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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
FILL Vernon’s Refill Store & NUMU Technologies need your votes! VERNON, B.C.—One uses data to help businesses grow their profits, the other uses pumps on jugs of household products to help people refill containers and keep plastics out of landfills. Both are Enterprize Challenge alumni and both have been nominated for a Small Business BC […]
This might be the year to start exporting—and the new Export Navigator advisor for the Thompson-Okanagan is providing free support along the way.
Community Futures North Okanagan calls for emerging entrepreneurs to participate in Enterprize Challenge, being held virtually in 2021. VERNON, BC— More than three years ago, nurse and new mother Kayley Letendre moved back to Vernon from the coast to raise her young family when she started craving something that she and her husband devoured while travelling […]
COVID-19 was not in the business plan. And yet, two former Enterprize Challenge participants have managed to shift, thrive and support their communities in interesting ways. When Marilyn Courtenay stood on the stage and made her pitch to judges in the 2019 Enterprize Challenge, she painted a scene of The Boarding House Café: A group […]
The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) for the Vernon-North Okanagan is updating its community criteria effective December 1, 2020. The criteria have been enhanced to support employers to hire more employees and grow the local economy. The three-year pilot began accepting applications in February 2020, with a maximum applicant limit of 100 per year. […]
Community Futures North Okanagan recognizes founding chairperson Claudette Everitt with its Long Service Award. VERNON, BC— Claudette Everitt still remembers the day when the North Okanagan’s entrepreneurial and business landscape changed for good. While serving as the first female president and later executive director of the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce, Everitt received an envelope […]
VERNON, BC—Small business owners from across the Okanagan-Shuswap region have the chance to participate in three days of development workshops and connect with peers from across the valley as Community Futures hosts a virtual version of Small Business Week events. “This is an important business development opportunity that our community looks forward to every year, […]