Innovation, Insights, and Next Steps from My Hawk’s Nest and Dragon’s Den Experiences

TL;DR

After sponsoring Hawk’s Nest and serving as a Dragon in Meaford’s Dragon’s Den over the past four years, I’ve come to realize that what founders need most isn’t just working capital — it’s belief capital. In this post and video, I share:

• The six questions I ask every entrepreneur

• What I would have asked as the "seventh Hawk" at this year's Hawk's Nest event

• Why belief capital matters more than ever

• How AREA 81 is helping founders get funded and grow through regular pitching, mentorship, and support

  
  

Watch the video, read the insights, and find out how to get involved.

What Pitches Reveal and What They Leave Behind

Over the past four years, I’ve had the privilege of supporting local entrepreneurs through two cornerstone events in Grey Bruce. I served as a sponsor of Hawk’s Nest in both 2023 and 2025, and as a Dragon in the Meaford Chamber of Commerce’s Dragon’s Den in 2023 and 2024.

Through these experiences, I’ve contributed over $4,000 in funding and sponsorships, offered access to my venture development expertise and network, and listened to entrepreneurs pitch their ideas.

Here’s what became clear: The pitch is only the beginning. Founders require a network, community, and a system to help them succeed beyond these rare events. They must pitch often for customers, co-founders, support — the list is long.

Most founders lack the necessary repetitions, feedback, and belief to grow.

That’s where Belief Capital comes in — trust, mentorship, access, and community. It’s not merely about funding; it's about building confidence. This support fuels momentum between those significant stage moments. Founders need to know that people believe in them, even when their ideas are still taking shape.

Belief is a currency that all entrepreneurs need. Hence this concept of belief capital.

What is Belief Capital?

Belief capital is an investment not quantified in dollars.

It encompasses trust, time, mentorship, and encouragement — the vital fuel for any entrepreneur. Sometimes, it’s the sole asset a founder has to rely on. It grants access to people, resources, and systems that guide a founder from vision to traction, and ultimately to scale.

I've come to recognize that belief, not just capital, determines whether an early-stage entrepreneur can build something sustainable. Each moment of belief from mentors can propel entrepreneurs forward and help them overcome obstacles they face along the way.

Belief is a currency that all entrepreneurs need. That’s where the idea of belief capital comes in.

From Insight to Innovation

These insights — gathered from Hawk’s Nest, Dragon’s Den, Silicon Halton’s TU20, and countless founder conversations within AREA 81 — have significantly influenced the creation of AREA 81. This rural entrepreneurship accelerator aims to:

• Provide entrepreneurs a place to pitch regularly, rather than just once in a while

• Facilitate access to mentorship, peer learning, and venture development expertise

• Assist founders in building business models that create, deliver, and capture value

• Cultivate a culture of collaboration, confidence, and commercial readiness

  
  

The Importance of Regular Pitches

Regular pitching opportunities are crucial for entrepreneurs. They not only hone their communication skills but also help maintain momentum. Continuous exposure builds confidence and allows founders to receive valuable feedback over time.

Entrepreneurs grow stronger through consistent practice. AREA 81 is dedicated to creating an environment where this practice thrives, giving members a platform to put their ideas and skills to the test continuously.

What’s Next: The Journey Starts Here

In the video below, I share the six questions I ask every founder — whether I’m on a judging panel or chatting over coffee at an AREA 81 Coffee Chat.

You’ll also hear:

• What I would have asked as the seventh Hawk

• Why belief capital needs to become the standard in rural ecosystems

• How AREA 81 is turning that vision into action, starting in Grey Bruce through our Get Funded Project

  
  

If you’re an entrepreneur — especially in a rural community — this is for you.

If you believe in building a stronger ecosystem for founders, let’s talk.

Together, we can create a future where belief is the first investment — and growth is the return.

Call to Action: Get Involved with AREA 81

Whether you’re already part of the AREA 81 community or just discovering us, your voice and action matter.

Help us shape the future of rural entrepreneurship and innovation in Grey Bruce and beyond.

• Current Members: Continue your journey with us. Participate in follow-up sessions, propose new projects, share your feedback, and help co-create our next chapter. Head over to our online community hub to connect both online and offline.

  
  

• Interested in Joining? Apply now to become part of an action-oriented network of entrepreneurs, mentors, investors, and changemakers.

  
  

Whether you're a rural entrepreneur, an urban founder targeting rural markets, or someone who wants to support rural entrepreneurs and their ventures — AREA 81 is your home base.

Together, we can cultivate an ecosystem thriving on belief and growth. Would you like a version of this for LinkedIn or your newsletter next?