Playfulminds Respite wins PitchIt! competition
MINTO – The Town of Minto and LaunchIt Business Exploration Centre recently announced 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, officials say. This year’s contest drew 10 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, one-on-one support, summer camp, social groups, in home and community.
The business offers natural teaching moments to build on people’s opportunities for learning, interaction and expanding their social skills, officials say.
“Meaningful respite is delivered to enhance and improve the individual’s quality of life along with the family,” it states in a press release. “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 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,” said Hughes. “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.”
Hughes added a “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.”
Finalists of the 2026 PitchIt! Competition included:
– 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; and
– Playfulminds Respite, Harriston.
All finalists received customized prize packages, thanks to the continued support of 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 and community development. “Every finalist presented compelling business ideas along with a strong and thoughtful vision for their future success.”
Returning judge Cameron Green, vice president 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 opportunity to build, refine and grow their business ideas.
