Last month, Souris business owner, Mia Toews, presented her business presentation at the Vision Quest Conference and Trade Show's Dragon's Quest competition in Winnipeg.

This was the second time Toews presented her Exact Shine Auto Detailing business venture, securing multiple cash awards earlier this year at the Southwest Business & Entrepreneur Expo.

To enter the Dragon's Quest, Toews submitted an official business plan and came prepared, having been in operation for just over a year. She was one of 4 finalists out of 60 applicants all vying for the $7500 grant for top place.  Well, she did it again!  

After pitching her business ideas through a short presentation to a live audience and a panel of judges, Toews had to wait until the evening program to be called to the stage to be awarded first place and presented with the $7500 cheque.

"It was a great experience, and honestly when I saw the email on how to apply for this opportunity, I thought 'What are the chances! I'm not going to get this!'  But I stayed up late hours, I was up early, and I did my 21-page business plan to the best of my knowledge which was very helpful because they give you a list of criteria that the judges are watching for," she explains.  "And so I sent it in and I heard from them about a week later that I became one of the finalists!"

Toews says the secret to her success in these business competitions is to be prepared, ready for any question, but also to show the judges panel that you're excited about your business venture and have a well-polished business plan to support your dreams of expanding.

Please listen to more of the interview with Exact Shine Auto Detailing owner, Mia Toews and CJRB's Betty Sawatzky below!

The Annual Vision Quest Conference and Trade Show is a 3-day annual event brings innovators, entrepreneurs and business leaders together to discuss and promote Indigenous business, community and economic development across the province. 

Photos below:  Mia Toews standing near the stage at the evening gala.  Toews with fiancee, Tristan Jeffries.  Toews holding up prize winning cheque.