News Archives - Page 10 of 14 - Community Futures North Okanagan

CFNO launches Rural Northern Immigration Pilot

January 21, 2020/in News

RNIP project helps Okanagan attract—and keep—talented international workers

VERNON, BC—In just a few weeks, local employers will be able to post jobs that could help bring up to 100 skilled foreign workers to the North Okanagan every year until 2022— bolstering the economy and helping employers overcome a looming skilled labour shortage that can’t be filled solely by residents.

Vernon is one of two communities in BC and one of 11 in Canada selected to participate in the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP), which aims to help smaller communities benefit from the immigration of skilled workers by creating a path to permanent residence. RNIP Vernon will see Community Futures North Okanagan (CFNO) endorse qualifying job postings and support the local committee that recommends the applications of eligible skilled international workers.

Click To Find Out More On How The Rural And Northern Immigration Pilot Will Help Local Businesses Overcome Skilled Labour Shortage

“Our region is extremely fortunate to have been selected to participate in this project,” says Leigha Horsfield, General Manager, CFNO. “The opportunities it presents to enhance and fill gaps in our workforce needs is exceptional. One of the many outcomes we’d like to see is the promotion of the North Okanagan as a destination of choice for skilled immigrants and their families.”

The pilot is scheduled to begin in Vernon Feb. 1 and this week CFNO begins hosting ongoing RNIP training sessions for employers, who must meet several eligibility requirements, including being within a 40-kilometre radius (except for Kelowna), already having at least three full-time employees, and be posting a full-time permanent position. As of Feb. 1, employers can post a position on the new RNIP Vernon website, which goes live today for information, and employers will also be required to post the job locally so current residents can apply.

On Feb. 3, RNIP candidates will be able to create a profile on the RNIP Vernon site and can then apply for postings. To be considered eligible, candidates must meet federal permanent residency criteria as well as language benchmarks, and intend to live in the community. Once there’s a match between qualified employers and applicants, a CFNO committee reviews applications monthly and can recommend up to 100 applicants per year.

“This is a proactive solution that supports our region’s economic development goals. Vancouver and Kelowna are such draws, how do we attract and keep skilled workers? They need to have good jobs and a good place to live,” says Mercer.

“If we can target skilled workers who can earn a living wage, and if they have job security and a welcoming community, these people and their families are more likely to stay and continue contributing to our region,” says Ward Mercer, Regional Coordinator, RNIP, adding with an aging population, only 47 per cent of Vernon residents are active in the workforce, and that number will continue to shrink as baby boomers retire.

The pilot runs February 2020 to 2022. The maximum number of recommended applicants would be 300 over the three-year period, in addition to applicants’ spouses and children, if their applications are also successful.

The RNIP project is supported by the City of Vernon, Southern Interior Development Initiative Trust, the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction and the Ministry of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

To learn more, visit www.rnip-vernon.ca

ABOUT COMMUNITY FUTURES NORTH OKANAGAN

Community Futures North Okanagan is a not-for-profit organization that supports economic development projects and helps our business community, job-seekers, and employers succeed. As a community-based organization with roots in Vernon dating back to 1984, Community Futures acts as a leader to create opportunities for growth and success across the North Okanagan. A team of nearly 45 staff provide workshops, programs and services for three departments: Business Services, Employment Services, and Economic Development. Visit www.futuresbc.com to learn more.

(feature image courtesy pexels.com)

Enterprize Challenge 2020: Submit Your Entries

December 18, 2019/in News

VERNON, BC—Her Facebook feed illustrates an eight-month journey marked by milestones (holding the first place Enterprize Challenge trophy, leasing a space in the Polson Mall, and labeling bulk laundry soap) as well as mantras (pushing against plastic for lettuce, kids’ containers, sea life and the water bottles consumed by billions). On Saturday, Dec. 7, as FILL Vernon’s Refill Store celebrated its grand opening to an endless stream of customers, owner Teresa Sanders reflected on the role of Enterprize Challenge:

“It’s been amazing to see all the people behind us and the pure excitement about the opportunity to ditch plastic,” says Sanders. “So many people have said, ‘We were just waiting for you to open’ or ‘I saw your presentation and I’m so excited you’re finally open.’ We just wouldn’t have had that build up or the community around us, and I’m so grateful for that.”

Community Futures North Okanagan (CFNO), which hosts the sixth annual Enterprize Challenge presented by VantageOne, opens the 2020 competition Jan. 6 to another crop of emerging entrepreneurs vying for more than $45,000 in prizes. Described by many participants as a “bootcamp for small business,” the competition culminates with seven finalists pitching their business to judges à la Dragon’s Den in front of a live audience at the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre.

Enterprize Challenge 2019 participants. *Photo credit: Celena Sandaker*

“The Enterprize Challenge is about getting businesses started off on the right foot,” says Kazia Mullin, Business Services Manager, CFNO. “Our goal is to have everyone who participates get training, skills, and a chance to boost their business’ marketing. And a big part of that comes from learning how to pitch your business.”

Leading up to that April 28 public presentation, however, is an incredible amount of preparation as well as support. Workshops and mentorship sessions are held to help participants understand the fundamentals of starting a business. They are supported in preparing for their initial presentation, which is held in front of a panel of judges behind closed doors.

“We changed the format of the event last year to have our seven finalists do a public pitch to our judges. Not only did finalists have the general public get excited about their business but the finalists themselves stepped up and elevated their understanding of what makes their business successful,” says Mullin.

Teresa Sanders, Enterprize Challenge 2019 winner.
*Photo credit: Celena Sandaker*

The prize packages are created to give winners a leg up in their first year of operations and include marketing, advertising, legal, printing, banking, and accounting services. Participants also have the chance to earn a marketing package with the People’s Choice Award.

It’s been an exciting time for the 2019 top three winners. FILL opened its doors in early December; second place winner Sugarbee’s Ice Cream Company became a household name as the bicycle cooler filled with real ice cream made its way to markets, shops and festivals; and third place winner The Boarding House Café is set to open its coffee house filled with board games on 31 Avenue.

“Even the people who don’t ‘win’ come away as winners because they now have a deeper understanding of their business and where the opportunities for success are,” says Mullin.

The Community Futures Enterprize Challenge is presented by VantageOne Credit Union with other local businesses and organization sponsoring the event to make the challenge and its prizes possible. Enterprize 2020 registration opens Jan. 6, 2020 and closes Feb. 7 for participants with a business idea or a business that opened in the last 12 months. To learn more or register, visit enterprizechallenge.ca.

ABOUT COMMUNITY FUTURES NORTH OKANAGAN

Community Futures North Okanagan is a not-for-profit organization that supports economic development projects and helps our business community, job-seekers, and employers succeed. As a community-based organization with roots in Vernon dating back to 1984, Community Futures acts as a leader to create opportunities for growth and success across the North Okanagan. A team of nearly 45 staff provide workshops, programs and services for three departments: Business Services, Employment Services, and Economic Development. Visit www.futuresbc.com to learn more.

Photo credit: Celena Sandaker celenasphotography.com

North Okanagan-Shuswap Employment and Business Fair seeks employers, sponsors

November 20, 2019/in News

VERNON, BC—More than 600 people attended the inaugural 2019 North Okanagan-Shuswap Employment and Business Fair last March and organizers of the upcoming 2020 event are expecting to see an even greater turnout this year, making it an invaluable opportunity for businesses and organizations in the region.

“This is the only job fair of its kind and the overwhelming success of the first event last year told us this is something both job-seekers and employers value, so we’re looking forward to building on that momentum and hosting another successful job fair this year,” says Connie Viszlai, business services advisor, Community Futures North Okanagan (CFNO). CFNO is a supporting organizer of the event along with Armstrong-Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce and The Splatsin Development Corporation. Supporting partners include City of Enderby and WorkBC.

The second annual North Okanagan-Shuswap Employment and Business Fair will be held March 9, 2020, at the Splatsin Community Centre in Enderby—a spacious and beautiful new community-centric facility that proved to be an ideal venue last year.

“The fair was created to bring together employers and job-seekers from across the region that might not otherwise have a chance to connect, and it was wonderful to see those connections being made last year,” says Patti Noonan, manager, Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce, adding some job-seekers were hired on the spot and nearly 60 organizations had a chance to showcase their services and products.

Organizers say they’ve already received inquiries from several businesses and school districts interested in bringing students. Noonan encourages employers and organizations to register soon and book a table.

“If you are hiring, it makes such a difference to have that one-on-one human connection, but even if you’re not hiring, this is an opportunity to gain some terrific exposure.”

Job fair organizers are seeking a handful of event sponsors to help make this year’s event a success. Existing sponsors helping to cover costs include The Armstrong/Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce, the Township of Spallumcheen, the City of Armstrong and the City of Enderby.

Early bird table registration is $100 until Dec. 1 and from Dec. 1-Feb. 30, table registration is $130. To save your spot, visit the Armstrong Chamber of Commerce or Community Futures North Okanagan. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please contact the chamber in Armstrong (250) 546-8155.

ABOUT COMMUNITY FUTURES NORTH OKANAGAN

Community Futures North Okanagan is a not-for-profit organization that supports economic development projects and helps our business community, job-seekers, and employers succeed. As a community-based organization with roots in Vernon dating back to 1984, Community Futures acts as a leader to create opportunities for growth and success across the North Okanagan. A team of nearly 45 staff provide workshops, programs and services for three departments: Business Services, Employment Services, and Economic Development. Visit www.futuresbc.com to learn more.

Let’s Go Jetsitters! How a Ski Resort Childcare Service is Gliding into New Territory

November 19, 2019/in News

Growing up, Jacky Martin’s family vacationed with cousins and friends at their favourite BC ski resorts, such as Big White, Silver Star, Sun Peaks and Whistler. By day, the kids snow-plowed alongside parents under the sun. By late afternoon and evening, they played board games by the fire while their mittens dried and parents took turns hanging back from an adult ski run or dinner at the lodge.

So, when she found herself living at Big White Ski Resort as an adult and had an opportunity to buy Big White Sitters, she knew what a difference the service could make for families.

“I want to reinvent how families do the family vacation. I think all parents should get to have just as much fun as the kids,” says Martin, founder and CEO of what is now called Jetsitters. The company now has a small army of sitters across BC and Alberta who take care of children while holidaying parents do just that—have their own fun.

In 2015, the business was new and had just 20 sitters serving families at the popular Kelowna-area resort. Martin and her partner had been living there for just a year after leaving their big city corporate jobs to try life at a ski hill.

Jacky Martin, Managing Owner, Jetsitters Inc.

“We thought, let’s create a life by design. Instead of focusing on where to live for a career, let’s focus on where to life for lifestyle. Then the question became, where can we live where we can have our favourite mountain adventures out the back door? If we do it that way, where do we end up?”

They ended up at one of the resorts of her childhood, and, months later, Big White Sitters seemed to have found her. With her background in senior human resources roles with national retailers, Martin immediately recognized opportunities to automate many manual processes, attract great sitters, comply with regulations, meet the needs of parents and create safe, fun experiences for families and sitters alike.

“I draw on that experience all the time and it’s been critical to where I’ve got to today and it’s informed how I’ve set up systems and processes from the beginning.”

“As I design our systems and automations, I have two goals: first, for our parents to be surprised at how easy and convenient our service is; and two, to be delighted by the top quality of our caregivers and feel confident their children are in good hands. We are caring for their most precious loved ones, and with this in mind, I’ve set up a tight system of sitter controls.”

For example, Martin has worked hard to attract ideal sitters by building pre-screening pipelines that ask important questions and qualify candidates with behavioural interviewing, making selections only after checking references, qualifications and government records. Successful candidates then participate in an onboarding system to learn important best practices, codes of conduct and protocols before sitting for their first family.

For the safety of the sitter, sitters are geo-located from the time they leave for their booking until the end with an app-based locator service, and even take geo-tracked selfies on arrival and departure so Jetsitters knows the right sitter arrived at the right location on time. After making their online booking, parents receive a sitter profile to introduce them to their Jetsitter before they arrive.

Many of Martin’s sitters are twenty or thirty-something professionals with relevant experience, such as in teaching, nursing, social work and child care, and they are doing what Martin first set out to do—lead a slightly unconventional life visiting Canadian ski resorts to enjoy the recreation activities they’re so passionate about.

“I think parents are surprised by the quality of our caregivers and this is definitely what sets us apart from other sitter services out there.”

This ski season, the Jetsitter team expanded exponentially—to nearly 250 people and counting—as the company moves into Whistler, Sun Peaks, Silver Star and Banff. Martin says she was able to take those steps in part because of the support and guidance she has received from Ken MacLeod, Export Advisor with Export Navigator, the program that helps small businesses reach new markets.

“He has really helped me see how to enter a market without a lot of risk and really set the business up for success. That was foundational in helping me cross that threshold into going big. When you have a small business, you don’t always know what should be next or you have ideas but you’re not sure how to go from A to B.”

“The work with Export Navigator helped me streamline some of the things I wanted to do that were critical in helping me get into marketplaces and get some initial traction, and do it with an eye to getting across the border and then into other countries.”

Jacky…has worked diligently to advance her business model, setting and achieving lofty goals along each stage of her business development and I have no doubt that Jetsitters will continue to grow across North America.
Ken MacLeod, Export Advisor, Export Navigator

MacLeod, who began working with Martin in July says, “Jacky is a dynamic entrepreneur. She’s formalizing, automating and adding legitimacy to the world of babysitting at ski resorts and she’s seeing a lot of success as she is filling a void by enhancing the customers’ holiday experience,” says MacLeod, adding the Jetsitters app, like the business, is forward-thinking and designed with parents’ needs in mind.

The web app allows the client to view services, book and pay online, and provides peace of mind to parents by offering well-trained, vetted staff while also providing working holiday employment opportunities for sitters at the various resorts.

“It has been a pleasure to support Jacky through the Export Navigator program. She has worked diligently to advance her business model, setting and achieving lofty goals along each stage of her business development and I have no doubt that Jetsitters will continue to grow across North America.”

Are you thinking about how your business could succeed beyond the Thompson-Okanagan? Learn more about Export Navigator and how we can help you reach your goals!

Export Navigator is a partnership, with support provided by the Province of B.C., the Government of Canada, Small Business BC, Community Futures organizations, and Women’s Enterprise Centre

(feature image courtesy Victoria Borodinova via Pexels).

CFNO puts out call for diverse volunteers

November 1, 2019/in News

Community-minded individuals and those with business expertise have a chance to make a lasting impact in the region and help others benefit from their experience in volunteer roles with Community Futures North Okanagan (CFNO). The organization is seeking a young, diverse range of volunteers to join its Self-employment Advisory Panel, Loans Committee and Board of Directors.

“These are all roles that, in just a few hours a month, make a tremendous difference in helping entrepreneurs, businesses and innovation in our community thrive,” says Leigha Horsfield, General Manager, CFNO, adding the organization is prioritizing applicants under age 45 from diverse backgrounds across the North Okanagan.

“Having representation from different groups, ages, ethnicities and communities helps ensure we can best serve the needs of our clients and the economic development of our region as a whole.”

Volunteer members of the Self-employment Advisory Panel help emerging entrepreneurs succeed as they review business plans and submit recommendations. Members of the Loans Committee help existing businesses grow by reviewing and voting on funding applications, often from entrepreneurs experiencing challenges with big potential.

“These are both roles that allow volunteers to make a significant contribution behind the scenes, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see these businesses open and grow and succeed because of this support.”

Volunteer members of the Board of Directors have the chance to contribute to big picture economic development initiatives, and the strategy and direction of CFNO.

“As part of a governance board, this is an especially rewarding role for community-minded individuals who want to be a part of lasting projects that enhance business and employment in the region.”

Individuals interested in learning more about the positions or applying can visit our Volunteers Page and complete an application. Applications are being accepted until Nov. 29, 2019.

Community Futures Releases Feasibility Study on North Okanagan Innovation Centre and Maker Space

September 3, 2019/in News

Salmon Arm has one, and Nelson, BC is about to get one. The Innovation Centre, work-share, and maker-space concept is gaining traction all over BC, with numerous Innovation Centres opening throughout the province.

The idea has gained interest from the North Okanagan business, technological and creative community, as was seen when Community Futures North Okanagan (CFNO) hosted a presentation on the North Okanagan Innovation Centre and Maker Space Concept, Aug. 28.

A full house listened as consultants Angela Tu Weissenberger and Rose Hoeher presented their preliminary findings from a feasibility study they conducted with local stakeholders.

Commissioned by CFNO and the City of Vernon, the study showed that a local Innovation Centre and Maker Space could impact 14,000 entrepreneurs and businesses as well as 342 tech companies, and 277 makers and artists.

“The Vernon area and the North Okanagan have so many rich assets,” says Tu Weissenberger, an economist with a finance background who has worked on a number of projects around Canada. “It’s almost a hidden community, with numerous residents working remotely, and these assets need to be networked and brought together. There is already a thriving innovation ecosystem. It just needs to be connected.”

While an Innovation Centre is described as a place that fosters a culture of innovation through the creation, sharing, and testing of ideas, a maker space is a collaborative workspace inside a school, library or separate public/private facility that provides hands-on learning as well as help with critical thinking skills.

“The vision is to create a flexible space and a central hub for regional communities to work in collaboration,” says Tu Weissenberger, who with Hoeher conducted a feasibility study in 2016 for the Nelson Innovation Centre, which is about to launch Phase 1 of its operation with a soft opening in October.

“The concept of building an Innovation Centre in Nelson started to merge after I hosted a strategic session where 70 people showed up to talk about what tech in Nelson would look like. Angela was hired to do a feasibility study and I helped her. We had the data to move forward and with the help of Community Futures Central Kootenay and the Nelson and Area Economic Development, a business plan emerged,” says Hoeher. “A combination of government, community and the private sector, as well as the tech component, chambers of commerce and private industries were the ingredients needed to make it happen. It really was a community initiative.”

For the North Okanagan study, Tu Weissenberger and Hoeher interviewed 15 stakeholders, involving regional community members from corporations to government to those involved in the arts, science and technology fields.

The recommendation that came out of the study was for a 2,000 sq. ft. physical space, near downtown, with an anchor tenant. While there was clear support for the Innovation Centre concept, questions arose about the Maker Space, with the construction of a new cultural centre expected to be built in Vernon in the near future.

“The biggest take was that there is no central hub for those 14,000 people to meet and network. This includes the hidden tech community, remote workers, co-workers, independent freelancers, startup businesses, entrepreneurs, artists and makers in the community to come together, share ideas and collaborate or to have Internet access and a meeting/event space,” says Tu Weissenberger. “We also found that people wanted something made in Vernon, not taken from a Silicon Valley model. They wanted something specific to the community.”

Adds Hoeher: “I’ve seen a lot of enthusiasm from young people, who are excited to see their dreams flourish… Tolko and Kal Tire have also been very supportive of this project. The community that has come forward in Vernon so far with their support and enthusiasm has been phenomenal.”

Besides financing, the women agree that social media and branding are the keys to move the concept of an Innovation Centre and Maker Space forward.

“This would have to be done in phases to reflect Vernon’s strengths and needs a passionate leader long- term to move it forward,” says Tu Weissenberger.

Leigha Horsfield, CFNO General Manager, says: “The process in getting to the point of a feasibility study has been highly collaborative and involved many community stakeholders. We feel the community is primed for an asset of this kind and are looking forward to the next steps.”

Land to Table in action: CFNO supports food systems network

May 28, 2019/in News

How can we develop a local food system that is prosperous, environmentally sustainable and accessible? Even more, how can we go from talking about doing this, to making it happen? These are just some of the questions that have driven Land to Table, a network of partners committed to building a thriving local food network for the North Okanagan.

“Our idea is that if we have a well-connected and coordinated network inspired by a common vision and goals, together we can develop a food system that benefits so many in our region in so many ways,” says Liz Blakeway, coordinator, Land to Table.

Originally known as North Okanagan Food Systems Initiative (NOFSI), the network grew from handful of women rooted in the agricultural community who were committed to sustainable development and began a study circle. Founding member Eva-Lena Lang went on to focus her master’s degree research on building a food system network in the North Okanagan.

Three years later, Land to Table is focusing both on implementing Lang’s recommendations around building the network, and then harnessing that network to take action.

For the last two years, Land to Table has held winter forums attended by producers, processors, distributors, restaurateurs, chefs, retailers, food waste managers, engaged consumers, government agencies, not-for-profits, academics and more.

“The forums are really key for us. We’re trying to tackle some really big, complex ideas each year and then break it down into different pieces that our action teams then go away to execute on,” says Blakeway.

Actions and ideas to come out of those forums include:

GAP Canada certification so producers meet requirements to have large-scale distributors, for example, buy and re-sell their produce, a workshop that has already been hosted twice at Community Futures North Okanagan (CFNO)
How to get more food into local restaurants and institutions, such as colleges and the university
A food hub project that would explore bringing local produce together for collective sale, storage and distribution
A way to measure the progress and strength of the regional food system with data from area food processors around who is producing what and where is it going
A report on consumer attitudes around buying local food to find out what barriers exist and opportunities to overcome them

Blakeway says participation in the forums, steering committee and action teams has been strong, a sign that Land to Table’s work is timely, relevant and important to the various partners.

“These people are so, so busy, but they see the potential and opportunity in the work that they’re doing, and we say, ‘This is your network. We want to support the ideas and energy you have for these different pieces, so tell us how we can do that.’”

“It (that strong commitment) demonstrates the importance and validity of what we’re doing—that we can connect to people and complete projects—but it’s also important for stakeholders who said, no more talk. So it’s a fine balance between network building and getting things done.”

Because of the importance of the work and the need to take complementary priority actions forward, the Regional District of the North Okanagan’s electoral area advisory committee saw a link with Land to Table’s work and funded Blakeway’s coordinator position, a unique and promising step.

“There are a lot of food systems societies popping up in BC but funding is a challenge, so we’re very fortunate that our regional district wants to support this work.

Support for Land to Table has also come from Community Futures North Okanagan, which is acting as a backbone organization, providing important administrative and business planning assistance.

“Even more than that, they create a home base for the Land to Table steering committee to meet and host important stakeholder and network meetings,” says Blakeway, adding CFNO also plays an integral role in Land to Table’s ability to apply for grant funding as well as offer training and workshops to network members, such as the GAP Canada certification. “These are all such important pieces of our function and success as a network.”

Kazia Mullin, Business Services Coordinator, CFNO, says it makes sense for Community Futures to provide foundational support for a network that’s supporting the local food economy.

“There are so many strong economic development opportunities here, so our business services team is happy to be supporting Land to Table as it begins to take bigger and bigger steps in growing local connections to food.”

Community Futures Names Thompson-Okanagan Export Advisor

May 1, 2019/in News

Thompson-Okanagan business owners interested in exporting their products will now have the chance to receive guidance at every step from an experienced business leader and CEO coach. Community Futures North Okanagan has named Ken MacLeod as Export Advisor for the region’s Export Navigator program.

“We are thrilled to be able to provide clients with this caliber of support,” says Leigha Horsfield, general manager, Community Futures North Okanagan. “We look forward to the continued success of this program as entrepreneurs connect with Ken to grow their markets beyond BC.”

Export Navigator assists businesses already exporting and those with export potential as they access new business market opportunities and develop strategies to innovate, grow and enhance their competitiveness in BC and internationally. With support from the Province through the Ministry of Jobs, Trade and Technology, and the Government of Canada through Western Economic Diversification, and in partnership with Small Business BC, North Okanagan entrepreneurs can now receive enhanced support with a locally based Export Advisor.

MacLeod is an accredited Family Enterprise Advisor and an experienced entrepreneur, innovator, business leader and CEO coach. His corporate, franchise and family business experience in Canada, United States and Asia makes him ideally suited to support the Export Navigator clients.

“I’m looking forward to helping companies achieve success by identifying and building new markets, innovating next-generation products and services, and championing the best in business thinking.”
Ken MacLeod

“This role aligns so well with my vision because I really am passionate about advancing support for small business entrepreneurs in BC,” says MacLeod, who has also been active in the community as past Director and then President of the Vernon Chamber of Commerce, Director on the BC Chamber of Commerce and has held seats on several for-profit and not-for-profit boards.

“I’m looking forward to helping companies achieve success by identifying and building new markets, innovating next-generation products and services, and championing the best in business thinking.”

Export Navigator provides essential services at no cost to qualified businesses that will receive a personalized, step-by-step approach to exporting as well as assistance to connect their business to available market information, export programs, financial services, and business development experts at every stage of the process.

MacLeod will offer Export Navigator assistance to clients across the Okanagan Valley as well as parts of the Thompson and Shuswap regions.

Export Navigator Services include:

– Expert advice and guidance throughout the entire process
– An export readiness assessment and business needs assessment
– Market entry strategy support
– Market tools and information
– Streamlined service connections to support services

Entrepreneurs interested in learning more about Export Navigator can visit https://smallbusinessbc.ca/export-navigator/.

For more information, please contact:

Ken MacLeod, FEA

Export Advisor, North Okanagan Region, Export Navigator

Community Futures North Okanagan

250-306-5915

Ken@exportnavigator.ca

And the Enterprize Challenge 2019 winner is…

April 25, 2019/in News

VERNON, BC—Back in December, Teresa Sanders read an article about what she calls “the myth of recycling plastics” that opened her eyes and her imagination. She decided to do something about it and came up with a business idea to provide refillable cleaning and hygiene products to the community.

Her idea will soon become a reality now that Sanders has been named the 2019 Enterprize Challenge grand prize winner.

“I am so pumped for the opportunity to reduce plastics in our community,” said an elated Sanders, who has won close to $20,000 in prizes provided by Enterprize sponsors. “I’ve seen refill stores in Chilliwack, Victoria, Vancouver, but noticed there was none here in the Okanagan. I am happy we can do this for the earth, but I am also happy for myself and to open the business FILL.”

Teresa Sanders, owner of FILL, Vernon’s Refill Store, accepts the grand prize award from Roxanne Davyduke, VantageOne Credit Union

Sanders was one of seven finalists who competed at the awards and challenger showcase, April 24 at the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre. More than 200 people attended the event, which saw the finalists display their business ideas in the centre’s foyer before giving the final pitch to judges in front of a live audience.

“We had such an incredible calibre of entries this year,” said Kazia Mullin, Business Services Coordinator with Community Futures North Okanagan, which has organized the Enterprize Challenge for five years. “Judging from the applause and shouts of support, the audience enjoyed watching the finalists pitch their ideas to the judges. It was like watching the Dragon’s Den live and was exciting to see how well all of them did in their presentations.”

Also new this year was the People’s Choice Award, where supporters could vote for their favourite showcase and pitch via an online survey. Ashley and Michael Reina of Therabyte Inc., a cloud-based web application for therapists, won the People’s Choice, while Kayley Letendre of Sugarbee’s Ice Cream Company came second, and Marilyn Courtenay of the Boarding House Café placed third.

“This was an amazing opportunity to learn how to start a business,” said Letendre, who gave out samples of her French-style all natural ice cream during the showcase.

“I really appreciated the support and mentorship I had from my mentor, Scot McNair. He was instrumental in getting me to where I needed to be. Now the sky’s the limit.”

Sanders also thanked her mentor, Amy Gillies, a commercial lender at VantageOne Credit Union, for her support.

“I learned so much from working with her,” said Sanders, who is currently looking for a storefront to open FILL. “We had an incredible team at Community Futures and from the community who came in to help us with everything from marketing to creating a business plan.”

Ted Morrison, VP of Commercial Banking at VantageOne, who has served as an Enterprize judge for the past two years, says he was impressed with the calibre of all the contestants this year.

“We ended up with 18 presentations at the beginning of the challenge, and all of them were fascinating. I learned a lot. To see the passion in the room was enough for me to think that we have a good future here in the North Okanagan when it comes to business talent,” said Morrison, adding that VantageOne Credit Union has supported the Enterprize Challenge as a sponsor since day one and plans to continue its support.

Leigha Horsfield, General Manager, Community Futures North Okanagan, says the Enterprize Challenge would not be possible without the support of the sponsors who have not only donated the more than $30,000 prizes but have helped in other ways.

“This year, VantageOne Credit Union and another 14 organizations sponsored the event to make the challenge and its prizes possible. We are grateful for the support and are looking forward to seeing our challengers reach their goals of opening and marketing their businesses. We wish them all the best.”

Enterprize Challenge 2019 Finalists Announced

April 11, 2019/in News

Many have big goals, such as keeping plastic from landfills and keeping people active. Some want to spread the joy of simple pleasures like real, French-style ice cream or board games over breakfast. All have their eyes on the 2019 Enterprize Challenge grand prize.

Community Futures North Okanagan (CFNO), which hosts the annual Enterprize Challenge, has just announced the seven finalists competing to win nearly $34,000 in prizes at the finalists pitch, awards and challenger showcase April 24.

Kazia Mullin, Business Services Coordinator, CFNO, says it’s been an exciting fifth year for Enterprize Challenge.

“The entrepreneurs who presented their first pitch all brought their best. The depth of skills, knowledge and passion delivered truly blew us away. It was a hard task for the judges to narrow the group of challengers down to the final seven.”

Here are the 2019 Enterprize Challenge finalists:

The Boarding House Café, Marilyn Courtenay

Board game lovers and early breakfast diners will eat, drink and be merry at The Boarding House Café. By opening early and staying open later than most coffee houses, The Boarding House gives residents a more flexible place to enjoy exceptional desserts, all-day meals and a great selection of board games. F

Fort Knox Security, Tylor Herold

Growers and retailers in the Okanagan’s emerging cannabis industry can rely on specialized security services by Fort Knox. Covering produce facilities, micro producers and medicinal and retail outlets, Fort Knox gives cannabis business owners complete protection and peace of mind.

FILL, Teresa Sanders

A plastic-less lifestyle is made easier with FILL, a household goods store that lets customers refill everything from shampoo to dish soap, and purchase zero-waste products such as lunch containers and wooden toothbrushes . Customers will appreciate the chance to gauge their efforts with the FILL environmental calculator, which highlights the plastic they’ve saved from landfills and waters.

Monashee Health Collective, Dr. Steven Piper

If the North Okanagan embodies the ‘activate life’ statement, Monashee Health Collective offers the integrated health support so residents can enjoy a long and active life. With a team of like-minded healthcare professionals, Monashee provides assessment, treatment, education, training, recovery and outcome measures to inspire movement and quality of life.

Sugarbee’s Ice Cream Company, Kayley Letendre

Taste the Okanagan with real ice cream handmade from pure and local ingredients. Discover the mouth-watering bliss of rich, French-style ice cream blended right here for your family!

Therabyte Inc., Ashley & Michael Reina

Rehab therapy practitioners now have a solution to improve clinical research and treatment workflow with Therabyte. A cloud-based web application, Therabyte helps therapists and patients reach their goals at every stage of the treatment journey: intake, assessment, treatment, communication, reporting and billing.

Twilight Express Corp., Bonnie Godwin & Ashley Beauvois

When Enderby and area residents with mobility challenges need to get to medical appointments and do shopping, Twilight Express Corp. has its van doors open. This 14-seater handi-van with an approved wheelchair lift supplements community shuttles with on-demand service and also provides transportation for seniors, river floaters, special events and medical patients.

Finalists are competing to win one of three prize packages: first place, valued at $19,389; second place, valued at $9, 139, and third place, valued at $5,449.

Finalists will now give their pitch and winners will be announced at the final pitch and showcase being held April 24 at the Vernon Performing Arts Centre. This year marks the launch of the People’s Choice Award, sponsored by Sproing Creative. This prize will be awarded to the business with the most votes by the audience at the event. Tickets are available via Eventbrite, and the public is encouraged to attend.

“Everyone is excited to hear the final pitches,” says Mullin. “It’s going to be a great evening.”

The Community Futures Enterprize Challenge is presented by VantageOne Credit Union and another 14 organizations sponsor the event to make the challenge and its prizes possible.