15 hours ago
Métis Nation of Ontario supports northern entrepreneurs in pitch contest
The Abitibi Inland Métis Community presents Veronique Filion with a cheque for $10,000 for winning the organization's inaugural business pitch competition. (Supplied/Abitibi Inland Métis Community)
The Métis Nation of Ontario Region 3 – Abitibi Inland Métis Community has named Déco Véro, a Métis-owned wood décor business, as the grand prize winner of its first-ever Business Pitch Competition.
Déco Véro
Business pitch competition winner Veronique Filion stands with an example of her custom-made wood décor from her shop, Déco Véro, in December 2024. (decoveroart/Instagram)
Owner Veronique (Véro) Filion received $10,000 to expand her Cochrane-based company, which creates custom-made wood home décor.
'Although located in northern Ontario, they have recently expanded to global sales,' the Métis Nation said in a news release.
Strong field of entrants
Business pitch runners up
Business pitch competition winner Veronique Filion (right) stands with three of the five competition finalists. (Supplied/Abitibi Inland Métis Community)
Ten applicants competed, with five finalists presenting their pitches to a panel of judges from Northern Ontario Angels, The Venture Centre, and the members of Métis Nation of Ontario's provincial office.
Among the notable participants was 11-year-old Zak Brunet, who was awarded $3,000 to launch his upcoming 3D printing business.
Zak Brunet
The Abitibi Inland Métis Community presents 11-year-old Zak Brunet with a cheque for $3,000 to launch his upcoming 3D printing business as part of the organization's inaugural business pitch competition. (Supplied/Abitibi Inland Métis Community)
'Zak will be opening up a 3D printing company this summer,' the Métis Nation said, calling his achievement 'outstanding for any entrepreneur – let alone an 11-year-old.'
Due to the competition's success, the organization plans to host the event annually to support Métis business growth and entrepreneurship.
