It is our honour to recognize amazing businesses and leaders within our community through the Mayor’s Innovation Awards. As we approach the ceremony, we would like to introduce the nominees, as nominated by our business community.
The Youth Innovator award recognizes youth who are challenging the status quo and showcases some of the incredible learning that comes through entrepreneurship. This award encourages youth entrepreneurs of all types – from students working on capstone projects to those working on their own non-profit, for-profit or social enterprise – to develop their ideas, products/services, or even improvements for an existing product or process.
The Youth Innovator Award for this year is graciously sponsored by Ain Whitehead LLP, a dedicated team of local lawyers specializing in business, real estate, and wills and estates law. With a strong commitment to fostering meaningful connections, Ain Whitehead values its relationships with clients, business partners, and the local community. The firm is not only focused on providing legal expertise but is also passionate about inspiring the next generation of changemakers. Their support for the Youth Innovator Award reflects their dedication to recognizing and encouraging the innovative spirit of young individuals who are shaping the future. The winner of this award will receive a monetary prize from Ain Whitehead LLP to use towards their venture.
This year’s Youth Innovator nominees include:
Cristhian Cruz – HeatPro
As a student at Georgian, Cristhian embarked on an entrepreneurial journey to design, develop, and market a heated caulking solution for the construction industry. The inspiration of HeatPro originated from a genuine need Cristhian observed during his ten years of experience as a door and window installer in commercial construction during colder temperatures. Cristhian collaborated with the Henry Bernick Entrepreneurship Centre, enrolled in the eCo-op program, and crafted a business model poised for market success. Christian has demonstrated remarkable diligence, focus, and passion in advancing his innovation to the next level. With input from fellow tradespeople, HeatPro has been refined to ensure it is user-friendly, effective, and easy to transport with the goal of having successfully patented HeatPro and positioned for licensing with major companies in the construction and power tools industry in one year.
Jake Agema – Addimin
Jake is changing the game with his Temp Staffing Management platform, helping business owners navigate the hardships of staffing necessary positions. Addimin was first built out of necessity from when Jake was managing his own temporary staffing business alongside his dad. Over the years of hiring thousands of staff and working with a hundred different businesses that relied on temporary workers, there were many light bulb moments of how he could make the platform much more efficient. This included how Addimin hired and scheduled its team, to its communication channels, to its client management, and more. The goal of each new feature was to make their staffing process more organized, effective, and productive, and that is exactly what Jake did. This is where the idea for Addimin began. Now Jake is setting off to help as many of the 5,000 temporary staffing businesses based in Canada as he can. Being a young entrepreneur isn't easy, but Jake is taking the challenge of navigating this daunting environment head-on.
Mitch Graszat – Juicebox Studios
Juicebox Studios began as a creative journey that Mitch started with his sister at a young age. Mitch was always behind the camera, making short films, while his sister acted in them - an early sign of his passion for storytelling. This journey led to the formation of Juicebox Films, where he focused primarily on videography. In 2018, Mitch was honored with a Barrie Arts Award, which affirmed his commitment to the craft. This year, Mitch expanded from Juicebox Films to Juicebox Studios, broadening the business’ offerings to include photography, innovative graphic design, and dynamic social media strategies. Through Juicebox Studios, Mitch leverages his art background and creative collaboration to push the envelope in digital storytelling, showcasing his talent for visual storytelling and providing fresh, impactful content that resonates with audiences.
Congratulations to all the nominees in the Youth Innovator category! Your determination, ingenuity, and readiness to challenge conventions have elevated the standards for our community. The Youth Innovator award acknowledges individuals who have spearheaded innovation in their businesses, organizations, or communities. Your forward-thinking approach and entrepreneurial spirit have built strategic solutions, fostering a more progressive community. Way to go Youth Innovators!
Stay tuned for the announcement of the winners following the Mayor’s Innovation Awards ceremony on November 28!
Thank you to the sponsors of the 6th Mayor’s Innovation Awards, Adams Hamilton, Ain Whitehead LLP, Meridian Business Banking and Innovative Automation, for recognizing the importance of these local businesses.