Three Startups Win Women In Business N.B.’s First Pitch Contest
Elena Andreea Conicescu of Tib’s Cosmetics in Saint Quentin, whose business makes natural artisanal skincare products, won first place in Women in Business New Brunswick’s (WBNB) first provincial Start-Up Competition.
Conicescu is taking home a $2,000 prize, as well as a 12-hour one-on-one virtual training with consultant firm DirecSys Inc.
WBNB, which held the pitching contest on November 30 in partnership with College Communitaire du Nouveau Brunswick, says the event highlights great women entrepreneurs from across the province.
It aims to help the participants develop an entrepreneurial mindset while also providing group training workshops on subjects like pricing, buyer persona, and how to make the perfect pitch over seven weeks. The participants also got personalized guidance, and a one-hour consultation with a consultant.
“We are thrilled with the success of our first Start Up Competition. These aspiring and current women entrepreneurs are very inspiring. Their talent, knowledge, skills and work ethic will lead them to new and exciting opportunities,” said Jana Allain Boudreau, Development Officer for Start Up with WBNB, in a release.
“We are extremely fortunate to have such amazing, women led businesses in our province that offer unique and innovative products and services.”
Amy Andrews, Bridget McCloskey and David Itoafa of LifeTrack Safety Systems Ltd. in Fredericton, which is developing smart life jackets, won second place, bringing home $1,000.
Ornella Ntchalle, Kodjo Martin Aziakpor and Natasha Comeau of Crew Labs from Bathurst won the student prize of $500, sponsord by Club BizNess.
The contest was part of the International W-Power project, which was held on the same day in multiple locations throughout Finland and Sweden. It was received with “overwhelming” reception.
“Due to the overwhelming interest in the competition, we decided to modify our target number of 15 participants and provide the opportunity for two cohorts to participate. We received a total of 34 applications,” said WBNB director Katherine Lanteigne in a release.
The winners were chosen by a panel of five judges, including New Brunswick women entrepreneurs.