Safe Haven Sault Ste. Marie and The Sunny Bean Play Cafe have been selected as the finalists in the 2026 Bridges to Better Business Pitch Competition, advancing from a record 49 applicants to compete for the $15,000 grand prize.
Safe Haven Sault Ste. Marie is a child and family health clinic offering health and wellness services to the community. The Sunny Bean Play Cafe provides a space for young children and families to play, connect, and spend time together.
The top two businesses were selected from the top five that also included BookStaff, K9 Mobile Nails and Grooming, and Hearterra.
“Being named one of the Top Two finalists is an incredible honour,” said Ashley Juby, RN, Founder and Clinical Director of Safe Haven Sault Ste. Marie. “The grand prize would help us expand access to nurse-led healthcare and family wellness services for children and families who face barriers to care.”
“We are so excited to be in the Top Two,” said Amy Kasubeck, Founder of The Sunny Bean Play Cafe. “We’ve just opened our doors, so winning this funding would help us grow the business and create an even more exciting space for local kids and families.”
Both finalists will pitch their businesses live at Bridges to Better Business on Thursday, October 22, at Delta Hotels Sault Ste. Marie Waterfront. The winner will receive a $15,000 prize package, while the runner-up will receive $5,000.
All five top businesses will be featured during the event’s networking and tradeshow hours from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., offering attendees an opportunity to meet the entrepreneurs and learn more about their businesses before the evening dinner and programming.
The event will feature keynote speaker Terry O’Reilly, award-winning CBC broadcaster, author, and marketing expert, best known as the host of Under the Influence. A panel discussion featuring local business leaders Brad Gregorini, Jeff Greco, and Sherry Berlinghoff will explore the changing business environment in Northern Ontario. Mayor Matthew Shoemaker will deliver the opening remarks, and Erica Hogan, 2019 Bridges to Better Business winner, will serve as Master of Ceremonies.
Tickets are $85, including tax, and are available at bridges.eventbrite.ca.
Bridges to Better Business is made possible through the support of our community partners, including TD, BDC, OLG, and the Economic Development Committee of Sault Ste. Marie, dig Inc., Arauco, Algoma University, Community Development Corporation of Sault Ste. Marie, SooToday SPACES, PUC Services, Compass Imaging Solutions, Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce, Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre, SK Group, Wishart Law Firm, Northern Ontario Angels, Aloe Accounting, and Kevanna Fine Photography.