The Town of Minto and the LaunchIt Business Exploration Centre have announced the winner of the 14th annual PitchIt! Minto Business Competition: Playfulminds Respite+, founded by Heather Hughes of Harriston.
Playfulminds Respite+ is a sole proprietorship currently offering various forms of respite to families who have children, youth and adults with vulnerabilities or special needs. Support services include, but are not limited to, one-on-one support, summer camp, social groups, and in-home and community assistance.
The business offers natural teaching moments to build on opportunities for learning, interaction and expanding social skills. Meaningful respite is delivered to enhance and improve the individual’s and the family’s quality of life. Playfulminds Respite+ works to bring this service to the community, allowing families the opportunity to stay local instead of driving long distances for similar services.
“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,” says Founder of Playfulminds Respite+ Heather 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.”
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 10 impressive entries, with seven advancing as finalists to compete for more than $21,000 in cash and prizes donated by local businesses and support organizations.
“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,” says Hughes. “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.”
The finalists for 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.
“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,” says VP of Customer Acquisition at Wightman Telecom and returning judge Cameron Green. “It was inspiring to hear the stories behind these ventures and see the commitment these entrepreneurs have to building something meaningful for their community.”
All finalists received customized prize packages, thanks to the continued support of community sponsors.