Business competition brings ‘invaluable’ exposure

As Enterprize Challenge 2024 opens registration, 2023 winners reflect on the impact

VERNON, BC—When the bells on the back of the door jangle as someone enters Fieldnotes Market, there’s still a good chance a hello will quickly be followed by, “I heard about you through Enterprize Challenge.” Even now, nearly seven months after the competition.

“Being in the Enterprize Challenge brought so much publicity and awareness to our business,” says Pamela Janek, co-owner of the Armstrong general store selling European pantry goods, local artisan wares and earthy home accents. “People are still taking time to drive out and see what we’re about just from Enterprize.”

Now entering its ninth year, Enterprize Challenge has become a booming ground for entrepreneurs ready to do the hard work of business planning and then pitching á la Dragon’s Den for the chance to take home nearly $35,000 in prizes, as first place winners Pamela Janek and Hannah Janek did.

The 2024 competition opens for registration on Tuesday, Jan. 2. Starting in February, participants will roll up their sleeves as they attend workshops and refine their plan with one-on-one mentor support. All of it is a build toward the live pitch and awards showcase held May 9, 2024, at the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre.

“We say this every year, but we’re always blown away by the ideas and themes that emerge, and the dedication of participants,” says Kazia Mullin, business services manager, Community Futures North Okanagan, which hosts the competition. “It’s amazing to see how our community supports these entrepreneurs long after the awards night.”

Just down the road from Fieldnotes is 2023 second place winner PV BLVD Coffee, serving specialty coffee and delicious baked goods by day and hosting events and catering by night. Owner Kristy McLennan says Armstrong’s business and coffee-loving community has been incredible.

“We’ve done a lot of catering and event hosting for the city and other organizations,” says McLennan, who had to cut out her daily made-to-order meal menu to keep up with catering bookings. The shop has also hosted dozens of birthday and Christmas parties and McLennan has plans in the new year to add a line of cookies and scones for takeaway. “I’m a bit of an introvert and now I know so many people in the community. Enterprize Challenge gave me the confidence to reach out to people and other businesses, and when I need to bounce off ideas, I can always turn to Community Futures, so that’s been fantastic.”

Third Place winner Chef Lauren Vincent—a Red Seal chef who prepares scrumptious meals for busy people and families—says after the awards night, her inbox lit up.

“Immediately after Enterprize Challenge, I got a ton of new client inquiries,” says Vincent. To accommodate growing demand but maintain her high standards, she has since hired part-time help, moved into a bigger commercial space and now has a waitlist. She also shifted from custom menus for all to a single weekly menu clients can choose from. For all that, and more, she thanks Enterprize Challenge.

“It was definitely a time commitment, but I was in it to win it. Being able to lean on my business mentor, and mine was really generous with his time, made such a tremendous difference. I went into the pitch feeling prepared and confident,” says Vincent. “The exposure your business gets is invaluable.”

Registration for Enterprize Challenge 2024 opens Tuesday, Jan. 2 at 8 am and closes Feb. 6 at 12 noon. For more information about the challenge, prizes and registration, visit futuresbc.com/enterprize-challenge.