Playfulminds Respite+ wins the 2026 PitchIt! Minto Business Competition

Harriston – July 8, 2026:  

The Town of Minto and LaunchIt Business Exploration Centre are proud to announce the winner of the 14th Annual PitchIt! Minto Business Competition: Playfulminds Respite+, founded by Heather Hughes of Harriston.

Created in 2012, PitchIt! aims to foster entrepreneurship, support local business growth, and promote the wealth of resources available in Minto. Over the years, the competition has grown into a cornerstone event for emerging entrepreneurs in the region. This year’s contest drew ten impressive entries, with seven advancing as finalists to compete for over $21,000 in cash and prizes donated by local businesses and support organizations.

Playful Minds Respite+ is a sole proprietor business currently offering various forms of respite to families who have children, youth and adults with vulnerabilities/special needs. Support services include but are not limited to 1:1 support, summer camp, social groups, in home and community. They offer natural teaching moments to build on people’s opportunities for learning, interaction and expanding their social skills. Meaningful respite is delivered to enhance and improve the individual’s quality of life along with the family. Currently there is a lack of these opportunities and families are faced with driving to the bigger cities to engage in these types of services. Playful Minds Respite+ works to remove that barrier for families and offers support right here in Minto.

“Through my experience with the PitchIt Competition, I discovered just how important programs like this are in helping small businesses grow and thrive within our rural communities. As a business that relies heavily on word of mouth and community awareness, I am incredibly grateful to the PitchIt Competition for believing in my vision of bringing much-needed respite supports to families raising children and youth with special needs in the rural community of Minto.

Thank you to all of the sponsors and to the Town of Minto for making this opportunity possible year after year. Your investment in local entrepreneurs creates meaningful change that reaches far beyond individual businesses. My heart is full knowing that, because of your support, more families who need respite services will  now have the opportunity to access them. Thank you for helping turn this vision into a reality” said Heather, owner of Playfulminds Respite+.

Finalists of the 2026 PitchIt! Competition include:

• Luna Soul Collective, Palmerston
• Minto’s Mind Space, Clifford
• Growing Nests (Doula Service), Harriston
• Chapter House Day Care, Clifford
• Harmonious Endings End of Life Doula, Harriston
• Connecting the Dots Mobile Phlebotomy, Palmerston
• Playfulminds Respite+, Harriston

All finalists received customized prize packages, thanks to the continued support of generous community sponsors.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the strong support we continue to receive from our local businesses and organizations, who come together each year to champion PitchIt!,” said Belinda Wick-Graham, Director of Economic & Community Development. “Every finalist presented compelling business ideas along with a strong and thoughtful vision for their future success.

Jamie Doherty of the Saugeen Economic Development Corporation added: “As both a judge of the 2026 Town of Minto PitchIt Contest and a Business Community Counsellor with Saugeen Economic Development Corporation, I was truly impressed by the calibre of entrepreneurs and ideas showcased this year. The participants demonstrated not only strong business concepts, but also remarkable passion, resilience, and a clear commitment to growing their ventures within our rural communities. PitchIt plays a vital role in strengthening our regional economy by encouraging local talent, supporting start-up development. I commend the Town of Minto for their continued leadership and dedication to entrepreneurship.”

Returning judge Cameron Green, VP of Customer Acquisition at Wightman Telecom noted “PitchIt continues to showcase the incredible entrepreneurial spirit within the Minto community. Each participant brought forward not only a strong business idea, but a genuine passion for making a positive impact. It was inspiring to hear the stories behind these ventures and see the commitment these entrepreneurs have to building something meaningful for their community”.

 

Interested in PitchIt! 2027?

The PitchIt! Minto Business Competition returns each spring. Aspiring entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply and take advantage of this unique opportunity to build, refine, and grow their business ideas.

For more information, contact:
Belinda Wick-Graham
Director of Economic & Community Development
belinda@town.minto.on.ca 
519-338-2511 ext. 241

Photo 1 - Finalists: 

Backrow L-R: Ashley Kirkpatrick - LunaSoul Collective, Belinda Wick-Graham - Director of Economic & Community Development Town of Minto, Sue-Ann McGeragle, Harmonious Endings: End of Life Doula.

Middle Row: L- R Beatrice Dopfer - Growning Nests: Doula & Fertility Care, Heather Hughes - Playful Minds Respite+, Mayor Dave Turton - Town of Minto, Denise Kleinecke & Tegan Patterson - Minto's Mind Space.

Front Row: L- R: Lisa Nandkumar - Chapter House, Miranda Craig - Connecting the Dots (Mobile Phlebotomy)

Photo 2 - Winner:

(Left - Right) Mayor David Turton, Heather Hughes of Playfulminds Respite+ (winner), Councillor Ron Elliott, and Director of Economic & Community Development, Belinda Wick Graham.