What if you could win up to $20,000 to fund your idea?

What if you had a professional coach to support your educational or business endeavours? Would you take the shot? If you are between the ages of 17-29 in Windsor‑Essex County / Chatham-Kent area and have an idea for a business you’d like to open or already have a business operation, the ball is in your court!

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS MAY 16TH, 2025.

Meet the Judges

Hilda MacDonald
Hilda MacDonald is the mayor of the Municipality of Leamington.  She brings with her over twenty years working in small business; ten of those years as a business owner. Entrepreneurship and economic development of the community have always been areas of interest and concern. She looks forward to the opportunity to share what she learned as a business owner and her partnerships acquired while in municipal government.
Joe Oswald
Joe Oswald is married to his best friend Tracy for 27yrs & is blessed with 2 wonderful daughters Sarah & Lauren. He is employed with CIBC as a Community General Manager & has been employed with them for 34 years as a 3rd Generation CIBC Employee. He is also the Founder & President of Hogs for Hospice. Joe is very humbled to have been asked to be on this panel of judges and is excited to see and hear from our next Generation of entrepreneurs.
Dave Kirby
David has several years of experience in senior CFO and CEO positions with large and medium size companies in the Pharmaceutical industry. He was co-owner of Pharmaphil, which manufactured hard shell capsules for the Pharmaceutical industry. He eventually sold the business to private equity. Prior to Pharmaphil, David held positions with KPMG, Hiram Walker and Cardinal Health. He has also instructed for the Pre-Graduate Master of Management program at the University of Windsor and held the position of Acting Director for the EPICentre at the University of Windsor. He is currently acting as an Entrepreneur in Residence at the University of Windsor’s EPICentre. He obtained his MBA degree from the University of Detroit and HBComm from the University of Windsor. As an Entrepreneur in Residence he is constantly impressed by the high level of business skills the students bring to the competitions. David has agreed to be on the judge’s panel as there is nothing more satisfying than being actively involved with some of the smartest and most motivated youths in order to help them reach their potential. David is on the Board of Directors for The Windsor Essex Capital Angel Network (WECAN).
Peter Quiring
In 1994 Peter Quiring started up a machining business and grew it into South Essex Fabricating – a leader in premier greenhouse fabrication and the forerunner to Nature Fresh Farms. Today, he owns and runs 3 vertically integrated companies, all of which greatly influence the North American greenhouse evolution. Recently, Peter has partnered with an artificial intelligence company to begin the production of enhanced AI robotics and continue the company’s forward trajectory within the agricultural industry. “Being part of the judging panel for Take Your Shot is an honor for me. Growing up, I always had big ideas and the desire to start my own company. Thankfully, it’s lead me to great success, and I would love to pass along my knowledge and encourage all the young adults with great business ideas to take their shot and pursue their dreams
Sal Albano
Sal has been with BMO Financial Group for over 22years. He is the VP and Market Leader for the BMO Wealth Management team in Windsor/Essex, Chatham/Kent and Sarnia Lambton Region. He is honoured to lead an Integrated Team of Investment Advisors, Investment Counsellors, Private Bankers and Trust Officers who specialize in a full service offering for Private Wealth Clients. From Portfolio construction and management to deeply integrated Estate, Wealth and Family/Business Succession Planning – they are here to help!

MEET OUR SPONSORS

This competition is made possible by our amazing sponsors.

EXECUTIVE SPONSORS

DON’T HAVE A BUSINESS IDEA?

Don’t worry, there’s still a chance for you to participate!

If you’re striving to move on to post-secondary education, we have a scholarship application where finalists can win upwards of $20,000!