Posted on 02/10/2011, 11:52 am, by mySteinbach

Experienced and new entrepreneurs will once again have the opportunity to see if they have what it takes to go the distance and conquer opportunities in business.

Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives Minister Stan Struthers announced that by taking part in the Entrepreneur Boot Camp at the 2011 Capturing Opportunities community and business forum, entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to present their business ideas to a panel of expert judges.

“This event, back by popular demand, is an excellent resource for entrepreneurs and rural business owners across Manitoba and I am excited to see it return,” said Struthers. “The networking opportunities and training participants receive are invaluable to anyone looking to start up a new business venture.”

At Entrepreneur Boot Camp, participants are first drilled on how to perfect their sales pitch for a new business opportunity. Then, like the popular CBC TV show Dragons’ Den, they are given the opportunity to present their business ideas to a panel of expert judges. The top three presenters are awarded prize packages valued at up to $2,000 in cash and business services.

Last year’s winning pitches were for a custom software-development company, an emergency response web-based business and an Internet-television business which provides local media content online.

“I am always impressed with the ideas generated by the motivated and innovative people we have in our province,” Struthers said. “Giving these individuals access to events such as the Entrepreneur Boot Camp is the key to setting new careers in motion that will benefit Manitoba’s growing economy.”

To register or get more information on the Entrepreneur Boot Camp, contact the nearest GO office, call 1-800-933-9863 or visit capturingopportunities.ca.

Capturing Opportunities is an annual community and business forum that inspires, engages and connects people to ideas and resources while celebrating local achievements, Struthers said. The 2011 forum takes place at the Keystone Centre in Brandon on April 20 and 21 and will focus on the Bio-based Economy, featuring a variety of speakers and workshops on agriculture, energy, bio-products, and food and health.