Enterprize Challenge 2024: Get to know the winners!

When you speak with the three winners of the 2024 Enterprize Challenge, if there is a word that comes up time and again, it is this: dream.

One had a dream to bring dental care to long-term care homes so seniors could carry on smiling and eating in comfort. Two had a dream to take care of those little jobs around the house and on the to-do list that just never seem to get done for people. One had a dream to bake beautiful cakes and pastries so that those with food allergies wouldn’t have to go without on special occasions.

After several weeks of tirelessly honing their business plan and pitch alongside a mentor, three emerging entrepreneurs realized their business dreams as they were called to the stage, one by one, to accept their award.

Third place: Gaby Flores, Baking Time

Second place: Precious Gatpandan and RJ San Jose, Errands and Beyond

First place & People’s Choice: Jenna Smith, Sage Dental Hygiene

“Participating in the competition takes all kinds of courage and hard work. Most do it while going to a day job and taking care of a family—and we’re always amazed at the vision and dedication of our participants,” says Kazia Mullin, business manager, Community Futures North Okanagan, which hosted the ninth annual competition.

This year, 21 participants showcased businesses ranging from a music studio and a videography company to an animal-assisted children’s education centre and a creative branding studio. Enterprize Challenge culminates in a Dragon’s Den-style pitch to win up to $35,000 in prizes like marketing and banking services for an exciting business launch. To be among the seven finalists at the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre on May 9, never mind a top spot, is quite an achievement.

“We congratulate everyone who gave it their all, and we’re so thankful for the community’s support.”

Here is a chance to get to know each of the winners:

Jenna Smith, Sage Dental Hygiene – First place & People’s Choice

Dental hygienist Jenna Smith was cleaning the teeth of a patient when he mentioned he couldn’t find a mobile hygienist to visit his wife, who was in long-term care. Smith searched high and low, and at the time, couldn’t find someone. At some point, she wondered, do I have a place in filling that gap?

“Once people have dementia or mobility issues, they just can’t get to the dentist as readily,” says Smith. “I thought, there needs to be more care for our seniors.”

“To me, it’s about helping to keep them free of pain so they can continue chewing, and maintain their health and dignity. Is it important to be able to smile at that age? I think so.”

Nearly two years later, after taking business courses and getting through all the paperwork, in January 2024, Sage Dental Hygiene opened and Jenna slowly began to see a handful of patients. In that in-room environment, she’s scaling teeth by hand. She often takes a few minutes to hold their hands. With one patient, she’s been able to protect the woman’s last six teeth.

“Their families are very thankful that someone is providing this care,” says Smith, who entered Enterprize Challenge with the hopes of growing her business skills and spreading the word.

When she heard her name called for People’s Choice, she says: “I was completely surprised.” Then, for first place, her name was called again: “I was just shocked and thrilled. I was blown away.”

“The reception has been beyond my wildest dreams. I’m overwhelmed by the generosity of the sponsor’s gifts.”

Precious Gatpandan and RJ San Jose, Errands and Beyond – Second place

For Precious Gatpandan and RJ San Jose, Enterprize Challenge was really the culmination of several dreams: Coming to Canada, getting permanent residency, bringing their children to live here, and starting a business in which they could use their skills to brighten people’s days.

After they made their seven-minute pitch to judges for Errands and Beyond, the couple, originally from the Philippines, said they weren’t sure what to expect.

“At first we were very nervous, and then we heard the loud noise of applause from the crowd,” says San Jose, who does most of the ‘beyond’ in Errands and Beyond in the form of handyman work such as minor renovations, tiling, painting and drywall repair. The business launched last September and focuses on giving seniors an extra set of hands.

“I was teary-eyed during that time already because it was a sign to me that our message came across and was well accepted,” says Gatpandan, who does the marketing and the errand-running side of the business. “Regardless of the outcome, we felt like we were already big winners.”

And then, when the second place Enterprize Challenge winner was announced, Gatpandan says: “It was so surreal.”

“For anyone trying to dream (of a business) don’t get intimidated,” she says. “Reach out to Community Futures.”

Gaby Flores, Baking Time – Third place

All throughout the night of the Enterprize Challenge final, Gaby Flores reminded herself of the words of her mentor Hal Mueller, a business advisor at Community Futures: “You don’t realize how good you are. If you want to win, you have to sell yourself.”

The Costa Rica native moved to Vernon nearly four years ago to become an executive pastry chef. It was through this work that she discovered how many people would appreciate the chance to enjoy vegan, dairy and gluten-free cookies, cakes and pastries.

She loves baking beautiful cakes and bringing joy to others more than anything, but she’s also humble and with English as her second language, she was feeling shy.

“It was scary. You have to get out from your comfort zone,” says Flores, who attended the ‘business bootcamp’ workshops all while working full-time. “Enterprize Challenge is a challenge, but I thought if I get this opportunity, I will do the best that I can. This doesn’t happen twice in your life.”

Also, Flores remembered the words of her mother, a professor-turned-lawyer: “Wherever you go, whatever you do, do your best because you’re also opening doors for other people from Costa Rica.”

So, Flores gave it her all and the concept of Baking Time impressed judges. Winning third place, she says, means now she can confidently “take baby steps” to fulfill her dream.

“I think after all this, my confidence rose so much. I believe in myself.”