News Archives - Community Futures North Okanagan

Refresh Your Business with Spring Learning Opportunities

February 27, 2026/in News

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.

Strategies for Staff Recruitment & Retention

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.

CRA Information for Sole Proprietors

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.

Digital Marketing Audit

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

January 23, 2026/in News, Success Story

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

January 16, 2026/in News, Success Story

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

January 9, 2026/in News, Success Story

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, ECOTECTURE

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.

It’s Time to Gear Up for Rail Trail Readiness

December 18, 2025/in News

The Rail Trail is coming to the Shuswap-North Okanagan! Construction of the trail is slated for completion in Spring 2026.

Now, businesses from Armstrong, Enderby, and Sicamous are invited to take part in a series of workshops designed to help prepare for the increased visitor traffic and tourism opportunities that the Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail will bring.

Community Futures has developed the Rail Trail Readiness Program which combines hands-on workshops with personalized 1:1 coaching to help businesses become more trail friendly.

Whether a business serves food, offers retail products, provides accommodation, or delivers tourism experiences, the Rail Trail Readiness Program ensures communities are prepared to welcome walkers, hikers, cyclists, and visitors eager to explore our region.

Building Trail-Friendly Businesses

Through the Rail Trail Readiness initiative, participating businesses will receive targeted training in:

Attraction strategies for drawing in trail users
Marketing techniques tailored to outdoor recreation visitors
Events and promotions that connect businesses to the trail experience
Product and service development aligned with the needs of hikers, bikers, and tourists
Accessibility and infrastructure improvements to make businesses more welcoming and convenient for trail traffic

Each business will also have access to customized coaching sessions to refine their plans, strengthen operations, and put new strategies into action. This support helps owners build on best practices, increase profitability, and collaborate with neighbouring businesses to drive region wide economic growth.

To help businesses invest in infrastructure upgrades (such as bike racks, signage, seating, water stations, or accessibility improvements), Community Futures is also offering access to a dedicated micro-loan fund.

Primed for Success

In anticipation of increased trail use, Shuswap and North Okanagan businesses will proactively position themselves to benefit from this economic opportunity. By participating in the Rail Trail Readiness Program, business owners will gain valuable insights, innovative strategies, and practical tools to thrive within the growing rail trail ecosystem.

Community Futures North Okanagan is proud to champion this work and support businesses in Armstrong, Enderby, and Sicamous as they prepare for a vibrant and trail-connected future.

If you’d like more information about upcoming workshops, coaching, or micro-loan opportunities, please reach out to Community Futures North Okanagan, we’re here to help you grow!

To register for a Rail Trail Readiness workshop, please visit this page linked here.

For more information about the Shuswap-North Okanagan Rail Trail project, visit these resources:

Enterprize Challenge Success Stories

December 12, 2025/in News, Success Story

With the kickoff of registration for the 2026 Enterprize Challenge, we wanted to share two ‘bite-sized’ Success Stories with you from former Enterprize Challenge finalists!

Your Friendly Dev – Finalist, 2025 Enteprize Challenge

Amber and her Enterprize Challenge mentor Danielle Guetter at her 1st Pitch in April 2025.

Amber was about half-way through the Self-Employment program with WorkBC Vernon in late 2024 when a fellow participant shared that he was entering the Enterprize Challenge. It’s a competition that sees emerging entrepreneurs develop a viable business plan and presentation, then pitch to judges like Dragon’s Den to compete for prizes.

Amber’s friend suggested she do it with him. “That was way out of my comfort zone, but I thought, OK, I am going to do this.”

Amber and “Your Friendly Dev” on-stage at the Finale Event for Enterprize Challenge in May 2025.

As a software developer, Amber was great supporting clients one-to-one. Talking up her business in front of dozens of strangers, though?

“ I went from not even being able to read my pitch in front of my kids to being up on stage in front of all those people,” she says.

Along with some incredible support from her Enterprize Challenge mentor, Amber made it through the first round. On the big night, her three kids were in the audience wearing Your Friendly Dev t-shirts and cheering her on.

Amber was not one of the top three winners, but she was thrilled with all the other results.

“I got so much out of it. The day after, my inbox was full of queries and my discovery chats were booked solid for a month. It was such great exposure.”

Lauren at the 1st Pitch in April 2023.

Chef Lauren Vincent – 3rd Place, 2023 Enterprize Challenge

In the spring of 2023, Lauren Vincent took third place in the Enterprize Challenge hosted by Community Futures North Okanagan. Her business preparing hearty, healthy fresh meals families could simply warm and serve was just getting off the ground, and Enterprize changed everything.

Lauren and her husband, who served with the military, and her young son had recently moved to Vernon from Victoria. Four years earlier, back on Vancouver Island, Lauren was on maternity leave with her son, the pandemic changed everything for young families, and a friend with two young children whose husband was away serving called Lauren and said, “I’m drowning. I need help with meals.”

“That’s how it all started,” says Lauren. “I feel like so much has happened between then and now.”

Not long after moving to the North Okanagan, Lauren saw a social post for Enterprize Challenge, which offers thousands of dollars in prizes to three winners after a Dragon’s Den-style pitch to judges.

Lauren holding her 3rd place trophy in May 2023.

“I thought, best case, I would place and maybe win prizes to help me accelerate the growth and opening. Worst case scenario, I would meet a network of people in the community.” So, she signed up.

Over the next several weeks, she took the workshops, she met with her mentor, and practiced her pitch. She made it through the first round and would go on to the final pitch at the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre.

“I was very excited and motivated to polish my presentation, take on the judge’s feedback and really nail it down,” she says.

Those words, “And third place of the 2023 Enterprize Challenge goes to…” still ring in her mind. It took a minute, she says, for everything to sink in.

“I was really proud and just happy to have had the opportunity to do my pitch in front of 200 people and talk about what I’m doing one-to-one during the vendor expo in the lobby. That exposure was amazing.”

Before the end of the night, Lauren had a handful of clients. And after those clients tried and loved her meals, they told their friends and neighbours, who told their friends and neighbours. Chef Lauren Vincent was on its way. Soon she had more than 20 client families receiving between two and four meals every week.

Feeling inspired?

Are you inspired by the success stories of these past Enterprize Challenge participants? Their achievements underscore the tangible benefits and proven framework this program provides.

If you have a business idea burning within you, or a startup ready to accelerate, now is the time to act.

Enterprize Challenge is more than a competition; it is a comprehensive, hands-on program designed to transform ambitious concepts into viable, sustainable businesses. We provide you with the structure, mentorship, and resources necessary to navigate the complexities of the early startup phase.

Don’t just dream of success—build it.

Register today by clicking here.

2026 Enterprize Challenge – Now Accepting Applications

December 12, 2025/in News

Community Futures North Okanagan is thrilled to announce that registration for the Enterprize Challenge 2026 is officially open!

This exciting competition provides aspiring entrepreneurs in the North Okanagan with the opportunity to develop their business ideas, gain valuable mentorship, and compete for a chance to win thousands of dollars in start-up capital and business services.

The Enterprize Challenge is open to individuals or groups residing in the North Okanagan who are passionate about launching a new business venture.

Participants will embark on a comprehensive program that includes workshops, mentorship sessions, and networking opportunities, all designed to equip them with the skills and knowledge needed for success.

The 2025 Winners, Judges and CF Staff Team on stage at the Finale Event for Enterprize Challenge.

“We are excited to once again support the entrepreneurial spirit in the North Okanagan through the Enterprize Challenge,” says Margo Fleming, Business Services Manager at Community Futures North Okanagan. “This program has a proven track record of helping entrepreneurs turn their dreams into reality, and we encourage anyone with a promising business idea to apply.”

The Enterprize Challenge culminates in a high-energy pitch event where finalists present their business plans to a panel of expert judges. Prizes will be awarded to the top ventures, including cash, professional services, and mentorship opportunities.

Key Dates:

Registration Deadline: January 31st, 2026
Introduction & Orientation: February 12th, 2026 from 5:30-7:00 PM at Community Futures North Okanagan office
First Pitch Event: April 14 & 15th, 2026 at Community Futures North Okanagan office
Final Pitch Event: May 7th, 2026 at the Vernon & District Performing Arts Centre

To register and learn more about the Enterprize Challenge 2026, please visit: https://www.futuresbc.com/enterprize-challenge/

Small Business Week 2025

October 6, 2025/in News

Small Business Week, running from October 19-25, 2025, is more than just a date on the calendar for Community Futures North Okanagan; it’s a powerful reflection of our core mission, mandate, and vision.

This annual celebration of entrepreneurship perfectly aligns with everything we strive to achieve: fostering economic development, supporting local businesses, and building a resilient, thriving community in the North Okanagan.

At Community Futures North Okanagan, we believe that a strong small business sector is the backbone of a vibrant economy, creating jobs, stimulating innovation, and enriching the fabric of our communities.

We provide a comprehensive suite of services designed to support businesses at every stage. This includes:

flexible business loans
expert business coaching
valuable training programs.

This year, as part of Small Business Week, we are particularly excited to host two FREE workshops on Wednesday, October 22nd. These sessions are direct examples of our commitment to practical, accessible support:

“Plug & Play Holiday Content Strategy”: This workshop directly addresses a common challenge for small businesses – effective marketing, especially during crucial sales periods.

By providing actionable strategies, we’re empowering businesses to maximize their reach and revenue during the busy holiday season, helping them to grow and thrive.

This interactive workshop is led by Business Coach Danielle Guetter and Marketing Expert Nikki Gillingham.

Please note, this workshop is now full. Click here to join the Waitlist.

“How to Avoid Getting Sued as an Employer”: Navigating the legal landscape can be daunting for small business owners. This workshop offers crucial insights into employer responsibilities, helping businesses mitigate risks, ensure compliance, and operate with confidence. This protective knowledge is vital for the long-term sustainability and success of any enterprise. This workshop is led by Pamela Connolly, CPHR of Nixon Wenger LLP.

Register here for this workshop – limited space available!

Small Business Week is a time for recognition, learning, and connection. It’s a reminder that behind every local shop, service, or startup is an entrepreneur pouring their heart into their work. Community Futures North Okanagan is proud to stand alongside these individuals, offering unwavering support and working collaboratively to build a brighter future for the entire region.

We invite all North Okanagan entrepreneurs to join us in celebrating Small Business Week. Explore our workshops, learn about our services, and discover how Community Futures North Okanagan can be your partner in success.

Level Up Your Business: Join Business Exchange

September 25, 2025/in News

Are you a small business owner navigating a sea of challenges and opportunities on your own? The path of an entrepreneur can be lonely, but it doesn’t have to be.

Community Futures North Okanagan is here to help you connect, collaborate, and grow with our Business Exchange program.

The Business Exchange is your chance to join a peer network of local small business owners who are facing the same problems you are. Imagine having a trusted group you can turn to for new ideas, proven strategies, and honest feedback. This is a space to openly share your struggles and celebrate your wins with others who truly get it.

What to Expect

For just $265, you get a full season of support, from October 16th, 2025 to May 7th, 2026. Here’s what’s included in your membership:

Bi-weekly workshops and discussions: Get hands-on learning from both professional in-house and guest speakers.
Light breakfast and coffee: Start your Thursday mornings right with a delicious breakfast during our in-person meetings.
Field trips: Get an exclusive look at other local businesses and hear their unique journeys to success.
Roundtable discussions: Dive deep into the topics that matter most to you and your business.
Networking opportunities: Connect and build relationships with other passionate professionals in the community.
Ongoing support: Our dedicated team is here to support you throughout the season.

How it Works

We meet bi-weekly on Thursday mornings from 7:00 AM to 8:30 AM at our Vernon office or at nearby businesses. The early start time is designed to help you get a head start on your day with new insights and valuable connections.

The Business Exchange is more than just a series of workshops; it’s a community. It’s an investment in yourself and your business that will pay dividends for years to come.

Ready to take your business to the next level?

Join Business Exchange and invest in your business’s future. Register Today!

Sweetpea Farms: ‘I have so much potential’

July 31, 2025/in News, Success Story

The moments that Kaitlyne Peden lives for are these: watching her chicks teeter in the morning sunlight, handing a frozen whole chicken filled with goodness to a delighted family, witnessing her farrow pig give birth and then nurse its joyful, attentive piglets.

Sweetpea Farms is a small, family-owned farm near Vernon, offering high-quality, ethically raised meat and meat products.

“I’ve always loved animals,” says Kaitlyne Peden, one of six children who grew up on a farm and is now realizing her own dream of raising happy animals to help the community enjoy the very best meats.

Last summer, though, she was looking for a job and wasn’t having any luck finding a role that might tap into what she knows and loves. After visiting WorkBC Vernon and meeting a career advisor, the facilitator of the StartUP entrepreneurial skills training program happened to pass by and explained its path to self-employment.

“It just clicked,” says Kaitlyne, who was already living on land her parents own and share and had long been thinking they should make use of it to raise pigs and hens, and sell top-quality meat. “I knew that was something I really wanted to do.”

So began the journey to building Sweetpea Farms, home to happy pigs, pasture-raised poultry and gentle, lard-filled skincare inspired by nature.

During the 20-week StartUP program, Kaitlyne discovered that while she knew animals, she had a lot to learn about running a successful business. The business model canvas exercise gave her a roadmap; guest speakers helped her see how to use social media and cashflow spreadsheets to make sure she was making a profit on her goods and her time. After all, rearing and selling animals involves a lot of steps, feed and other vendors along the way.

“There are a lot of different costs, and you need a good way to keep track of it all—and also to know how much you need to mark up to make your profit.”

All of that hard work on her operations and financials helped Kaitlyne to see she would need capital to buy chicks and pigs as well as materials for new pens and feed—and with spring already underway, she’d need that funding sooner than later.

That’s when Kaitlyne turned to the loans team at Community Futures North Okanagan.

Kaitlyne and her Sweetpea Farms table at the Enterprize Challenge event held at the Vernon & District Performing Arts Centre on May 8th, 2025.

“I was slow and steady, but I got it done,” she says, of the application materials that gave her an even more in-depth picture of exactly what it would take to make Sweetpea Farms successful. “When I got the call that the loan had been approved, it was such a relief.”

Now she would have the funds to buy that feed, build that pen, and pay for chicks and pigs already scheduled to arrive within weeks.

Now, she could devote just a little more energy on the other big business project in her life, the Enterprize Challenge hosted by Community Futures North Okanagan. Learning how to give a strong pitch, market her farm and make connections with participants and mentors, she says, was invaluable.

In this Dragon’s Den-style competition, Sweetpea Farms was one of five businesses to advance to the finale.

“It was pretty surreal. I was in the midst of cleaning out pens and going on feed runs, and my animals had all just arrived—and then I was working on my pitch, but Enterprize was such a great tool to build on what we’d done in StartUP.”

Kaitlyne went into the rest of spring and then summer working hard and on that ‘I can do it’ high. Here she is, now, selling whole chickens directly and at some markets, and getting ready for fall’s butchering season.

“I know my business has a lot of potential and I have opportunities to keep growing,” she says, of the moisture creams and lip balms she’s making from her animals’ by-products, and the hobby farming coaching she hopes to offer someday.

Looking back, Kaitlyne is thankful for the people at Community Futures North Okanagan and WorkBC Vernon who cheered her on.

“I don’t think I could have done the StartUP program without Chelan. Her teaching style, she just makes you feel heard and gives you one-on-one time if you need it. Scot and Hal were fantastic too. Any time I hear someone say they’re struggling to find a job, I say, go to Community Futures. My career advisor still checks in with me and asks if there’s anything else I need. They’re just always there.”