Paula Ferreira, founder of Big Bang Celebrations, has turned her passion for parties into a thriving business — and now she’s competing for $10,000 in funding through Georgian College
NEWS RELEASE
BIG BANG CELEBRATIONS
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Paula Ferreira, a proud Bradford mom and founder of Big Bang Celebrations, has earned the top spot in her cohort of the Further Faster Program through the Henry Bernick Entrepreneurship Centre at Georgian College. Her winning pitch has secured her a finalist position in the upcoming Grand Pitch Competition, taking place this November, where she’ll compete for up to $10,000 in funding and access to premier mentorship opportunities.
The Further Faster Program is a seven-week intensive designed to support entrepreneurs in building and scaling their businesses. Paula’s first-place finish in her cohort’s pitch competition is a major milestone in her entrepreneurial journey and highlights her drive to grow her high-impact celebration brand.
Her growth as a business owner has been supported by a network of regional programs, including the Bradford Economic Development Center, DMZ Innisfil, The Sandbox Centre in Barrie, and the Starter Company Plus Program. While Paula has not yet received funding, these publicly funded initiatives—supported in part by the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade—have provided access to mentorship, training, and essential community connections. Paula also completed certified training in fireworks display and pyrotechnic safety, ensuring her services meet the highest professional and safety standards.
Today, Big Bang Celebrations operates as a Simcoe-born, community-driven brand, with two seasonal retail locations in Bradford and Innisfil (open from June 22 to July 1). The company offers fireworks sales and shows, professional pyrotechnics, gender reveal effects, drone light shows, Holi powder bursts, and LED/glow party supplies, bringing high-energy excitement to both private celebrations and large-scale public events across Ontario.
“I started Big Bang Celebrations to create a better future for my family,” said Paula. “As a mom, I always went all-out for my son’s special days—and that passion sparked something more. I trained professionally, connected with mentors, and built a business that helps others celebrate life’s biggest moments in unforgettable ways.”
Paula is also proud to support local industry. She made the decision to exclude all U.S.-made fireworks from her product line, sourcing exclusively from Canadian-based suppliers, many of whom assemble some products domestically. This commitment supports the Canadian economy while ensuring customers receive high-quality, trusted products.
Giving Back Through Celebration
Paula’s dedication to her community is long-standing. She has volunteered with the Bradford Soccer Club, the Youth Empowerment Collective, local school fundraisers, and major events including the Pan Am Games and the Special Olympics. She also led United Way fundraising campaigns through her previous workplaces for over 20 years.
This summer, she will again volunteer and participate at Councillor Joseph Giordano’s now town-wide Retro Block Party. Last year’s event raised $15,000 for the Bradford Food Bank, and this year is expected to be even more impactful.
“This event is going to be epic,” Paula said. “I’m so excited to be part of it—especially now that it’s taking place at the new Town Square location!”
Big Bang Celebrations to Light Up the My Apartment Reunion Party
Paula and her team will also bring the fireworks to the highly anticipated My Apartment Reunion Party on June 21 at Rogue Nightclub in Mississauga. Hosted by the EURO Syndicate Event Team, the night will feature high-energy performances by Canadian music stars Danny Fernandes and Joee. The stacked DJ lineup includes Z103.5’s DJ Danny D, DBG Douchebag Guido, DJ Karim E, DJ Splinter, and special appearances by Scott Fox of Z103.5 and crowd-favorite MC Euro.
As an official event sponsor, Big Bang Celebrations will deliver an immersive nightclub experience, lighting up the venue with professional pyrotechnics, LED glow visuals, and crowd-enhancing effects that take this throwback party to the next level.
“We’re thrilled to be part of an event that’s all about music, memories, and high energy,” said Paula. “It’s the perfect stage to showcase what we do best—turn unforgettable nights into explosive celebrations. This party is going to be straight fire.”
Supporting Local Business, Empowering Local Success
As a proudly Canadian, woman-owned business, Big Bang Celebrations reflects the power of local entrepreneurship. Paula’s story proves that with passion, mentorship, and community support, small businesses can thrive—and give back in meaningful ways.
Her advancement to the Grand Pitch Competition highlights the strength of Ontario’s entrepreneurship ecosystem and reinforces the importance of investing in homegrown talent.
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