The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

www.insideHALTON.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Thursday, November 29, 2012 · 14 Pythons are there to help Continued from page 10 Holiday Traditions Featuring RBG Train Show November 16 to January 6 RBG Centre NEXT STOP RBG! RBG Centre 680 Plains Road West Hamilton/Burlington · 905-527-1158 As a Python, Mikler is looking forward to working with Halton's future entrepreneurs on great business ideas, she said. "This area is a booming, growing area. There are opportunities for all kinds of growth. My goal is to play the best role that I can in advancing this project to that outcome," said Mikler. "I'm hoping I can use the experience I've gained in business over the last 25 years to assist somebody that might change their future." The other Pythons include Don Dalicando, an information technology expert; George Minakakis, a global retail executive; Randy Pilon, CEO of Virox Technologies; John Romano, owner of Nickle Brook Brewery and operator of Better Bitters Brewing Company and Nadir Ansari, CEO of Isherwood Associates. Mikler said the competition will be conducted in the true spirit of developing small businesses in Halton and there won't be any embarrassment or meanness from the Pythons. "They're not just going to throw you to the wolves in front of a panel to say, `Lay your heart on the table and come up with an embarrassing moment perhaps,'" said Mikler. "They're going to help you develop that business plan (and) work with you to make it perfect." "I'm hoping I can use the experience I've gained in business over the last 25 years to assist somebody that might change their future." Susanne Mikler, co-founder and owner, LC Liaison College Culinary Arts An investment pool of more than $150,000 will be up for grabs during the competition, which will see 10 to 20 finalists pitch directly to the Pit, she said. Those who wish to pursue a career as an entrepreneur, Mikler said they should always keep a positive attitude to help them through the ups and downs of the trade. She also suggests taking advantage of programs such as Pythons' Pit or other networking organizations to find a mentor. "Find where your passion lies, set goals for yourself and then find people along the way who can help you get there," said Mikler. "It's a very powerful way to get people that think they've got something to take that next step." The deadline for applications is Dec. 1. Successful applicants will enter the `Pit' before a live audience on March 23, 2013 at the Ron Joyce Centre in Burlington. For applications and more information, visit http://pythonspit.ca.