Three Hamilton and Burlington businesses are the big winners of this year’s 1Awards from FirstOntario Credit Union.
Architect Hair Design, GoWrench Auto and Saving Thyme will share $150,000 in cash and in-kind services after beating out 50 other small businesses in the running.
FirstOntario Credit Union started the 1Awards program six years ago to recognize small businesses that make Hamilton unique.
Phil Kinsmen of Saving Thyme Catering and Patisserie says they plan to purchase new equipment with their winnings, but says he’s most excited about the business services and in-kind contributions.
Peter Mokrycke from Architect Hair Design was surprised with just being among the nine finalists and says the funds will provide the business with “an opportunity to really get things going.”
GoWrench Auto owner Josh Lombardo-Bottema says being named one of the winners “is a complete honour” and plans to use the winnings to hire more staff.
The other 1Awards finalists were iCare Home Health, IRL Industries, Momentum Fitness, Nix Sensor Ltd., QReserve, and TekPak Solutions.