In June, Innovation Factory and The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce announced the 10 finalists for the 2014 LiON’S LAIR Competition. LiON’S LAIR is a celebration of entrepreneurship in Hamilton that provides ten companies the opportunity to present their idea to the business community, and a chance to win over $150,000 in cash and professional services.

This year’s finalists are: Advanced Solar Technology Solutions (ASTS), Formarum, The Greenlid, Hangry, QHealth, Ranggo, Sound Options Tinnitus Treatments, Special Appucations, Tangobits, VivaCity.

Over the past few months, the LiON’S LAIR finalists have been in training, preparing their pitch to face the Lions in late-August.

During the first training session, the finalists were taught how to create an engaging presentation and how to handle the all-important Q&A session after their presentation. Dave Carter, Executive Director of Innovation Factory, discussed how to create a compelling narrative when telling your business story, while Peter Smith, Executive in Residence at Innovation Factory, discussed how to handle questions and objections when facing any investors.

The second training session, lead by Tammy Hwang, Senior Manager Entrepreneur Experience at Innovation Factory, introduced the Finalists to the elements of a great pitch – both a longer investment pitch as well as a 1-minute elevator pitch. During this session, finalists presented their 1-minute pitch to the group for feedback.

On July 23, Stephen Rouse, President of Carouse Communications, took the finalists through his “media relations bootcamp.”

In the coming weeks, each finalist will have the chance to practice their presentations in front of a group of business experts before their big pitch to the Lions!

Can’t wait to see who will win? Tickets for the Gala on October 2 are now available at LionsLair.ca. Get your tickets today as this will be an event you won’t want to miss!