MB -- Nine entrepreneurs competed in the 2011 Entrepreneur Boot Camp, which gave each participant the opportunity to pitch their business idea and for the three top business ideas, take home a cash prize.

The bootcamp kicked off with workshops with different business experts, who help participants refine their business ideas. Each contestant then pitched his or her business idea to potential investors, customers and lenders.

And the winners were:

1. In first place, taking home $2000 was Steve Langston, Dirty T-shirt Productions of Winnipeg. Steve's business creates video and Internet strategies for business.
   
2. Taking the second place prize of $1500 was Shane Oliver, Sholdi2000.com of Brandon, Manitoba, whose business designs custom sports figures.
   
3. In third place, winning $1000, was Dr. Liana Mawer, Problem Solving for Pets, also from Brandon. Her business provides behaviour modification plans to pet owners.

"The entrepreneur boot camp allowed me to gain a lot of wisdom from people that have had lots of highs and lows in their business career. All of the participants were able to learn from each other and provide inspiration," says Steve Langston. "Events like the entrepreneur boot camp and the capturing opportunities conference are key actions that will help make Manitoba a competitive, prosperous place to live and do business."

Competition judges were:

• Jan Lederman, Thompson Dorfman Sweatman;
• Craig Senchuk, Atom Jet Industries;
• Barry Cullen, Keywest Photo Image by Design;
• Tayona Johnas, Sunrise Credit Union;
• Bob Silver, Western Glove;
• Mike Malazdrewicz, endowment chair, Brandon University; and
• Marty Jeffery, co-founder, MEDIchair.

The Entrepreneur Boot Camp is a joint initiative of Manitoba Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade and Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives.

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