Harvesting Hope: The Growth of SilverStar Veggies’ Success

/in ,

Located on a plot of land at the bottom of the Foothills in Vernon, BC, SilverStar Veggies has become a popular farmstand—offering residents a bounty of seasonal produce twice a week. After six years of growing on rented land and working out of tents and trailers, the young farmers behind SilverStar Veggies were ready to put down roots of their own.

SilverStar Veggies grows a number of crops, including lettuce mix, carrots, and beets.

“It’s grown leaps and bounds since we started and we are just going to keep moving forward,” says Eric Feehely, co-owner.

Back in 2021, when he and his partner, Miho, started their farming business, Eric had been growing vegetables for Okanagan winery restaurants and Miho was a chef out of work during the pandemic. Eric grew up on a farm in Ireland, and he’d gained heaps of experience building restaurant gardens and greenhouses in the Okanagan climate.

“I was really blown away by the high standard of vegetable farming here,” says Eric, who was originally drawn to the region by work at wineries.

He and his partner realized it might be the ideal time to start a farm of their own. An acquaintance introduced them to someone who owned farmland along Silver Star Road, and had an acre to rent. With help from the Young Agrarians, a network that supports emerging farmers, the couple started SilverStar Veggies by opening up one acre. It was the year that a heat dome saw a third of their crops perish.

“We kind of wondered, what are we doing? But by the end of the year, things were better, and every year afterward we’ve grown in space and grown our earnings by about 20 per cent.”

These days, their summer carrots, beets, lettuce mix and more can be found at the Farmer’s Market, in veggie boxes for pick-up and delivery and their popular farmstand, which operates out of a 20-foot trailer that replaced a canvas vehicle shelter. Some days, nearly 700 cars pass by.

With strong, consistent growth, embarking on their sixth year, Eric and Miho began plans to build their own wash and pack house with space for retail sales.

“Having this building will take care of a lot of our challenges,” says Eric. “It’s going to be a game changer.”

Currently, they have to drive from one end of the property to the other to bring their harvest in for washing and packing, and operating a farmstand out of the trailer means they can only offer that service twice a week in the warm months.

SilverStar Veggies is constructing a farmstand out of four shipping containers.

They set out to have an engineer design a modular 2,250 square foot building made from four shipping containers, two of which are already freezer insulated. The building is mobile so it can easily move with them if the arrangement on the rented land ever changes.

Some of those elements—the mobility of the structure, the rented land, the need to bring in water, sewer and power—presented challenges when Eric and Miho sought financing.

“We had all of these challenges ahead of us, but we were determined.”

When they were passed over by a major agricultural lender with a cap on what could be financed for non-land ventures, the representative mentioned Community Futures North Okanagan. This was in the fall of 2025, and the couple was already planning the growing season ahead counting on the additional acreage and revenue, and the building construction being underway.

“Community Futures really came through for us,” says Eric.

After demonstrating their projections and a solid plan for growth, their loan application was underway. Engineers, meanwhile, had the plans ready and excavators were nearly at the gate ready to go. When their loan was approved by Community Futures, Eric remembers feeling “tremendous relief.”

“We’re big believers in investing in our future and doing things properly and that’s what we feel we’ve done here, and Community Futures made it possible.”

SilverStar Veggies is expecting to open their new wash/pack/retail farmstand in early July, and they’re looking forward to year-round operations and opportunities to expand what they offer, including the produce of other small family farms.

“I haven’t got enough thumbs up for Community Futures and our dealings with people there.”

Are you thinking about starting your own business? Explore how Community Futures North Okanagan offers flexible lending options and business advising services.

Community Futures North Okanagan recognizes the ongoing support of Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan).

Amy Gillies, Enterprize Challenge Mentor, Named Volunteer of the Year

/in

Amy (L) and her mentee Juanita Miller, of Juanita Miller Nutrition, at the Enterprize Challenge finale event in 2017.

Every winter, excitement builds for Amy Gillies as she thinks about who she’ll get to mentor in the next Enterprize Challenge.

Amy is a commercial services account manager at VantageOne Credit Union in Vernon—and for the last 10 years, she has volunteered as a mentor for Enterprize Challenge participants.

The Enterprize Challenge is a high-energy business pitch competition that provides North Okanagan entrepreneurs with professional mentorship, networking opportunities and the chance to win a share of significant prize packages to help launch or grow their local ventures.

Over a period of several weeks, Amy meets one-on-one with her mentees for at least an hour—going above and beyond the minimum number of four hours to set them up for a successful experience in the challenge and afterwards.

“I get to meet these business owners and listen to their ideas and questions, and I share what I can to help them succeed,” says Amy, who brings 32 years of experience at VantageOne and 15 years in business banking.

“I really love working with business owners. I get such satisfaction out of sharing resources and helping them grow.”

Mentors support participants as they prepare their financials and their pitch as they prepare to win over judges, first to become a finalist, and then to earn a top spot on the stage every May.

Theresa Sanders (L) and her volunteer mentor Amy (R) in 2019 during the Enterprize Challenge.

Since Amy became a volunteer mentor 10 years ago, a handful of her mentees have won Enterprize Challenge and others have taken top spots. First place winners she has mentored include Teresa Sanders of FILL Vernon’s Refill Store, Amanda Homeniuk of Kaleco Clothing, and Jaye Siegmueller of Farm Bound.

“When your person wins—though I would never take any credit, I was just a little part of that—it’s so exciting,” says Amy. “Those are moments that really stand out.”

Other participants she’s mentored who have won second or third place include Juanita Miller of Juanita Miller Nutrition, Kristy McLennan of PV Boulevard Coffee, and Kylee Howard of Vicky’s Play Place.

“I’ve established so many great relationships over the years. We stay in touch and get together. The value of those relationships is huge for me.”

Amy gives credit to VantageOne, her employer, for letting her make time in her busy schedule to volunteer for Enterprize Challenge.

For the many, many hours of dedication and passion she has brought to her volunteering, Amy was named this year’s Community Futures North Okanagan Volunteer of the Year.

Amy (C) receives the Volunteer of the Year award from Board Chair Michele Hill (R) and Vice-Chair Kara Kazimer (L).

“I’m very honoured,” she says. “I don’t think anything of it. I’m just so passionate about what I do.”

So passionate that she also volunteers, often alongside a Community Futures North Okanagan business services team member, at a similar entrepreneurial competition held for business students at Okanagan College.

Both mentees and students alike stop her when she’s out and about to share thanks, and she realizes how, over the last decade, she’s become a part of the fabric of the local business community.

“It’s been an amazing experience.”

The 2026 Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Amy at the June Board of Directors meeting in recognition of her outstanding volunteer efforts.

Annual Report 2025-2026

/in

Community Futures North Okanagan (CFNO) has prepared its 2025-2026 Annual Report.

This past year has been particularly successful, showcasing our commitment to growing communities one idea at a time.

Throughout 2025-2026, CFNO provided substantial support to the local business community and emerging entrepreneurs. The organization provided loans totaling over $2.03 million dollars, and offered business counselling to 1,030 entrepreneurs and small business owners.

CFNO’s programs saw 37 businesses and not-for-profit organizations participate in peer-mentoring programs, and 136 business workshops were delivered to 650 participants.

CFNO also participated in other programs to support employment opportunities and foster sustainable economic growth:

  • The Start-Up Entrepreneurship Program assisted 25 new entrepreneurs
  • Self-Employment services helped 20 clients in developing their business plans and 16 with implementing a business
  • 962 employers engaged in the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP)

In addition, CFNO’s employment programs made a tangible difference with 48 youth participating in The Employ Program, leading to 41 youth successfully transitioning to work or school. The report also highlights our community economic development initiatives, including the Rail Trail Readiness Program, which empowered entrepreneurs to proactively capture the economic momentum of the Rail Trail expansion in Armstrong, Enderby and Sicamous. 

We welcome you to view the full 2025-2026 Annual Report linked below. Also available, previous years’ Annual Reports and Financial Statements are linked here. 

 

Driving Success: Bringing The Back Nine Golf to the Okanagan

/in ,

Neil & Jenna Bestard.

After discovering Back Nine, a next-level indoor golf simulator franchise across the border, Neil and Jenna Bestard knew they were onto something that would be appreciated by golfers in Vernon. The couple set out to open their own Back Nine, and they were feeling confident: Neil knew golf, construction and tech, and Jenna knew fitness, sales and membership. The biggest piece to figure out was the lending.

In the winter of 2024, Neil began looking into a golf simulator for his garage so he could work on his swing over the winter—when he got home from his days as a plumber. He’d spent nearly 20 years in the construction industry by then, he’d also found himself considering other careers that would be less physically demanding. So, that winter, he researched and contemplated.

“I was really diving into the best systems and technology, and Back Nine kept popping up,” says Neil.

Back Nine offers an indoor golf experience it calls ‘unparalleled’ because it offers the most accurate and realistic swing experience:  cameras above capture initial impact club and ball data, then the golf ball passes through four hyper-clear cameras for a precise, realistic and real-time experience.

“They only had US locations, but I reached out to the CEO and said, would you be interested in coming to Canada?” says Neil.

With testimonials from the likes of Tiger Woods, and a business model that sees members and guests receiving a code for self-guided ‘tee times’ in spacious, private rooms, Neil could picture casual and serious golfers alike enjoying Back Nine—and he could see this business with so much potential.

While he awaited a response from Back Nine, Neil worked on helping his wife, Jenna, see the vision.

“I wanted to have a good sense of what the risk was and what the investment would be,” says Jenna.

The lobby at Back Nine in Vernon, BC.

After a few months, Back Nine replied to Neil, and after a few calls, in the fall of 2025, they were invited the couple to a conference in Las Vegas, where they heard from other franchisees talking about hosting everything from kids’ camps and ladies’ nights to school groups and corporate parties.

“That part really excited me,” says Jenna. “That trip solidified things for me. We came back feeling pretty committed.”

There were just a few hurdles to overcome. First, the Vernon location would be Back Nine’s first in Canada, so the paperwork took a while. In the meantime, Neil secured a space he knew would be ideal for multiple rooms hosting multiple golfers playing this version of 18 holes.

Second, they needed financing, and once the paperwork came through, they didn’t have time to lose. Their initial experiences at large financial institutions left them feeling disappointed.

“When everyone was saying ‘no’, it was really hard,” says Jenna. “We kept saying, it’s going to be great. It’s fail-proof. Trust us, we’re going to get it done.”

Finally, they landed a meeting with Scot McNair, business analyst, Community Futures North Okanagan.

“His response was, show us your business plan. What are your projections? Sell me on your idea and what that looks like,” says Jenna. “But it was also not just the numbers. He wanted to know what is your passion and what are you going to do to make it happen.”

Inside the Back Nine experience in Vernon, BC.

The couple took their homework seriously and returned with what they felt were realistic and promising projections, including a goal of 20 founding memberships within weeks of opening and more than 150 members within a year, in addition to guests who are not members.

Neil and Jenna’s business loan application was approved.

“It was really rewarding,” says Jenna. “It felt like someone was behind us and believed in our good ideas.”

Then, they were off. They got the keys and Neil was at the space—on 45 Avenue—seven days a week doing renovations.

“I got to do what I do best and that time didn’t matter,” says Neil. “I was doing this for us and our family. I got to smile every time I drove here. I had to sit on my hands to stop from clapping.”

In February 2026, Back Nine hosted a grand opening that was well attended and soon they had their first 20 members. Today, they have more than 80 five-star reviews and their vision has become a reality.

“We’re seeing families come in and play and say this is how we’re spending family time,” says Jenna. “And now that it’s nice out we’re hearing people say the practice here is translating to a better swing and a better game on the course, and that’s great.”

Looking back, they said they would have started out with the business plan and walk into those meetings with strong numbers. They already tell others that if they get a ‘no’ from a big bank, not to feel defeated.

“We knew we had something, and once we got to Scot, things opened up.”

 

Are you considering opening or expanding your business? Explore how Community Futures North Okanagan uplifts local businesses through lending and a range of resources.

Community Futures North Okanagan recognizes the ongoing support of Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan).

Meet the winners of Enterprize Challenge 2026!

/in

The Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre was electric with excitement and anticipation on Thursday, May 7, 2026, as Community Futures North Okanagan rolled out the red carpet for its 11th annual Enterprize Challenge.

A vibrant crowd of over 200 people turned out to support local entrepreneurs at the grand finale, capping off months of hard work. The evening highlighted the talent and drive shaping the future of our region.

After a series of inspiring pitches, three entrepreneurs took home top honours:

Claiming the prestigious 1st Place award was Sarah Draht with StrongHER.

The 2nd Place honors were accepted by Chey Kidd with Frog Pockets, and the 3rd Place prize was awarded to Tyler Patenaude of Pocket Grandson.

StrongHER took home the People’s Choice Award, chosen by the audience as their local favourite!

Huge congratulations to Sarah, Chey and Tyler!

We also want to celebrate every finalist who gave so much of themselves to this competition over the past several months. Last night, they delivered their final pitches, and did an amazing job:

We also extend our gratitude to the five amazing judges who donated their time and expertise to Enterprize Challenge this year.

And the Enterprize Challenge wouldn’t be possible without the support of our presenting sponsor, Agile! Agile is changing the game for small businesses in the North Okanagan and beyond by combining AI-driven technology with CPA-reviewed accuracy, they help owners move away from “shoebox accounting” and into real-time financial clarity. Their philosophy aligns perfectly with the Enterprize Challenge: empowering local dreamers to become local leaders.

The future of local business in the North Okanagan is looking bright!

 

(Back row L-R) Adrianna Stange, Brenton Born, Rebecca Barton, Pamela Connolly, Kate Markowsky, Teresa Sanders; (Front row L-R) Tyler Patenaude, Katie Cameron, Sarah Knol, Sarah Draht, Brian Martin, Chey Kidd, Crispin Lispcomb, Raffaella Vaz

 

2026 Enterprize Challenge finalists named

/in

Six entrepreneurs from across the North Okanagan make it to the finale!

VERNON, BC—From self-defense training to sensory support clothing, Enterprize Challenge 2026 finalists are bringing exciting business ideas from all corners of the North Okanagan.

Presented by Agile, the 11th annual Enterprize Challenge will culminate in a Dragon’s Den-style pitch at the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre on May 7th, 2026. Over the past three months, the Challengers worked with local business mentors and attended workshops as they refined their business plans and polished their pitches.

“We experienced a record-setting year of registrations for Enterprize Challenge,” says Margo Fleming, Business Services Manager with Community Futures North Okanagan. “The judges were so inspired by the array of businesses and ideas presented at the First Pitches, they decided to choose 6 Finalists instead of the planned 5 Finalists.”

At the Finale Event on May 7th, the winners of the Enterprize Challenge will be chosen by the judges and the 1st Place recipient will take home a prize package of over $24,000 in start-up capital and business professional services.

The 2026 Enterprize Challenge Finalists are (in alphabetical order):

Kurtis (left), Jordan (centre) and Chey (right) of Frog Pockets.

Chey Kidd & Kurtis Peskleway, Frog Pockets

Chey Kidd and Kurtis Peskleway are the creators of Frog Pockets: a unique pocket-focused clothing brand revolutionizing sensory regulation for adults. Inspired by their young daughter and their lived experience as queer, neurodivergent community leaders, they’re addressing a widespread, socially stigmatized “age-out” issue where sensory tools aren’t designed for adulthood.

Frog Pockets offers a creative solution: special pockets with magnetic, snap-in pocket liners. These removable liners come in dozens of textures, from soft fur to 3D-printed scales, creating a custom sensory tool that adapts to your own sensory needs. They’re continuously innovating new designs and empowering real voices through a supportive online Discord community. Whether you’re calming an overwhelmed nervous system or sharpening your focus, their pocket liners are easy, inclusive, and perfectly hidden for everyday use: “A personal pocket dimension, right at your fingertips!”

Raffaella (right) and Crispin (left) of Gallery Artiva.

Crispin Lipscomb & Raffaella Vaz, Gallery Artiva

Located in the heart of Silver Star Village, Gallery Artiva is a vibrant hub for mountain art culture, co-founded by two-time Olympic snowboarder Crispin Lipscomb and renowned artist Raffaella Vaz. Together, they have created more than just a gallery and gift shop; they have built a dynamic platform where local artists, writers, and craftspeople can connect directly with residents and international visitors alike.

Crispin and Raffaella are dedicated to storytelling, frequently hosting showcase events and fundraising projects that allow creators to engage with their followers. By providing a professional space for fine arts education and community events, Gallery Artiva serves as a vital bridge between the creative talent of the valley and the adventurous spirit of the mountains.

Katie of NeuroNest Okanagan.

Katie Cameron, NeuroNest Okanagan

Katie Cameron is a dedicated advocate and practitioner driven by a singular mission: ensuring every neurodivergent child in the Okanagan feels seen, safe, and supported.

Through her frontline work in family homes, Katie has witnessed the heartbreak of children failed by mainstream systems and the exhaustion of parents searching for a true sense of belonging. Katie’s vision is to replace this isolation with a place of community. NeuroNest Okanagan is designed to bridge this gap: a multidisciplinary, one-stop hub built around the core needs of neurodivergent youth-safety, sensory-informed environments, autonomy, and individualized support.

By housing care, education, assessment, and neurodiversity-affirming therapy services under one roof, NeuroNest reduces the stress and trauma often triggered by fragmented systems, repeated transitions, and unfamiliar environments. NeuroNest Okanagan isn’t just a clinic; it is a sanctuary where informed practitioners meet families exactly where they are, fostering an environment where safety leads to connection, and connection makes anything possible.

Sara of KNOL HAUS.

Sara Knol, KNOL HAUS

Sara Knol is a Registered Social Worker with over 20 years supporting families through neurodiversity and burnout. She is also a mother of two autistic teens and made a promise that when life settled down, she would find a way to show up for families the way she wished someone had shown up for hers. That promise is KNOL HAUS: longer sessions, hands-on support, walks instead of waiting rooms. Sara has become the black sheep of counselling and is now extending that approach from her individual practice into a physical space.

During COVID, her family purchased three acres of forest just minutes from Vernon, now a nature-based wellness campus where practitioners rent private forest cabins to work with clients in a setting that supports integration and reflection.

Before KNOL HAUS, Sara founded TOP KNOT Events, planning over 100 weddings across the Okanagan and creating spaces that felt as good as they looked. When something is missing, Sara builds it. KNOL HAUS is next.

Sarah of StrongHER Self-Defense.

Sarah Draht, StrongHER Self-Defense

Sarah Draht is redefining personal safety through StrongHER Self-Defense, a trauma-informed program built on a clear mission: educating and empowering women to move through the world with strength, awareness, and confidence. Drawing on her background in protective services and championship-level martial arts, Sarah developed a curriculum built for fitness, designed for safety, and powered by community.

By combining practical kickboxing and self-defense with real-world pressure drills, Sarah helps women move beyond simple “awareness” to recognize early warning signs and manage fear responses in real-time. StrongHER has become a vital resource in the North Okanagan, delivering sold-out workshops that replace reactive fear with grounded capability.

Sarah’s vision extends beyond the gym; she is transforming personal safety into essential community infrastructure through partnerships with workplaces and community organizations. For Sarah, safety isn’t a one-time lesson—it’s a movement making women fitter, safer, and stronger in the North Okanagan.

Tyler Patenaude, Pocket Grandson

Tyler of Pocket Grandson.

Tyler Patenaude is the tech-savvy problem solver behind Pocket Grandson, a personalized technical support service designed to take the frustration out of the digital age. Whether it’s a printer that refuses to connect, a cluttered device slowing down, or the daunting task of setting up a brand-new smartphone, Tyler provides hands-on assistance tailored to the user’s specific needs and budget.

What sets Tyler apart is his “on-site” approach; while traditional repair shops require customers to drop off devices for days, Tyler travels directly to his clients. He meets them wherever they are most comfortable, solving problems in real-time while teaching them how to navigate similar issues in the future.

From individuals seeking to master new skills to small businesses needing an on-call technician, Tyler serves as a patient, reliable guide. His mission is to ensure that technology remains a helpful tool rather than a source of stress, providing expert troubleshooting with a personal touch.

Join this year’s finalists for a night of live pitching in front of a panel of volunteer judges on May 7th, 2025 at the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre. Doors open at 5 p.m. Pitches start at 6 p.m. with the winners announced before the finale ends at 8 p.m. Tickets are available here.

 

Refresh Your Business with Spring Learning Opportunities

/in

Spring is more than just a change in weather; it is a season of renewal and fresh growth. For the local business community, it’s the perfect moment to shake off the winter chill and refocus on the foundations of success.

To support this momentum, Community Futures North Okanagan has curated a lineup of no-cost workshops designed to accelerate your business potential. We’ve identified three core pillars that act as the engine of any thriving enterprise: Human Resources, Finances, and Marketing.

Human Resources: As the “talent season” shifts, finding and retaining the right people is critical. Our workshop dives into modern recruitment and team-building strategies to ensure your workplace is as vibrant as the season itself.

  • Join Business Advisor Hal Mueller for a workshop filled with actionable strategies and best practices to help you create a positive and effective new-hire experience.
  • Hal will cover everything from pre-boarding to the critical first 90 days, equipping you with the tools to turn new hires into successful, loyal team members.
  • The presentation will be followed by a 30-minute Q&A session, giving you the opportunity to dive deeper and get personalized advice from Hal and WorkBC Vernon.
  • Link to register: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1980399476144?aff=oddtdtcreator

Finances: The ultimate way to ‘take care of business’ is to pay attention to your finances. We’re providing the tools to help you demystify your taxes as a solopreneur, manage seasonal fluctuations, and plan for a smooth tax season year-over-year.

  • Community Futures North Okanagan invites you to join a Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Liaison Officer for a no-cost, confidential workshop designed specifically for small business owners and self-employed individuals.
  • This session provides professional guidance to help you navigate your tax obligations with confidence and avoid common errors that can cost time and money.
  • Link to register: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1983646111919?aff=oddtdtcreator

Marketing: Is your brand blooming or buried? Discover how to cut through the noise with updated digital strategies and local networking tactics that turn “curious” prospects into loyal customers.

  • Led by Danielle Guetter of Okanagan Socials, this simple, practical workshop will help evaluate the health of your online presence.
  • Using the analogy of a professional home inspection, participants will walk through three critical areas every business needs to get right: Social Media, Website and Google Business Profile.
  • Danielle will conduct a mini audit of each area, highlighting what’s working well (a pass) and what may need attention (a recommended fix). Business owners will learn where your digital presence is strong and where small improvements can make a big difference.
  • Each participant will leave with a clear, easy-to-use checklist outlining exactly what to review and improve across all three platforms.
  • Link to register: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1983647986526?aff=oddtdtcreator

Don’t Miss Out: Secure Your Spot Today

The “spring-cleaning” of your business strategy shouldn’t wait. These workshops are designed to be high-impact, providing you with actionable takeaways you can implement the very same day.

There is no-cost to register, but space is limited. Whether you are a solo entrepreneur or managing a growing team, these sessions are built for you.

Click the links or photos above to visit our Eventbrite page and sign up for one (or all three) of our core sessions.

“Growth is never by mere chance; it is the result of forces working together.” — James Cash Penney.

Where Are They Now? From 3rd Place to Career Growth with North Okanagan Consulting

/in ,

Shelley pitches North Okanagan Consulting at the Enterprize Challenge Finale Event on May 7th, 2025 at the Vernon & District Performing Arts Centre.

At Community Futures North Okanagan, we’ve seen firsthand that the true value of the Enterprize Challenge isn’t just in the businesses created—it’s in the incredible professionals who emerge from the process. Today, we’re catching up with Shelley Lavigne, a standout participant from our 2025 cohort, whose journey perfectly illustrates how the challenge serves as a springboard for personal and professional growth.

A Foundation Built on Innovation

When Shelley entered the 2025 Enterprize Challenge, she hit the ground running with the launch of North Okanagan Consulting. Her vision was clear: create a streamlined system to support local contractors and homeowners navigating the complexities of the permit process.

While the business had a quieter start than initially anticipated, the experience was anything but a setback. Through the challenge, Shelley gained a masterclass in the local market and the unfiltered realities of solo entrepreneurship. These insights allowed her to sharpen her business acumen and gain the clarity needed to shape her long-term career direction.

Shelley participated in many community events to promote her new business in 2025, including the Vernon Spring Home Show at Kal Tire Place.

The Power of Placing Third

Shelley’s hard work and dedication didn’t go unnoticed. She secured 3rd place in the 2025 Enterprize Challenge, walking away with a massive prize package designed to fuel growth.

This prize package included:

  • Significant cash investment to help with business expenses

  • Marketing & advertising credits to amplify the North Okanagan Consulting brand

  • Legal services to ensure a solid professional foundation

  • Local Chamber of Commerce memberships to deepen her community roots

A New Chapter

The beauty of the Enterprize Challenge is that the confidence and connections built during the program often lead to unexpected, exciting doors opening.

This past fall, Shelley transitioned into a new role as Accounts Manager for a local marketing company and it has proven to be a perfect fit. Today, she uses the very same business skills, systems-thinking, and community connections she cultivated during the challenge to thrive in her day-to-day work.

North Okanagan Consulting continues to hum along as a side-hustle for Shelley, creating opportunities to help clients with their permitting projects on a smaller scale. Shelley’s story is a powerful reminder that “success” in the challenge can mean many things—including landing a dream role where your entrepreneurial spirit is a prized asset.

Final Call: Your Turn to Change the Narrative

Shelley’s story is a testament to the fact that the Enterprize Challenge is about more than just a business plan; it’s about changing your circumstances and growing your personal brand.

Registration for the 2026 Enterprize Challenge is now in its FINAL WEEK.

Are you ready to find the clarity, confidence, and community support that Shelley did? Whether you launch the next big local startup or use the experience to catapult your career to the next level, the 2026 Enterprize Challenge is your platform to make it happen.

Don’t wait for the “perfect” moment. The deadline is fast approaching—register today and start your own success story.

Where Are They Now? From Pitch to Progress with Vicky’s Play Place

/in ,

Kylee Howard presents her final pitch for “Vicky’s Play Place” at the Enterprize Challenge Finale on May 7th, 2025 held at the Vernon & District Performing Arts Centre.

When the 2025 Enterprize Challenge wrapped up last May, Kylee Howard stood on stage as the second-place & People’s Choice winner, fueled by a vision to create a much-needed community space: Vicky’s Play Place.

But as any seasoned entrepreneur will tell you, the final pitch is just the starting line. Seven months later, Kylee is sharing a look behind the curtain at what it really takes to bring a business to life—and how the foundation laid during the Enterprize Challenge is helping her navigate the “marathon” of business ownership.

Shortly after the competition, Kylee moved to secure a facility. However, the transition from a business plan to a physical storefront brought a series of high-stakes lessons in zoning, permits, and commercial logistics.

“Ultimately, we had to walk away from our first potential deal due to parking limitations,” Kylee shares. “It was a tough but necessary decision. That process taught us exactly what a commercial space needs to truly work for our vision.”

For Kylee, the summer of 2025 was about more than just business; it was about life. While regrouping from facility setbacks, she was also navigating life with three children and welcoming a new baby girl to the family.

Kylee (back right) and her family.

While the pace changed, the momentum didn’t stop. By the Fall, the “rhythm” returned. Kylee used that time to:

  • Strengthen the business plan and financial projections.

  • Finalize an investor prospectus to prepare for the next level of funding.

  • Leverage Enterprize Challenge media credits to share her story, leading to vital connections with local business owners who believe in the mission.

One of the most significant shifts for Vicky’s Play Place has been a deep dive into the financing landscape. Kylee has been working closely with accountants, legal advisors, and the City of Vernon to understand exactly what makes a business “lender-ready.”

“It’s been a steep learning curve,” says Kylee. “But it has given us so much more clarity and confidence. We’re structuring this business responsibly from day one.”

The community demand for Vicky’s Play Place is undeniable. With nearly 600 families on the waitlist and consistent engagement on social media, the North Okanagan is ready for what Kylee is building.

While the original goal was a 2025 opening, the journey has led to a stronger, more grounded business model. With a third facility opportunity currently in the works, 2026 is looking like the year the doors finally swing open.

Are you ready to start your business journey? Registration for the 2026 Enterprize Challenge is NOW OPEN!

Kylee’s story is a testament to the fact that the Enterprize Challenge provides more than just a prize—it provides the tools, the network, and the resilience needed to turn a “business idea” into a “business reality.”

Whether you are in the middle of a pivot, just starting your plan, or looking for the mentorship to take you to the next level, we want to see you there.

Why Join the 2026 Enterprize Challenge?

  • Expert Mentorship: Get one-on-one guidance from local business leaders.

  • Refine Your Vision: Turn your idea into a robust, “lender-ready” business plan.

  • Win Big: Compete for thousands of dollars in prizes and essential business services.

Click Here to Register for the 2026 Enterprize Challenge!

Don’t wait—the next North Okanagan success story could be yours!

Where Are They Now? From Enterprize Challenge Winner to Green Building Powerhouse

/in ,
When applying for Enterprize Challenge in late 2024, Dora Anderson of ECOTECTURE was looking for a way to take her new business to the next level.
Dora accepts a large oversized cheque from a man.

Dora (left) accepts the cheque for $6,500 and 1st Place award from Title Sponsor Agile BK at the Enterprize Challenge Finale event on May 7th, 2025.

Through the months of educational workshops, peer networking and professional mentoring, Dora and ECOTECTURE were positioned for accelerated growth – and a 1st place win was hers at the 2025 Enterprize Challenge Finale event on May 7th, 2025.

But winning the 2025 Enterprize Challenge, and the wide array of prizes that came with this win, was more than just an award for ECOTECTURE; it was the spark that ignited a movement. Looking back at a whirlwind year, it’s clear that the competition, hosted by Community Futures North Okanagan, served as the ultimate catalyst for bringing sustainable architecture into the local spotlight.

Led by Dora Anderson, the ECOTECTURE team hasn’t just been building houses; they’ve been building a greener future for the Okanagan. Since their win, the business has become a familiar name in the community, featured in Okanagan Lake Living Magazine, Castanet, and the Morning Star.

“The Enterprize Challenge was the catalyst for our business to gain exposure.” — Dora Anderson, ECOTECTUREEcotecture's logo, two green rectangles and a tree

As Dora and her team reflect on the calendar year of 2025, they are filled with gratitude. They’ve partnered with forward-thinking clients who were ready to challenge the status quo, choosing to build better, build green, and aim for ‘Net Zero.

Perhaps the most meaningful milestone of the year was the opportunity for the team to give back to the community that supported them. ECOTECTURE worked alongside the Upper Room Mission (URM) to design their new 24-bed shelter.

This URM facility will provide 10,000 safe nights of sleep each year. For those acing the uncertainty of life on the streets, this shelter is more than just a building—it’s a foundation for transformation, recovery, and new beginnings.

As ECOTECTURE moves into 2026, the momentum from their Enterprize Challenge win shows no signs of slowing down. They continue to prove that in the North Okanagan, building for the future isn’t just a dream—it’s already happening.

Registration for Enterprize Challenge 2026 is now open, closing on January 31st, 2026. The Final Pitch event will take place on May 7, 2026, at the Vernon & District Performing Arts Centre. futuresbc.com/enterprize-challenge.

About Community Futures

From our office in downtown Vernon, Community Futures North Okanagan offers employment, business and economic development services to help residents build their future and the community. We service Armstrong, Coldstream, Enderby, Grindrod, Lavington, Lumby, Mara, Okanagan Indian Band,  Spallumcheen, Splatsin and Vernon.

Careers Volunteer Partners Privacy Policy Issue Resolution Services en Français
Living Wage Certified
Government of BC logo

Proudly Supported by:
Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan)