world is what we are all about!
Previous 'WhatsNew' Features
» [15:00 April 24, 2008] First Capital Challenge Announces Winners
» [08:00 April10, 2008] First Capital Challenge Announces Finalists
» [08:00 February 23, 2008] Entries Due March 24th, Awards April 24th
» [13:00 September 7, 2007] FCC 2008 Kick-Off October 1st
» FCC 2007 WHAT'S NEW FEATURES ARCHIVE
» FCC 2006 WHAT'S NEW FEATURES ARCHIVE
» FCC 2005 WHAT'S NEW FEATURES ARCHIVE
» FCC 2004 WHAT'S NEW FEATURES ARCHIVE
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