Multi-community Job & Business Fair a Success!

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With some job-seekers getting hired on the spot and attendance of more than 500 guests and nearly 60 organizations, the inaugural Multi-community Employment & Business Fair was an overwhelming success.

“This event exceeded our expectations and all of the organizers are so pleased with the response from both businesses and attendees,” says Connie Viszlai, business services advisor, Community Futures North Okanagan (CFNO). CFNO supported organization of the March 11 event, led by the Enderby & District Chamber of Commerce and the Armstrong-Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce.

Held at the Splatsin Centre in Enderby, the fair was created as an opportunity to connect job-seekers and employers from across the region all under one roof, and give businesses a chance to showcase their products and services. The fair also featured presentations from employers such as Kohler, Kingfisher, Interior Health and others. Employer workshops were also held on cannabis in the workplace and wage subsidy services.

“Some job-seekers were fortunate enough to be hired on the spot, and our North Okanagan businesses were also impressed with the turnout of serious job-seekers. They received a great deal of value from meeting job-seekers from across the region,” says Viszlai.

“Thank you to everyone in the community who attended and a big thank you to the organizations for their willingness to participate. Together, this is what made the event such a success.”

Organizers would also like to thank sponsors and supporters (Chambers of Commerce, cities of Armstong and Enderby, the township of Spallumcheen, Interior Health, Vernon InfoNews, and CFNO); and, in particular, the Splatsin Community and the team behind their beautiful community centre.

“It was a fabulous venue for this event and planning has already started for next year, so plan on attending!”

Multi-community Job Fair Connects Job-seekers with Employers

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ENDERBY—Organizers behind the upcoming North Okanagan-Shuswap Employment and Business Fair say this event will be a unique and valuable opportunity for local job-seekers to meet dozens of potential employers from across the region.  

More than 50 businesses and organizations will have booths at the inaugural event, taking place March 11 at the new Splatsin Centre in Enderby.

“We are very excited to be part of such an incredible collaboration and to bring so much opportunity under one roof. It’s amazing! ,” says Ali Maki, executive director, Enderby & District Chamber of Commerce. “Whether you are looking for a job, a career change or educational opportunities—or you’re showcasing your business, there is plenty to see and learn.”

Organized jointly by the Splatsin Development Corporation, Enderby and District Chamber of Commerce and the Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce, along with support from Nexus BC and Community Futures North Okanagan, the fair gives prospective employees a chance to learn more about specific companies as well as future opportunities and how to secure those jobs.

 “This can be anything from training to what they look for on a resumé to how they expect their employees to conduct themselves, etc. Employers, in turn, will get a sense of what job-seekers have to offer and are looking for,” says Connie Viszlai, business services advisor, Community Futures North Okanagan.

Several major employers will also host presentations, including Interior Health, Kohler, Agri-Trans, Kingfisher Boats, the Splatsin Development Corporation and Yucwmenlúcwu (Caretakers of the Land) LLP, a cultural and natural resource management company that provides a complete range of environmental, archaeology and forestry services.

 “Together, with the support of all of our partners, we feel this event will benefit job-seekers, employers and businesses. We hope this is the beginning of an annual event,” says Patti Noonan, executive director of the Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce.

“Whether you are looking for a job, a career change or educational opportunities—or you’re showcasing your business, there is plenty to see and learn.”

Organized jointly by the Splatsin Development Corporation, Enderby and District Chamber of Commerce and the Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce, along with support from Nexus BC and Community Futures North Okanagan, the fair gives prospective employees a chance to learn more about specific companies as well as future opportunities and how to secure those jobs.

All job-seekers should come prepared to talk about their skills and bring along their resumés.

The North Okanagan Shuswap Employment and Business Fair is a one-day only event and takes place Monday, March 11 from 1 to 7 p.m. at the Splatsin Centre, 767 Old Vernon Rd. Enderby.

For more information, visit the NOSEBF Facebook page or contact the chambers in Armstrong-Spallumcheen or Enderby. 

Get your resumé ready for the North Okanagan-Shuswap Employment and Business Fair, March 11 at the Splatsin Centre in Enderby.

Mentorship, Skills & Big Steps: Enterprize Offers More than just Prizes

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It’s been a long road since he entered the Enterprize Challenge, but Ryan Silverthorn attributes much of the knowledge and mentorship he attained during the entrepreneurial competition for the success of his business.

After taking part in the 2017 Dragon’s Den-like competition, hosted by Community Futures North Okanagan, the former golf pro at Predator Ridge was able to get his business, Okanagan Power Trips, off the ground.

Okanagan Power Trips offers Okanagan visitors and residents the opportunity to drive Teslas, with the battery-operated electric vehicles now being rented for tourism and business events, weekend getaways, birthday parties, and even by people wishing to get to the coast without having to worry about fuel charges, says Silverthorn.

“The business has been very successful for us and we’re still going for it this year,” he says.

With the registration deadline for the 2019 Enterprize Challenge just around the corner, those with a big business idea and the enthusiasm to put it into action are encouraged to sign up.

During the entrepreneurship competition, participants work with a mentor and take part in eight weeks of business planning sessions and tasks. Seven finalists are then chosen to present and compete for the top three prizes. Worth more than $35,000, the top prize includes start-up capital, free business banking for a year and a range of legal, accounting, marketing and advertising services. All participants are featured at the final showcase and awards ceremony, which takes place April 24, 2019 at the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre.

This year, a People’s Choice Award, sponsored by Sproing Creative, will also be given to the runner-up business earning the most votes from the audience.

Although he didn’t receive the top prize when he entered, Silverthorn credits the competition for helping him develop his business model and for providing him with great mentorship. He encourages anyone with a unique business idea to sign up.

“I learned a lot from my Enterprize advisor Jamie Morrow, who helped me get my business set up and provided a lot of great advice,” says Silverthorn. “Preparedness is key. Make sure you have a really good idea of what the judging committee is looking for before you start.”

Former Enterprize Challenge participant Brent Kisilevich works with his client Whitney Wagner at his Okanagan Feldenkrais studio in Vernon.

Brent Kisilevich says he also benefitted from entering Enterprize in 2017.

He had just opened his business, Okanagan Feldenkrais, a few months before the competition began and says the competition brought him out of his comfort zone to learn important business skills he would not have learned otherwise.

Kisilevich now operates one of two Feldenkrais centres in all of Canada. Practised around the world, the method reconnects people with their natural ability to think, move, and feel.

“This is a passion and a practice for me and because I had such an unusual offering, Enterprize was able to help me bring awareness to what I was doing,” says Kisilevich. “By doing up a mission statement and learning how to manage financial documents, give presentations, and work on marketing, I was able to develop my business and gain access to community support.”

Besides developing his practice, Kisilevich is planning to open a Feldenkrais training facility in the Okanagan in the near future.

Are you an entrepreneur or start-up business looking to start the next, best thing or expand your operations? Register for the 2019 Enterprize Challenge at enterprizechallenge.ca. Registration closes at noon on Feb. 12, 2019. Participants can enter individually or as a team.

Enterprize Challenge 2019 Now Open for Entries

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For the finalists, it’s the chance to take home thousands of dollars in prizes to kickstart a business idea, and for all participants serious about their start-up, it’s an invaluable business bootcamp.

The 2019 Enterprize Challenge, hosted by Community Futures North Okanagan, is now open for registration. Organizers say if last year’s entries are any sign of things to come, it will be yet another exciting competition.

“The people who participated in the Enterprize Challenge last year blew us away,” says Kazia Mullin, Business Services Coordinator, Community Futures North Okanagan. “There is so much creativity, passion and entrepreneurial spirit in the North Okanagan. That’s why we’re growing and expanding our event. We’re hoping to give Enterprize Challenge participants the opportunity to get the greater community excited and engaged in their new business, to get them started off on the right foot.”

This year, the entrepreneurship competition, designed to give new and start-up businesses the chance to pitch their business idea to a panel of judges, will hold its final presentations at the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre. There will also be a People’s Choice Award to the business earning the most votes from the audience.

First place winners will receive a prize package valued at $19, 389; second place receive a prize package valued at $9,139, and the value of the third place prize is $5,449.

Last year’s Enterprize grand prize winners, Kate Johnston and Julia Allen, have seen their business blossom and grow since the competition. The owners of Locality, which offers a quarterly subscription gift box filled with locally made artisan products, offer sage advice when it comes to entering and participating in the Enterprize Challenge.

“Get ready to work hard, because the results are worth it whether you win or not,” says Allen. “The Enterprize Challenge was such a great process to go through and helped us answer the tough questions and properly launch our business.”

“The experience and work that you go through sets you up for success. Be sure to attend workshops and make use of the services, mentorships and courses that are offered. Everything helps,” says Johnston.

Following orientation, eight weeks of business planning sessions and tasks, and working with a mentor, seven finalists are chosen to present and compete for the top three prizes. The first place prize package, worth more than $19,000, includes start-up capital, free business banking for a year and a range of legal, accounting, marketing and advertising services. All participants will be featured at the final showcase and awards ceremony.

The Community Futures Enterprize Challenge is presented by VantageOne Credit Union, along with BDO Canada and other corporate sponsors.

David Nardi, partner, BDO Canada LLP, says his organization appreciates the chance to lend participants their time and expertise as both judges and mentors.

“The Enterprize Challenge is a valuable partnership for BDO Canada because it allows us to work together with new business, helps to create a vibrant commercial environment for our community, and lights the flame in our local future entrepreneurs and CEO’s. “

Registration is now open and closes at noon on Feb. 12. Participants can enter individually or as a team, and can register at enterprizechallenge.ca.

 

Multi-community Job Fair Seeks Employers, Sponsors

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In the first event of its kind, the communities of Enderby, Armstrong, Spallumcheen and the Splatsin First Nation will host the North Okanagan-Shuswap Employment and Business Fair in March, bringing together employers and job-seekers from across the region.

“We’re hoping to see 100 employers join us for this event,” says Sabrina Vergata, administrative assistant, Splatsin Development Corporation (SDC). The event will be held March 11, 2019, at the new Splatsin Centre, and with the date now set, organizers are spreading the word to encourage employers to participate.

“This is a great opportunity for employers to reach out into areas where they maybe don’t have a presence and connect with new talent,” says Vergata.

The employment fair is being organized jointly by SDC , Enderby and District Chamber of Commerce and the Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce, along with support from Nexus BC and Community Futures North Okanagan.

“I’m really thrilled we’re all working together because there are no boundaries when it comes to addressing labour needs in our area, and it’s especially great to be partnering with the Splatsin Community,” says Patti Noonan, executive director, Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce.

“There are no boundaries when it comes to addressing labour needs in our area.”

She says the event will be an effective way for employers to create awareness about the kinds of employees they want to attract, whether they’re hiring at the time or not.

“I think most people still appreciate having that one-on-one personal human contact, and it’s a nice chance to meet people outside your usual network,” says Noonan. “Even the businesses who aren’t hiring, we’re encouraging them to participate to help build our business community.”

In addition to employers, fair organizers are also seeking a handful of event sponsors. The Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce, the Township of Spallumcheen, the City of Armstrong and the Enderby & District Chamber of Commerce have committed to sponsor and help cover costs.

“This is a terrific opportunity for businesses to gain some excellent exposure because we’re anticipating this will be a really well-attended event,” says Jessica Aguilar, membership manager, Enderby & District Chamber of Commerce.

If you are an employer or business sponsor who would like to learn more or save your spot, please reach out to your local chamber in Enderby (250-838-6727) or Armstrong (250-546-8155).

Employment and Business Fair Info (8×11)

Small Business Week Talks Cannabis, Social Enterprise

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Small Business Week is kind of like Pro-D day for business owners, except it only happens once a year, it spans a week, and it covers both timely and timeless topics ranging from cannabis entrepreneurship and cyber security to succession planning and selling your product beyond BC.

“We have a real diverse line-up this year, and we’ve tried to focus on some of the common pain points or areas where people have asked for more information,” says Kazia Mullin, Business Services Coordinator, Community Futures North Okanagan, which partners with Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce and VantageOne Credit Union to host four packed days of workshops and panels during Small Business Week, which kicks off Oct. 15.

Perhaps one of the most talked about topics in the local business community in 2018 has been the cannabis business sector, and so the week begins with a highly anticipated panel: The New Shade of Green: The Changing Face of Cannabis Entrepreneurship. Panel members include representatives from True Leaf, Nixon Wenger, Okanagan College, Flower of Life Integrative Health and MNP. Day two, Oct. 16, begins with the workshop Social Enterprise Fundamentals, facilitated by the social enterprise accelerator, Purpll.

“There has been tremendous growth in the Social Enterprise business model in the last few years. These are businesses that are growing and really on the forefront of innovation,” says Mullin. “There’s also an enormous amount of opportunity in the cannabis industry right now. It’s very diverse and entrepreneurs might be surprised at what’s possible for new and existing business in that marketplace.”

“There’s also an enormous amount of opportunity in the cannabis industry right now. It’s very diverse and entrepreneurs might be surprised at what’s possible for new and existing business in that marketplace.”

Mullin says other workshops touch on major knowledge gaps. Case in point: small business valuation, especially in a community with so many baby boomer business owners looking to sell their businesses in the near future; and how to meet privacy compliance and protect one’s own businesses from cyber threats. Other workshops include accessing government programs, working with youth and growing sales outside the province.

In addition to important learning, Small Business Week provides valuable opportunities for networking at both workshops and the Oct. 16 Business After 5 at the Vernon Tourism Centre.

“These events offer a great way to meet other entrepreneurs in your area or who are facing similar challenges and opportunities,” says Dione Chambers, general manager, Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce. “It also helps people identify the business services and professionals available in the community to help them build bigger, better businesses.”

SMALL BUSINESS WEEK EVENTS

Monday, Oct. 15

  1. The New Shade of Green: Panel Discussion on the Changing Face of Cannabis Entrepreneurship, 9 am – 11,

Tuesday, Oct. 16

  1. SoFun: Social Enterprise Fundamentals, 9 am–12:00 pm
  2. Group Presentation: Connecting Business Owners to Government Programs, 1–4 pm
  3. Business After 5, Vernon Tourism Centre

Wednesday, Oct. 17

  1. How to Hire & Keep Them: Working with Youth, 9 am–12pm
  2. Small Business Valuation: Getting Ready to Sell Your Business, 1–4 pm

Thursday, Oct. 18

  1. Growing Your Sales Beyond BC, 9 am–12 pm
  2. Cyber Security & Tech 101 for Small Business, 1-4 pm

All events are FREE and will be held in the third floor boardroom at Community Futures, 3105 33 Street, Vernon, BC. For more information, visit http://www.futuresbc.com/small-business-week-2018/. Seating for all workshops is limited and sessions fill quickly, so Community Futures encourages business owners to register soon. Registration opens Oct. 1 and can be done by calling 250-545-2215 ext. 200 or emailing workshop@futuresbc.com.

CFNO Banks on New Loans Coordinator

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A running man who has been known to lace up his fair share of trainers, Scot McNair equates starting a new business to that of going for a long jog. The path may have its twists, turns and hills, but if you work hard and build momentum, it will make crossing the finish line worth all the effort.

As the new Loans Coordinator at Community Futures North Okanagan (CNFO), McNair joins a team that has helped countless entrepreneurs and small business owners bring their ideas into reality.

“I get a lot of inspiration in seeing the successes of the people who have gone through the programs here at Community Futures,” says McNair. “This is very much a team atmosphere with everyone offering their experience. At the end of the day, it has benefitted clients in ways that go beyond starting a new job or business.”

McNair has actually come out of semi-retirement to take on the loans coordinator role at CFNO, a position previously held by Rob Short.

After almost four decades of working in financial institutions across BC, McNair retired from his final banking job last year, coincidently at the same institution where he began his career. He started as a trainee with the Scotia Bank in downtown Vernon in 1979 and retired there as branch manager in 2017.

“What made me stay in banking were the people, the customers and the community. I made friends in every community we lived in,” says McNair, who discovered a passion for running during a post-retirement gig selling gear at The Starting Block.

Later, McNair realized he missed connecting with the wider community, so when the job posting at CFNO opened up, McNair knew he had to put his name in the hat.

“It’s a departure from banking. The rules are different. This is not just helping entrepreneurs and businesses access loans for start-up, expansion or for other reasons ––some may need money, some may not. This is about putting them in the best position we can to be successful in the future,” he says.

As a coach and advisor, McNair says he will help clients find ways they can move forward.

Not only does CFNO’s business loans program help with business financing and business start-up and planning, the department also offers clients workshops, marketing and promotions training, as well as small business operations and succession planning.

And while McNair looks forward to meeting with clients and hearing all their ideas, he says he will also be honest and open in assisting them in taking the idea to reality.

“My role is to ask the questions that help people find the answers to: develop a great business plan, and find their market. It’s about building a foundation so the chances of a successful future are increased.”

“The opportunity to be successful is a process and it will not be an overnight thing,” he says. “My role is to ask the questions that help people find the answers to: develop a great business plan, and find their market. It’s about building a foundation so the chances of a successful future are increased.”

Entrepreneurs interested in opening or expanding a business through Community Futures North Okanagan’s business loans program can get more information by calling 250-545-2215 or visit futuresbc.com.

 

Employ! program gives job-seekers skills, confidence & connections

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It’s easy for Angie Fisher to tell the difference between new and nearly graduating Employ! program participants.

“From the first day to the last day, when they say, ‘Hi my name is,’ the volume and confidence they have is a one to 10 difference,” says Fisher, coordinator of Employ! It’s a four -week training program hosted by Community Futures North Okanagan that sees young people aged 16 to 30 get paid to learn life and employment skills, earn certification and receive job coach support. A new intake begins May 28.

“Employ! is perfect for anyone wanting and ready to improve their skills, make connections with other youth and employers in the community. The ultimate goal of the program is employment, so it’s for anyone who needs help entering or moving forward in the workforce,” says Fisher.

Sometimes participants lack the confidence to shine in an interview or the training to be hired. Some, like Sarah Johnson, just need experience to land a job that’s going to be a great fit.

While finishing up her Grade 12 studies at A.L. Fortune Secondary School in Enderby, Johnson began to think about how she would earn an income following graduation. After hearing about Employ! and applying to the program, Johnson found herself looking at job postings with her case manager when an ad for an oil technician popped up.

“I always knew I wanted to be an auto technician, I just wasn’t sure how I could go about getting an entry level job. Once I went to Employ!, my eyes were opened to what jobs there were.”

Employ! participant Sarah Johnson, 18, who is about to graduate from A.L. Fortune Secondary School in Enderby, has just been hired as an oil technician at a local oil service centre. 

With some experience, having taken an auto mechanics class while at W.L. Seaton Secondary School, Johnson says the Employ! program helped her secure a job with a Vernon oil service centre, and develop important job skills she’ll be able to use long-term.

Employability skills covered in the program include employer expectations, interview skills, interpersonal skills, resumé building, cover letter writing and computer skills. Participants receive certification in First Aid and customer service excellence, and there’s a possibility of pursuing other paid-for training. Employ! Life skills include leadership, teamwork, self-regulating emotions, reflecting positivity and goal-setting.

 

 

“We really notice participants’ self-esteem improving and a lot of friendships are made in the classroom,” says Fisher, adding for those who have had negative classroom experiences, Community Futures works to build a warm and calming atmosphere.

“We really focus on creating an environment where everyone feels safe and welcome.”

In addition to volunteer days at local organizations such as O’Keefe Ranch, Employ! plays an important role in connecting job-seekers with employers to help participants find and keep work after the four weeks of workshops. Employers can access up to 120 hours of reimbursed minimum wages for employing a participant.

Fisher arranged for Qwikchange owner Ish Din to come and speak to Johnson about what they do at the shop. Fisher also arranged for Johnson to job shadow one of the mechanics at Quikchange. Johnson kept in contact with Din and her initiative paid off. She was called soon after and offered a job. Johnson now works part-time and has been learning all the ropes.

“One of the mechanics will work with me on servicing the vehicles, and I’ll be the spokesperson, letting the customers know what we are doing.”

 For more information about Employ!, reach out to Angie Fisher at 250-545-2215 x 215 or angief@futuresbc.com. The next intake begins May 28 but spaces fill quickly and there is an application process. Employers interested in hiring Employ! participants can also reach out to Fisher.

LOCALITY takes the lead at Enterprize 2018!

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Julia Allen and Kate Johnson—the founders of LOCALITY, which delivers quarterly subscription boxes of Okanagan goods—held hands as VantageOne Credit Union CEO Glenn Benischek took to the stage to announce the winners of Enterprize Challenge 2018. But as he announced the business that took third place (Steakholder, Richard and Danielle Toperczer), and then second place (Think Tank, Dan Proulx), Allen and Johnson lost hope.

“We let go of each other’s hands,” says Allen. “There were still so many other great participants left.”

And then, after reciting a seemingly endless list of prizes the first place winner would receive, and remarking how the top contestants “blew the judges away with their market research and preparation,” Benischek announced names of the first place winners: Julia Allen and Kate Johnson.

After a quick embrace, their arms were linked all the way to the stage, where they posed for photos, smiling in the spotlight behind an enormous cheque for $3,000 (start-up capital and just one of dozens of prizes worth nearly $35,000 shared by the top three winners).

Earlier in the trade show and awards ceremony, the event held Thursday that culminates six weeks of Dragon’s Den-style presentations, the pair said they’d felt like winners. The competition pushed them to create a solid business plan that will now see them sending subscribers boxes filled with Okanagan-made goods from wines and cider to jams and soaps. The day Allen and Johnson presented their financials in the second and final presentation to judges last week, LOCALITY’s first subscription box went live and within an hour, 15 customers had signed up. Today, they’re sold out.

“We’re looking forward to knocking on doors and putting everything we’ve learned into practice,” says Allen, who thanked all involved in the fourth annual competition, hosted by Community Futures North Okanagan.

First place winners Kate Johnson, left, and Julia Allen, right, are off to a great start with their business, LOCALITY. Judges of the 2018 Enterprize Challenge said they were impressed with LOCALITY’s market research, and their plans to start small with low overhead for a promising, profitable start.

Johnson is equally excited about next steps. “We can’t wait to connect with people, support local and cross-promote local artisans any way we can.”

A number of the 10 finalists showcasing their businesses at the trades show, held in the Kal Room at Okanagan College, were also focused on supporting local: a store offering locally made children’s clothing and goods, a First Nation’s café and gift shop selling the creations of Okanagan Indigenous artists, a line of plus-size active wear created from upcycled clothing sourced at local charity shops.

The third place business, Steakholder, is a platform that allows consumers to directly purchase a portion of ethically raised, grass-fed beef, and see and learn about the pastoral ranches from which their meat is sourced.

Second-place winner Dan Proulx saw a local need for business meeting spaces, and created The Think Tank, which lets organizations pair customizable rooms with equipment, catering, consulting offerings and more.

Second-place winner Dan Proulx, of Think Tank, offering business meeting spaces & services.

“To make it to the finals from 26 participants, and then to get second place, the whole process has been amazing,” says Proulx. “I really look forward to the next step, which is probably the hard and the fun part, but now I have this validation from the judges and the community, and that’s huge.”

Leigha Horsfield, general manager, Community Futures North Okanagan, says the chance to start a business with so much of the planning and networking underway gives all participants a leg up in their journey.

“This competition has shown, year after year, that if you have a good idea and you do the hard work to show your idea is viable, you can succeed in this competition, even if you’re not one of the top three winners.”

The Community Futures Enterprize Challenge is presented by VantageOne Credit Union, BDO, Nixon Wenger, Wholesale Grafix, Sproing Creative and another nine organizations sponsored the event to make the challenge and its prizes possible, while The Chase Wines sponsored wine at the well-attended tradeshow and awards event.

Enterprize Challenge 2018 Finalists Announced

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From a ‘glamping’ wellness resort and athletic wear for plus-size women to a First Nation’s café and gift shop and an ethical beef-sharing program, the ideas among this year’s Enterprize Challenge finalists show where there is a niche, there is a business.

Community Futures North Okanagan, which hosts the annual Enterprize Challenge, has just announced the 10 finalists competing to share nearly $35,000 in prizes.

“It’s been so interesting and really inspiring to see how many of this year’s participants have found niches with real depth and opportunity,” says Leigha Horsfield, General Manager, Community Futures North Okanagan. “Many of the finalists are looking at serving a specific, underserved audience but also ways to align their business with their values and support their community as a whole.”

The 2018 Enterprize Challenge, now in its fourth year, brought forth a record-breaking 26 participants. Judges have now released their list of 10 finalists, and here are the finalists’ names and business descriptions:

  1. Steve Haraldson, Stumpy’s Phillies & Flats

Stumpy’s is a licensed, diner-style eatery serving up soul food and community by ‘feeding it forward.’

  1. Raymond Low, TLC Sewing Machinery & Repairs

TLC brings sewing enthusiasts mobile tune-ups and repairs, fair pricing and service driven by a passion for sewing.

  1. Julia Allen and Kate Johnson, LOCALITY

LOCALITY brings together the best of the Okanagan—from cider and wine to artisan goods—to deliver quarterly subscription boxes filled with our region’s unique tastes, talents and styles.

  1. Tammy Demchuk, Curvy Fit Girl Fashions

Curvy Fit Girls gives plus-size active women a way to look stylish and feel comfortable in beautiful, high quality leisure wear with both new and upcycled one-of-a-kind designs.

  1. Roger Lamoureax and Brigitte Thom, Tatawa Kanata Glamping & Wellness

Tatawa Kanata is a backcountry health and wellness destination offering an Okanagan ‘glamping’ experience filled with adventure, rustic amenities and resort-style services.

  1. Richard and Danielle Toperczer, STEAKHOLDER

Steakholder launches an online platform that allows consumers to directly purchase a share or portion of ethically raised, grass-fed beef and see and learn about the pastoral ranches where their food is sourced from.

  1. Dan Proulx, The Boardroom

With a lack of available, tech-equipped boardrooms in the Okanagan comes The Boardroom, offering themes, experiences and equipment as well as coaching and catering to suit the users’ goals.

  1. Shane Miller, Syilx Sensations

This First Nation’s café and gift shop provides a cultural experience in the kitchen with taco-topped bannock as well as the chance to support local Indigenous artisans.

  1. Mitchal Derksen, Numu Consulting

numu helps small business grow with meaningful, tailored coaching and technology products as well as education and empowerment.

  1. Nicole Chow, Little Locals

Carrying clothing handmade by Canadian moms and offering spaces and programs for local moms and littles to connect. Little Locals lets you shop local and support fellow mommas.

The top three winners will be announced at the 2018 Enterprize Challenge Tradeshow and Awards event being held at Okanagan College Thursday April12th. The Tradeshow is open to the public and begins at 4 pm and the awards will begin at 5 pm. To learn more about the Community Futures Enterprize Challenge, which is presented by VantageOne Credit Union, please 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.

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.

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