April 2021 – Community Futures North Okanagan

KALECO takes the top spot in Enterprize Challenge 2021

April 29, 2021/in News

When her video camera turned on suddenly after the announcement was made, Amanda Homeniuk’s ear-to-ear smile filled the screen.

Homeniuk, new owner of the revamped Shambhala Clothing (soon to be renamed KALECO), took home the business services package valued at more than $20,000 during the Enterprize Challenge. Her prize includes business capital, banking, accounting service, marketing, legal services and more.

“This has been such a great experience,” says Homeniuk. “The community here is so great.”

Presented by VantageOne Credit Union and hosted by Community Futures North Okanagan the 2021 Enterprize Challenge culminated in the virtual Expo livestreamed via Hopin Wednesday, April 28. Seven competitors presented their final pitches to volunteer judges from VantageOne Credit Union, Sproing Creative, Nixon Wenger LLP, Wayside, and BDO Canada LLP.

Third place winners Bryn Davis and Jessica Bosman of DOUBL.

Shambhala has been in the community for a long time but with new ownership and an entirely new business model, Homeniuk fit the criteria as a start-up in the program. Surrounded by the eco-friendly clothing and jewelry from brands dedicated to social good, Homeniuk espoused the environmental and social need for change that drives her sustainable clothing business.

From adventure gear rentals to permaculture recycling and food waste recycling, environmental impact and conservation were top-of-mind for many of this year’s entrepreneurs.

“A global pandemic has not kept this years’ participants down,” says Michelle Hill, chair of the CFNO board of directors. “While navigating social bubbles, shifting restrictions and digital platforms, our participants have really risen to this year’s challenge.”

Second place winners Tiffany & Olivier Asselin of OTA Gear Rentals.

Second place winners OTA Gear Rentals, which helps people enjoy outdoor adventures, claimed the more than $10,000 prize package.

“We’re so grateful for everything we got from this competition,” says Olivier Asselin.

During a 30-minute break, while local musician Justin Moore performed, audience members voted for the People’s Choice Award. Sponsored by Sproing Creative, OTA Gear Rentals also won a $750 marketing package in addition to their second-place prize package.

Bryn Davis and Jessica Bosman of DOUBL, a custom-fitting bra harnessing 3D imaging technology, took home the third-place package valued at more than $6,000.

Each of the seven contenders was assigned a mentor to aid with their final pitches and underwent marketing, financials, development, and operations training. Entrepreneurs spent 10 weeks preparing for the Expo on Wednesday.

In its first virtual year, the Enterprize Challenge saw 25 businesses join the challenge and 15 present their initial pitch to the judges.

“The innovation we have seen this evening both at the Expo and in the final pitches is very impressive,” says Glenn Benischek, VantageOne Credit Union CEO. “The display of entrepreneurship shown during the Enterprize Challenge is to be commended, and we congratulate all of those that participated as well as all seven of our finalists.”

Following the Enterprize Challenge, CF North Okanagan will support all participants as they continue to grow their businesses.

Kazia Mullin, CF North Okangan Business Services Manager, says all the entrepreneurs, even those who didn’t take home a prize package, benefit from the Challenge.

“All of the Enterprize challengers showed innovation in their ability to adapt traditional business ideas to meet a changing marketplace,” says Mullin. “The Enterprize Challenge looked different this year, but the core principles of hard work and creativity remain. If you work hard, show your idea is valid, you will succeed not only in this competition but in business.”

Enterprize Challenge supporting partners include VantageOne Credit Union, Nixon Wenger LLP, Sproing Creative, BDO Canada LLP, Wayside, Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce, Okanagan College, Accelerate Okanagan, Rhythm Productions, Entrepreneurs with Disabilities, Vernon Morning Star, the City of Vernon and Beach 107.5.

Community Futures North Okanagan names volunteer of the year

April 20, 2021/in News

With years of experience in launching and managing media and tech start-ups, Tim Bieber uses his experience and industry knowledge to aid budding entrepreneurs.

A volunteer with Community Futures North Okanagan (CF North Okanagan), Bieber was awarded the organization’s Volunteer of the Year Award for his contributions to the community.

“I was drawn to how progressive CF North Okanagan was in their approach to economic development and supporting the modern-day community needs,” says Bieber. “In particular, I was impressed that the organization was stepping up to create a local community accelerator innovation centre space for the growing number of entrepreneurs in the area.”

A volunteer since January 2020, Bieber says he is inspired by CF North Okangan’s holistic approach to helping the community.

“I was blown away by the number of programs offered and by the impact the organization has on the community beyond business services and loans,” says Bieber.

The Vernon Innovation and Entrepreneur Workspace, or The VIEW, is a project Bieber supports as a CF North Okanagan volunteer. He believes The VIEW is a unique and powerful addition to the community.

“The VIEW will help foster and incubate the next generation of entrepreneurs to help our community thrive,” says Bieber. “I firmly believe this is going to be a huge driver in sustainably growing our region.”

Bieber is behind more than five media and technology companies and has helped launch and mentor other entrepreneurs looking to make their mark in the industry. He has held executive-level positions in companies as small as 10 employees and as large as 1,500 and has a keen eye for sales and business development in the tech sphere.

“We are very grateful to Tim for sharing his valuable time and expertise to improve and enhance the organization and the community we serve,” says Leigha Horsfield, CF North Okanagan executive director.

Through CF North Okanagan, Bieber is an active director and member of the Board Resource, Diversity, and Regional Relief Recovery Fund committees.

Volunteers are the backbone of CFNO. The organization’s geographically and demographically diverse board and committee members use their community engagement, business and workspace development, human resources, and financial and legal expertise to aid in CFNO’s ability to meaningfully contribute to the North Okanagan.

For more information about how to volunteer with CF North Okanagan, visit the volunteer page on our website.

Armstrong Videographer Helps Community Carry on During COVID

April 16, 2021/in Success Story

Self-employment program graduate Mike Babott of Rhythm Productions uses his videography skills to help Armstrong businesses adapt to COVID-19

It’s a day when children race around the playground with syrup fingers from the pancake breakfast and red lips from the Canada Day cake. When hundreds of people stand on the grass under a July 1st sun to sing Canada Day together following a tribute to veterans at Memorial Park. It’s a day that’s loud, because the entertainers sing and dance and laugh with all their heart under the gazebo, above the squeals of children enjoying a free swim at the pool and all kinds of games on the lawn. This is Canada Day in Armstrong, for as long as most can remember. So, what would this community do in 2020, when COVID asked people to celebrate apart, at home?

Nearly one year has passed since the Armstrong-Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce, like so many others over the past year, was forced to adapt. The Chamber set out to bring the spirit of Canada Day to residents another way—online. Mike Babott, owner of video production company Rhythm Productions, was only too keen to help make their idea a reality.

“It’s a big to-do, and everyone was crushed that it was shut down, so we looked for a way to pivot and create an online event.”

Babott filmed personal messages from local officials, performances by dancers and bands, demonstrations by artists and even a homemade ice cream tutorial. Residents also got in on a Canada Day baking contest, a livestreamed car rally through town and a virtual dance party via zoom. Every half hour, the Chamber then released new videos via a special Facebook page so people could enjoy the festivities throughout the day.

“People loved that they could watch those videos when it worked for them, and they didn’t miss anything. We had people from all over, not just Armstrong, celebrate with us.”

By all accounts, the event was a success.

“People still had a day to connect and celebrate,” says Babott. “It turned into an amazing event and the community really responded to it.”

It was just one of several ways Babott has been able to use the power of video to help support his community over the last year.

Rhythm Productions has helped numerous BC organizations and events since opening in 2018.

The Armstrong-Spallumcheen’s ‘Cheese, It’s a Natural’ festival—a highly anticipated event held annually in September that normally draws hundreds of vendors and attendees—also had to make a change in 2020, and Babott was there with his camera gear.

“We said, let’s keep it going, let’s let people experience this festival from the comfort of their home.”

So, Babott went out and brought the dairy stories to the dairy community, filming a cheesy Farmstrong Cidery pizza being made, a cheesecake class with Orchard Blossom Honey, a tour of a dairy farm—and more.

“It turned into such a great event. The videos have had hundreds of thousands of views, and for a small city of 5,000 people and a small chamber to have that kind of presence online is remarkable.”

Once it was safe to reopen, the owners of Farmstrong Cidery wanted to help guests understand ahead of time what steps they’d be asked to follow, and the steps the staff would follow in this new environment. Babott packed his camera and drove up Salmon River Road to the popular cidery (where he is a regular).

The Farmstrong Cidery reopening walk-through video takes guests from the parking lot to being seated and ordering to paying their bill amidst arrows and masks and plexiglass, and it’s had more than 2,000 views.

“It was such a different experience, so they wanted to let people know in advance what to expect. They’ve said the video really helped because when people arrived, they already knew the drill and it saved their staff time in explaining so they could just focus on serving people.”

Behind the scenes with Mike Babott and Rhythm Productions.

Babott says visuals go a long way in helping people understand new ways of doing things they’ve always done, and consumers have shown this year that they have an appetite for connecting with their favourite brands however they can. If that’s video, Babott says it’s providing an important connection point and source of support.

Babott opened his business in Armstrong in 2018 after taking the self-employment program (delivered by Community Futures) through WorkBC Vernon. A member of the CF North Okanagan Business Exchange group, he says the organization’s continued support has made all the difference.

“They were always happy to answer questions or take a call to help me navigate opening my business, and without their support, I wouldn’t be here making videos.”

That support has also been important throughout difficult times as Babott sought out opportunities and silver linings. He says he’s grateful he’s had the chance to help his community make an impact through video.

“I love telling people’s stories.”

Are you considering becoming self-employed? Learn more about WorkBC’s Self-Employment program and eligibility requirements. Contact the WorkBC Centre in Vernon at 250-545-2215 ext. 233 or visit workbccentre-vernon.ca for more information.

Enterprize Challenge 2021 Finalists Announced

April 16, 2021/in News

Community Futures North Okanagan Enterprize Challenge finalists compete for more than $40,000 in prizes

VERNON, B.C.—From beautiful country weddings to food waste recycling and permaculture consulting, environmental consciousness ties together this year’s Enterprize Challenge finalists.

Hosted by Community Futures North Okanagan (CFNO) and presented by VantageOne Credit Union, the Enterprize Challenge brings together seven entrepreneurs with seven unique business ventures to compete in a Dragon’s Den-style competition for more than $40,000 in prizes. The April 28 virtual event will be live-streamed from the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre.

“This year’s Enterprize Challenge highlights the innovation and ingenuity of North Okanagan entrepreneurs during these difficult times,” says Kazia Mullin, CFNO Business Services Manager. “The challengers demonstrate the need to adapt traditional business ideas to meet a new marketplace. Our judges now face the difficult decision of selecting a winner from seven incredible finalists.”

This year’s finalists include:

*Bluegrass Farm Events aims to be at the centre of the North Okanagan agritourism movement.*

Bluegrass Farm Events, Troy and Thea Sievert

From its roots as a beautiful Airbnb on 13 acres of pristine North Okanagan landscape overlooking Spallumcheen Valley and Otter Lake to its future as a country-style wedding venue, Bluegrass Farm aims to be at the centre of the region’s agritourism movement.

“To be part of establishing a strong agritourism industry in the North Okanagan where people will be excited to experience our way of life, may just be one great present to give to a stranger,” says Troy and Thea.

“If they just happen to get married on the farm and be branded as a ‘Bluegrass couple,’ we think it’s a win-win.”

*Jessica Bosman and Bryn Davis are the masterminds behind DOUBL—an innovative take on the future of bras.*

DOUBL, Jessica Bosman and Bryn Davis

A good bra should inspire confidence. With the help of 3D imaging technology, DOUBL makes perfect, custom-fitting bras that provide comfort in the boardroom and support when you need it most. With their innovative ideas and dedication to the environment, DOUBL is a bra-market disruptor.

“We are looking forward to bringing the bra into the 21st century,” says Bosman and Davis. “This space has lacked innovation for years and the female population deserves so much better. We want to remove the frustration and discomfort that often accompanies purchasing and wearing a bra.”

*Food Waste Challenge turns leftovers into bio pulp to enhance soil.*

Food Waste Challenge, Jay Aarsen

Jay Aarsen of Food Waste Challenge believes nothing should be squandered. Through a specialized recycling method, Food Waste Challenge turns leftovers into viable bio pulp to enhance soil and aid plant growth.

“Food waste is one of the leading contributions to greenhouse gases,” says Aarsen. “We recycle in a way that promotes fermentation to create an agri-bio liquid to replace fertilizers full of microbes that remove nutrients from the soil.”

*Born in the Okanagan, Gambit is a family board game made to bring players together.*

Gambit, Paul Cousins

Unplug and enjoy one-on-one family time with Gambit, an all-ages custom board game created right here in the North Okanagan. Gambit boards have made their way into many homes and RVs through exposure at Vernon stores, Creative Chaos, and an interactive afternoon with École Beairsto students.

“Our ultimate dream scenario is to create a workshop to produce classic versions of the game while licensing out the concept to a major game manufacturer for worldwide distribution at the same tier as Chess, Backgammon or Crokinole,” says Cousins.

*Oasis Gardens Consulting designs beautiful and regenerative gardens that inspire, bring joy, and foster land stewardship.*

Oasis Gardens Consulting, Keli Westgate

Oasis Gardens Consulting inspires, consults, and educates about zero waste edible and medicinal foodscapes that foster land and community connections. Westgate designs beautiful, regenerative gardens using permaculture principles to improve mental and physical health.

“I am feeling the love from the community and the interest in edible landscapes is growing daily,” says Westgate. “I am looking forward to helping clients and students design and grow outdoor spaces that will inspire, bring a harvest, bring joy, and foster more land stewardship to increase resilience The Oasis Gardens Consulting brand will stand for eco-consciousness in land design, positive and regenerative solutions.”

*OTA Gear Rental believes that outdoor adventure should be fun, safe, and affordable.*

OTA Gear Rental, Tiffany and Olivier Asselin

Adventure should be safe, simple, and fun. OTA Gear Rental is a one-stop-shop for quality and affordable outdoor activity equipment whether you’re hiking in Kalamalka Provincial Park or camping in the beautiful Okanagan wilderness.

“We are so excited about our business and it means so much to us to know others feel that same way,” say Tiffany and Olivier. “OTA Gear Rental is a COVID-safe and affordable option for connecting with nature and reconnecting with friends and family.”

*Shambhala Clothing, now under new ownership, specializes in sustainable, fair-trade, and handmade clothing, jewelry and gifts from eco-friendly brands working for social good.*

Shambhala Clothing, Amanda Homeniuk

Located in the heart of downtown Vernon, Shambhala Clothing is a thoughtfully curated lifestyle shop. Shambhala specializes in Boho, eclectic, fair-trade, and handmade clothing, jewelry, and gifts from eco-friendly brands working for social good. Homeniuk purchased and transformed the business in 2020.

“In all respects, we have started anew,” says Homeniuk, noting the new branding, inventory, and renovated space. “Based on feedback from our customers, we are looking already to expand our selection to include men’s clothing—first online and then in the future to an additional brick and mortar location.”

“The final pitches is a highly anticipated event and it’s wonderful that the public can still be a part of the excitement in this virtual format,” says Mullin. “It’s going to be a great evening and a welcome return of the Enterprize Challenge.”

The final pitch and showcase will be live-streamed via HopIn on Wednesday, April 28, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available online at hopin.com/events/enterprize-challenge-finale.

The Community Futures Enterprize Challenge, presented by VantageOne Credit Union, is made possible by the support of 13 sponsoring organizations.