Hamilton, ON (March 19, 2014) – Innovation Factory and The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce announced today that they are accepting applications for the 2014 LiON’S LAIR competition.

Entrepreneurs interested in submitting a business plan for consideration are invited to a Pre-Submission Workshop on Wednesday, April 2 from 6pm-9pm (to register visit: https://llworkshop2014.eventbrite.ca).

The online application deadline is April 30, 2014. Full event terms and conditions, application form and directions can be found at the LiON’S LAIR website at pitch-it.ca.

The fourth annual LiON’S LAIR competition will provide 10 companies the opportunity to pitch their ideas to a panel of top business experts, the “Lions,” to solicit over $100,000 in cash and professional resources.

Last years’ winners, RZR Skate Blades, Schopf Innovations (maker of The Wedgie), Trend Trunk and Walkbug, each took home a portion of the $152,000 prize, awarded by the Lions: Carmela Trombetta (RBC), Paul Lee-Chin (Manulife Securities), Mike Morreale (CFL Players’ Association), Tim Richard (Weever Apps), and Blair McKeil (McKeil Marine).

“Participating in the LiON’S LAIR competition was very beneficial to our business – it not only helped us develop an effective pitch, but offered exposure to the entire community,” stated Chris Verticchio, Owner & Director of Operations for RZR Skate Blades, the grand prize winner of the 2013 competition. “The ongoing support we’ve received since the competition has been phenomenal as well.”

The applications received will be evaluated by a panel of independent judges who will select 10 companies to advance and participate in training sessions throughout the summer. These sessions have been designed to help the finalists prepare their pitch to face the “Lions” in a television studio environment. Clips from the taping will be shown at the competition’s final gala event on October 2, 2014 at Carmen’s Banquet Centre, where the winners will be announced live onstage.

Last years’ final event attracted over 450 of Hamilton’s startup and small business supporters.

“We’re thrilled to be bringing this competition back again. Every year we see so many new startups all vying for a spot in top ten,” stated David Carter, Executive Director at Innovation Factory. “It is also amazing to see the entire community rally around the future success of these startups.”

Finalists that didn’t take home a portion of the prize package still found great value in the overall experience.

“From our participation in the last LiON’S LAIR, I would encourage any startup looking to develop their knowledge and their business to apply,” stated James Henry, co-founder of PainQuILT in the 2013 LiON’S LAIR. ”Even though we didn’t end up with a prize, the journey, with training and exposure to business leaders, was fantastic.”

About The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce

Representing over 1,000 businesses and institutions that employ more than 75,000 people in Hamilton, Ontario, the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce is the city’s 169 year-old voice of business and thought leader in commerce. In addition to helping provide solutions to the day-to-day challenges of its member businesses, the Hamilton Chamber provides leadership on city building initiatives that are designed to stimulate commerce and increase prosperity in the community. hamiltonchamber.ca

About Innovation Factory

Innovation Factory is the Regional Innovation Centre for Hamilton in the Ontario Network of Excellence, leveraging funding and support from all three levels of government and the city’s top private sector and institutional partners. Our goal is to stimulate economic activity in this city by helping Hamilton businesses embrace the principles of innovation. Innovationfactory.ca