The Progress2Capital Business Planning Competition advised and coached the future business leaders of the province over the weekend.

Twenty semi-finalists competed in a competition at the Radisson Hotel in Saskatoon.

They were required to build a comprehensive business model and do a three minute presentation to a panel of judges.

"For the last two months with Progress2Capital and on my own I've been very busy and making a lot of progress to get (my business) off the ground," said Adam Reeson, a competitor.

He is developing a high end sign business.

"I'm very passionate about my business and very confidant in the product and I basically go up there and tell a story about what my company's about," he said.

After a weekend of working with coaches and mentors Reeson said he had gained the confidence for his presentation.

"I was more nervous before I went up there but once I went up there I felt pretty relaxed... I'm really hoping that I made the top ten to get some more coaching," he said.

Each of the contestants was paired with a coach to break down their business plan. Hugh Wood, a coach said that he was happy to be involved.

"We are trying to bring our years of experience in running businesses ourselves in the community and than transferring that knowledge to the new generation of companies that are growing," he said.

The coaches and mentors had to dedicate their weekend to the competition but Wood said it was worth it.

"Everyone I talk to says 'what an experience to talk to experienced people and develop new ideas and get confidence,'" he said.

The competition cut ten contestants on Sunday after the presentations. It will continue to mentor and coach those remaining until the fall when they will do their final pitch.

Kmalone@rawlco.com