Entrepreneur wins $10,000 at Georgian College’s Further Faster Grand Pitch competition

Dianne Finnigan, founder of women’s workwear company The Dirty Seahorse, bested her competition to win $10,000 in Georgian College’s sixth annual Further Faster Grand Pitch event.

Eight ambitious entrepreneurs pitched their businesses or business ideas live in front of a panel of expert judges yesterday at Five Points Theatre, competing for the $10,000 prize, specialized mentorship and for the title of audience fan favourite.

The event was hosted by Georgian’s Henry Bernick Entrepreneurship Centre (HBEC), spotlighting the entrepreneurial talent driving innovation across the region.

The Further Faster program is one of the best programs that I have been in. I learned so much from this program – it was awesome! Every step of the way, I experienced so much support from HBEC’s advisors and mentors and my colleagues in the program. It has been an amazing experience.
– Dianne Finnigan, Founder of The Dirty Seahorse

A person stands with their arms crossed on a stage behind an oversized cheque for $10,000. — *Dianne Finnigan, of women’s workwear and overalls company The Dirty Seahorse, won $10,000 in Georgian College’s sixth annual Further Faster Grand Pitch event.*

The competition marked the conclusion of this year’s three cohorts of the Further Faster program, a 10-week intensive program designed to accelerate entrepreneurial growth at any stage, from idea to scaling.

Competitors brought their passion and dedication to the stage, fueled by the energy of the crowd, as they pitched innovative concepts developed through the Further Faster program. This dynamic live format event captivated attendees, who witnessed the excitement of the pitches from these top competitors. The event was more than a competition — it was a celebration of innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurship.

This competition showcases the remarkable creativity, resilience, and determination of our region’s entrepreneurs. The Further Faster program empowers participants with the skills and resources to elevate their businesses to the next level, and the Grand Pitch competition celebrates their dedication and vision. We are proud to champion these innovators, as they build their ventures and drive meaningful impact in our community and beyond.
– Dr. Mira Ray, Executive Director of Research, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship at Georgian College

The Further Faster program is generously supported by Invest Barrie.

Congratulations to all the participants and winners!

Eight people stand in a row on a stage, with another person standing nearby holding a microphone. Signage behind them reads: Further Faster. — Eight entrepreneurs pitched their businesses or business ideas live in front of a panel of expert judges, marking the conclusion of this year’s three cohorts of the Further Faster program, a 10-week intensive program designed to accelerate entrepreneurial growth at any stage.

2024 award winners:

Best Pitch, $10,000: Dianne Finnigan, The Dirty Seahorse.
25 Hours of Specialized Expert Mentorship: Ciara Thompson, Wood & Heart Design Co.
10 Hours of Specialized Expert Mentorship: Cristhian Cruz, HeatPro.
Audience Fan Favourite: Jennifer Giorgianni, Riley’s Kitchen.

About Further Faster

Offered three times annually by HBEC, the Further Faster program concludes with qualifying rounds where the top participants from each cohort earn a spot in the Grand Pitch competition. HBEC serves as a vital catalyst for entrepreneurial development, providing resources, mentorship, and support for startups and established businesses alike.

Join the Further Faster program

Stay tuned for updates on the next Further Faster program! Open to both students and community entrepreneurs at any stage, the program provides the tools and resources to propel your ideas to the next level — further, faster.

Learn more about Georgian’s Further Faster program

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