Whitecourt Launch grant funding winner swung big and sunk the putt, taking home $10,000

The Turn Indoor Golf and Lounge is the latest community business to win Whitecourt Launch.
Established last year, the Town grant program allows new or existing businesses to snag
additional cash to support their business development projects that encourage growth and
retention.
The program works a bit similar to popular pitch TV shows such as Dragon’s Den or Shark
Tank, where entrepreneurs bring forward their ideas in hopes of convincing a dragon or a shark
to open up their pocketbook and write a big fat check. Similarities include pitching an idea
before a group, but in this case, it’s the Economic Development Committee, not Kevin O’Leary.
One of the most significant differences between Whitecourt Launch and a made-for-ratings TV
show, aside from the obvious, is that the program is homegrown and community-minded, as it
encourages home-based businesses to venture out into a storefront location or inspires current
businesses to think outside the box and reach for the stars.
Knowing what Whitecourt does and does not have is one of the keys because it enables
entrepreneurs and business owners to either open a new business or expand the products and
services in an established one, which fills gaps in the community and brings more local
opportunities for residents.
Last year’s winner, TimberChic Design, applied for the program to help expand their showroom
and bring in new products and services, including new flooring and paints. In their Facebook
post from October of last year, they expressed gratefulness for having been selected saying,
“Love this little town of ours!”
In the first year, six eligible applications came in. This year, three eligible applicants took part in
the pitch process: City Furniture, Prestige Athletics Ltd and The Turn Indoor Golf and Lounge.
“(They were) great presentations. We worked with them with Community Futures,” explained
Rhonda Woods, Economic Development Officer for the Town of Whitecourt, during the June 24
Regular Meeting of Council.
“I just have to give a big ‘hats off’ to Community Futures (Yellowhead East) because they really
worked with the businesses from start to finish. It’s grown different partnerships with them, even
outside this program. So, even though this program is running, and there is one winner,
realistically, everyone that is part of the program is winning. They have done a great job working
with them and getting them ready for the program,” she explained.
Community Futures Yellowhead East provides free business guidance to small businesses and
budding entrepreneurs. They are also a lender of flexible business loans for those turned down
by traditional banking institutions, enabling them to create, grow or build onto a business or
idea.
For the Whitecourt Launch program, Community Futures Yellowhead East provided free
business support and counselling, helping business owners create or sharpen their business
proposals before their big pitch and business mentorship. Applicants also worked alongside the
Economic Development Team. Once vetted as viable and ready, pitches moved forward to the
big show, where they presented their idea to the Economic Development Committee panel.

The committee considered several things, including the economic impact and benefit to the
community, feasibility, financial investment by the business or entrepreneur, if it fills gaps in the
community and its sustainability. The winning pitch receives a check for $10,000 to support their
idea.
The Turn Indoor Golf and Lounge was the Economic Development Committee’s choice for this
year’s winning pitch. The new business will open this fall at 5011 52 Avenue, where Bugz and
Beanerz used to be. It’s a golf-themed entertainment spot which will introduce the community to
golf simulators and other golf-related fun for year-round use. Whitecourt Town Council voted
unanimously to support the committee’s recommendation, making the win official for The Turn
Indoor Golf and Lounge. A hole-in-one, if you will.
“We are honoured to receive this grant from the Whitecourt Launch Program. Thank you to
Mayor Tom Pickard, the Town of Whitecourt, and Community Futures Yellowhead East for their
support. We look forward to bringing The Turn Indoor Golf & Lounge to the community soon,”
read a post on the business’s Facebook page earlier this month after Mayor Pickard presented
the check to owner Brennen Williams.
Speaking to the Press following his win, Williams said “Participating in the Whitecourt Launch
Program has been an incredible experience for us. The support and guidance we have received
throughout the process has been invaluable. Winning the grant is a huge honour and will really
help us in bringing The Turn Indoor Golf and Lounge to life.”
He said the opportunity not only gives them a chance to grow the business but also makes a
positive impact in the community. “We’re excited to offer a new and exciting space for golf
enthusiasts and everyone in Whitecourt. We would like to thank Community Futures Yellowhead
East for their assistance throughout the program as well as extend our best wishes to all the
other businesses that participated.”
When asked by Council if there was a possibility of support for the other two applicants through
one of the Town’s other grant opportunities, as the Whitecourt Launch grant results in one check
given to one winner, Woods said it was possible. “There is one business that we are continuing
to work with, not just with Town grants, but provincial grants. So, there is some follow-up coming
with the applications submitted previously,” explained Woods.
Whitecourt Launch winners agree to implement the business plan pitched and spend the money
received within eighteen months and must submit a final report to the Economic Development
Committee within thirty days of completing the project. To learn more about the program, visit
the Town’s website and search “Whitecourt Launch.”