Enterprize Challenge 2018 Open for Entries

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Following the 2017 Enterprize Challenge, which brought forth a record 23 entrepreneurs—many with business ideas that harnessed the bounty and beauty of the Okanagan—judges can’t wait to see what contestants will pitch this year.

“Everyone was so impressed with the business ideas that were presented at Enterprize Challenge last year,” says Leigha Horsfield, General Manager, Community Futures North Okanagan, which hosts the fourth annual competition that spans eight weeks and sees 10 finalists compete for more than $35,000 in prizes. “We’re all looking forward to seeing how the 2018 contestants bring their unique spirit of entrepreneurship to the competition.”

The 2017 winner, Martin Paris, will open the doors to his restaurant, Jolly Good Spudz, Jan. 30. The downtown venue will see patrons choose from an array of healthy and delicious locally inspired toppings for their potatoes such as pulled pork. Paris says it feels surreal to have the vision for his restaurant coming to life nine months after winning Enterprize.

“This contest pushes you to take the first steps that you might otherwise only ever talk about. Winning gave me an incredible boost, and then the real work began,” says Paris, just putting the finishing touches on his restaurant’s British-themed décor. “I don’t think I would have done this without the Enterprize Challenge.”

In this Dragon’s Den-style competition, seven finalists will move forward from the second task. Registration is now open and closes at noon on Feb. 9. Horsfield encourages all to apply.

“This is really a one-of-a-kind opportunity for anyone who has a great business idea and could really bring it to life with the prize package and all the hands-on work along the way.”

Following orientation, eight weeks of business planning sessions and tasks, and working with a mentor, seven finalists are chosen and participate in a trade show as part of the awards ceremony. The first place prize package, worth more than $19,000, includes start-up capital, free business banking for a year, and a range of packages, including legal, accounting, marketing and web design, and graphics as well as a radio and print campaign.

The Enterprize Challenge tradeshow is an opportunity for participants to market their products just before the awards ceremony.

Last year’s second-place winner Juanita Miller is a nutritionist and health educator who focuses on helping women achieve their health and skin health goals through her practice at Mustard Seed Clinic as well as through online coaching and public speaking. She says participating in Enterprize gave her a wealth of resources and support.

“I was looking forward to networking and being in the tradeshow, but I received so much more. I’m very grateful for the mentorship. My mentor believed in me and encouraged me, and whether I won or not, she gave me permission to reach for my dreams.”

The Community Futures Enterprize Challenge is presented by VantageOne Credit Union, and another 12 organizations sponsor the event to make the challenge and its prizes possible. Participants can enter individually or as a team, and can register at http://www.futuresbc.com/business/starting-a-business/enterprize-challenge/.

Celebrating 20 Years

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The Community Futures Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program (EDP) is a business loans program that reduces the obstacles that people with disabilities or ongoing health issues may face when looking for financing. The program began in 1997 through funding from Western Economic Diversification and the support of the Community Futures network. In 2006, the EDP was expanded to provide specialized assistance directly to rural entrepreneurs with disabilities. At Community Futures, we believe that managing ongoing health or disability issues should not be a barrier to business success.

Nicolas and Marie’s Pizza, Pasta and Donair

An EDP loan helped Nicolas Kynigos grow a business with gourmet appeal.

“I didn’t have any experience working with Community Futures, but EDP guided me in the right direction.”

The mom and pop shop located at #4 2901 27th Street in Vernon is a piece of pizza heaven. The small space serves take-out pizzas, pastas, donairs and fresh salads all made with the freshest ingredients by Nicolas himself. And as an experienced restaurateur, his customers and clientele know Nicolas only serves the best.

Jolly Good Spudz Takes Top Prize at Enterprize Challenge

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Martin Paris dared to hope his business idea would be chosen as one of the top three winners in the Enterprize Challenge. He moved from his native England to Vernon five years ago, and while he’s held jobs in construction, his love is in the kitchen, namely potatoes.

Back in Coventry, UK, his family once owned a shop like the one he plans to open here—Jolly Good Spudz—in which patrons walk alongside a glass counter, selecting delicious locally-inspired toppings like pulled pork for their baked potato.

“I just thought I’d give it a try,” said Paris, who, for the time demands, nearly pulled out of the intensive, eight-week long competition, in which participants make presentations to judges and receive mentoring as they prepare to prove their financial viability and marketing plans.

Nearly 20 Enterprize Challenge sponsors, finalists and participants showcased their businesses at a tradeshow in the Okanagan College cafeteria April 13, which was preceded by the awards event.

But last Thursday, as passersby at the trade show and awards event held in the Okanagan College cafeteria swallowed his pork-laden spudz, nodded as they chewed and said, ‘Wow,’ he knew he’d been right to stick it out.

Then, Roxanne Davyduke, VantageOne Credit Union sales and service manager, began announcing the winners, and when he wasn’t chosen for third place (Rebecca Hackman, Bites Creative), or second place (Juanita Miller, Juanita Miller Nutrition), Paris began to lose hope.

But as Davyduke spoke of the first place winner, he recognized some of her words: “This product is niche in nature and shows strong growth potential…Judges loved the passion and commitment to providing a unique healthy alternative in the market.”

And then she said it: “Ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of VantageOne Credit Union, I am very pleased to announce the first place winner of the 2017 Enterprize Challenge, Martin Paris of Jolly Good Spudz.”

Martin Paris won the Enterprize Challenge 2017 first place for Jolly Good Spudz, soon to be a downtown storefront offering baked potatoes topped with healthy fillings. Paris won more than $19,000 in prizes to get his business off the ground.

“I just couldn’t believe it,” said Martin, red-cheeked and soft spoken, even minutes after hearing those words over the microphone. “I don’t know what avenues it will open so I’m quite excited.”

First place in the Enterprize Challenge earns a prize package worth more than $19,000, and includes start-up capital, free business banking for a year, and a range of packages, including legal, accounting, marketing and web design, and graphics as well as a radio and print campaign.

Paris says the support will bring Jolly Good Spudz to downtown Vernon all the quicker.

The other two finalists, sharing the remainder of the $35,000 in prizes, will also give Vernon a taste of their talents.

Third place winner Rebecca Hackman’s catering company Bites Creative brings gourmet, organic food sensitivity-minding dishes right to customers’ door (and she’ll even do the clean-up and decorating).

Rebecca Hackman, owner of catering company Bites Creative, won third place.

Second place winner Juanita Miller, already based out of the Mustard Seed Clinic, helps women achieve health and beauty through her nutrition coaching, skin analysis, wellness education and grocery store tours.

Juanita Miller of Juanita Miller Nutrition won second place.

Community Futures North Okanagan board member Michele Blais said among the 23 contestants who entered this year’s third annual Enterprize Challenge, many had business ideas that were influenced by the bounty of the Okanagan or the environmental and wellness values of its residents.

“One of the things that I think is so impressive is how these businesses reflect what is so great about the Okanagan,” said Blais, citing Power Trips, a Tesla car rental company, The Rumpus Raft, a lake-floating convenience store, and, of course, the winning businesses offering healthy fare which dozens of people had the chance to taste at the tradeshow and awards event.

To all participants, board chair Michele Hill congratulated them on their efforts and reminded them of Community Futures’ support.

“We applaud you for stepping up and taking this challenge. You’ve been given a tremendous opportunity to begin your journey, and you have a huge step up.”

The Community Futures Enterprize Challenge is presented by VantageOne Credit Union, and another 12 organizations sponsored the event to make the challenge and its prizes possible.

 

Enterprize Challenge 2017 Finalists Announced: Part 2

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Community Futures North Okanagan lists the next five of 10 finalists competing for $35,000 in Enterprize prizes!

There’s a shop where you can buy hand-baked spuds and a storefront that sells local artisans’ wares. There’s a place to rent RV’s, have your skin health analyzed and your audio-visual needs fulfilled. It seems the third annual Enterprize Challenge finalists have nearly thought of everything.

“The quality of the Enterprize presentations is always high and this year has been no exception,” says Leigha Horsfield, executive director, Community Futures North Okanagan. “I don’t envy the job of the judges.”

Community Futures North Okanagan, which hosts the annual Enterprize Challenge, has just announced the next five of 10 finalists competing to share nearly $35,000 in prizes so participants can take their business ideas to the next level. Twenty-three contestants—the most ever—entered this year’s challenge, an impressive number, says Horsfield.

“I think that tells us entrepreneurship is alive and well in this region. The spirit and intention of entrepreneurship is healthy here. That’s what that tells us.”

After weeks of preparation and pitching, the judges announced their first five of 10 finalists March 22. Here are the names and business descriptions of the next five:

1. Jeff McSweeney, Happy Little Camper Rentals

What better way to enjoy the outdoors and quality family time than on a camping trip sans tent?! Get off the ground and get out there with Happy Little Camper Rentals’ range of self-tow RV’s and camper vans.

2. Martin Paris, Jolly Good Spudz

Forget French fries! Jolly Good Spudz cooks up baked potatoes topped with an exciting array of healthy fillings to give you a new and nourishing handmade snack alternative.

3. Mathieu Jubinville, HBAV Production Group

When you’ve got great sound and a great picture, everything’s better. HBAV Production Group provides professional audio-visual services to create custom, long-term solutions that meet clients’ needs.

4. Juanita Miller, Balanced Botanical

As a certified nutritionist and health educator, Juanita is passionate about helping women improve their health and feel beautiful. Working out of downtown Vernon’s Mustard Seed Clinic, Juanita offers a range of popular services, including nutrition coaching, skin analysis, wellness education and retreats, and even grocery store tours.

5. Pam Taylor, The Pink Spotted Goat

The Pink Spotted Goat is a storefront that gives people the chance to buy home and gift items handcrafted by local artisans and makers. With a select line of sustainability-inspired products, PSG helps families reduce waste and contribute to local charities.

Now all 10 candidates await the announcement of the top three winners at the 2017 Enterprize Challenge Tradeshow and Awards event being held at Okanagan College April 13. The public is encouraged to attend this free event! Tradeshow begins at 4 pm and the awards will begin at 5 pm. To learn more, visit EnterprizeChallenge.ca. The Enterprize Challenge is presented by VantageOne Credit Union.

 

Enterprize Challenge 2017 Finalists Announced

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FROM A BARBERSHOP that sells suspenders and a lake-floating convenience store to a life celebrant for baby-naming ceremonies, this year’s Enterprize Challenge finalists have some unique and inspiring business ideas set to enhance the Okanagan’s already impressive entrepreneurial landscape.

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

“This year’s participants have brought forward some really unique and innovative business ideas as well as some traditional business ideas with a new spin,” says Leigha Horsfield, executive director, Community Futures North Okanagan. “The judges have definitely had their work cut out for them.”

The 2017 Enterprize Challenge, now in its third year, brought forth 23 contestants—the most ever. Judges have now released their list of 10 finalists, and here are the names and business descriptions of the first five:

  1. Susan Cairnie, Earth to Sky Celebrant Ceremonies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As a certified Life-Cycle Celebrant and ordained inter-faith minister, Susan Cairnie creates and officiates custom ceremonies for weddings, sacred unions, blessing ways, vow renewals, baby-naming ceremonies and more. Earth to Sky Celebrant Ceremonies caters to a growing demand for an alternative to standard religious and civil ceremonies.

  1. Leanne Mollica, The Rumpus Raft

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What if you could order a roll of toilet paper or a tall iced tea while you’re boating on Kalamalka or Okanagan Lake? The Rumpus Raft brings boaters all the hot day necessities of a convenience store right on the water.

  1. Elle Bourcet, Ritual Barbershop

This Main Street Vernon shop will offer complete unisex barber services as well as high end men’s retail items such as pocket squares, suspenders, neck ties and bow ties.

  1. Rob Raybould, Sellable

Which properties have a higher probability of listing for sale within the year? Sellable is a predictive real estate search engine that uses analytics and industry trends to help real estate agents focus marketing on and grow their inventory of houses likely to sell soon.

  1. Rebecca Hackman, BITES Creative Catering

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Whether you need appetizers for a party or an intimate dinner for just a few, this catering service brings gourmet organic and local dishes right to your door. BITES Creative Catering can take care of everything, from menu planning and shopping to decorating and cleaning up.

The next five finalists will be named next week, and the top three winners will be announced at the 2017 Enterprize Challenge Tradeshow and Awards event being held at Okanagan College April 13. Tradeshow begins at 4 pm and the awards will begin at 5 pm. To learn more, visit EnterprizeChallenge.ca. The Community Futures Enterprize Challenge is presented by VantageOne Credit Union.

Community Futures North Okanagan Announces New Executive Director/GM

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Community Futures North Okanagan announced today that Norm Metcalf will retire as General Manager and Executive Director after six years in the role and nearly 17 years with the Vernon-based organization that helps entrepreneurs, employers and job-seekers succeed.

“I feel fortunate to have had the privilege of working with so many amazing people over the years,” says Metcalf, who, throughout his time, worked in all three of Community Futures’ service areas: Business Services, Employment Services and Community Development. For the last 15 years, he’s worked in various management roles; in 2011 he took on the role of General Manager/Executive Director.

“There’s such a great sense of pride, purpose and teamwork within Community Futures. We have a lot of people doing great things, and our work is making this community a better place to live. I’m very grateful to have been a part of it.”

“There’s such a great sense of pride, purpose and teamwork within Community Futures. We have a lot of people doing great things, and our work is making this community a better place to live. I’m very grateful to have been a part of it,” says Metcalf, who looks forward to spending more time with his family.

CFNO board chair Michele Hill.

“Norm’s leadership, knowledge and dedication are so appreciated. He has been an integral part of the growth of Community Futures North Okanagan,” says Michele Hill, chairperson of the Community Futures North Okanagan Board of Directors. “We wish Norm well in his future endeavours, and he will be dearly missed as a colleague, mentor and friend.”

The board is also announcing that as Metcalf retires, Leigha Horsfield, Business Services Manager, will assume the role of General Manager/Executive Director.

“The spirit of sharing, working together, continuous improvement, and building foundations in business and in our community is what Community Futures is all about, and Leigha exemplifies these values,” says Hill. “Her hard work and dedication to our organization is simply incredible. We look forward to having Leigha as the General Manager, and we feel confident the North Okanagan is in good hands.”

Horsfield has been with Community Futures for more than 15 years and has extensive experience in all of CF’s areas of service.

Leigha Horsfield is the new CFNO Executive Director and General Manager.

Hill says Horsfield’s experience working with Metcalf and the management team, along with her knowledge and understanding of the organization, will provide stability and allow for a smooth transition of leadership, set to begin on April 1, 2017.

“I’m so honoured to be given the opportunity to help lead such an amazing team, and to carry on the vision and values of Community Futures in the North Okanagan,” says Horsfield.

 

How Tom Bought Charlie’s: The Business Loan that’s Helping a Whole Community

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THE MOMENT TOM MAXWELL stepped inside Charlie’s Grocery last June, he had a feeling that the little Alexis Park store was where he and his wife Louise needed to be.

“There was just something about the place that tugged on our hearts, and we felt that this was the perfect place for us,” says Maxwell.

Part of the attraction was the size of the store. With just a few hundred square feet, the shelves were filled with all the necessities of a neighbourhood convenience store, from milk and lotto tickets to Tums and slushes. Perfectly manageable for a couple not yet ready to retire.

What was also attractive to the couple was the neighbourhood itself and the types of customers who walked through the doors morning until night for mints or coffee, or just to talk. The big yellow and red Charlie’s Grocery sign stands tucked just off Alexis Park Drive, surrounded by high density housing for seniors and lower income families.

“Louise and I spent a number of years working with seniors and working-class families in the inner-city of Calgary, and that was really comfortable for us. It’s in our DNA to be with that crowd,” says Maxwell. Before the idea of purchasing a convenience store in the North Okanagan came to his mind, Maxwell worked nearly a decade as COO for the Calgary non-profit Victory Foundation. His last project there, which spanned several years, was overseeing the conversion of a condemned heritage building into transitional housing for 60 men trying to overcome homelessness.

But it was time for a change, and a previous career managing grocery stores in the Northwest Territories and British Columbia gave Maxwell some ideas: The Okanagan. Buy a business. A convenience store.

There was just one problem. Despite coming close, local financial institutions were unable to assist with the loan Tom and Louise needed to buy Charlie’s Grocery, operating in Vernon, it’s said, since 1959.

We just needed someone to take a chance and believe in us.

“We went to three or four lending institutions and we just couldn’t quite get there. We spent four months in that cycle and it was getting frustrating. They were just looking at the numbers, and it felt like, ‘They don’t even know us. I know we can make it work.’ We just needed someone to take a chance and believe in us.”

And then someone told him about Community Futures North Okanagan (CFNO), and their business loans program. Before long, he’d had several phone conversations with CFNO loans coordinator Rob Short, and things looked promising.

“It felt surreal. We had been up against so many obstacles. It was a rollercoaster of, ‘It’s going to happen!’ to ‘It’s not happening.’ We thought, let’s apply, but we were expecting the same answer. That door was open just a little and I said as long as that door’s not closed, as long as there’s a glimmer, let’s see what happens.”

What happened was Community Futures’ loans committee approved Maxwell’s loan. On Dec. 20, 2016, the couple took over Charlie’s Grocery. And as the couple recently celebrated their first month in business—and is already on a first-name basis with a handful of customers—Maxwell says he still has that feeling about the place.

Thanks to a small business loan through Community Futures North Okanagan, Tom Maxwell and his wife, Louise, recently celebrated their first month in business.

“Some people wondered why we would want to buy Charlie’s.’ It’s not for everyone but it’s a perfect fit for us, it really is, and we realize that more and more every day. For us, the business part is not the be-all end-all. I envision myself taking time to chat with the customers and look forward to having a positive impact on the community, and that’s the part I love. That’s the bigger picture.”

Short, who facilitated Maxwell’s loan application, says a landmark has been preserved, and a valuable social need has been filled for that neighbourhood.

“It has a much bigger impact on that community than just a fellow owning a general store. His approach with his customers and his vision to make it a local meeting place, that’s what really rang the bell for us.”

As Maxwell stands below the iconic Charlie’s Grocery sign (and he didn’t even think about changing the name), he says he’s grateful Community Futures was able to look beyond just the numbers.

“More than words can say, I appreciate that someone believed in us and took a chance on us.”

Do you dream about opening your own business? Community Futures North Okanagan offers loans for a range of business purposes, including start-up, working capital, seasonal needs and expansion. Contact our Business Services team today. Call 250 545 2215 or visit our website to learn more.

The Enterprize Challenge is ON!

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Do you have a business idea and the passion to make it happen? The Community Futures Enterprize Challenge is an entrepreneurship competition designed to provide new and start-up businesses the opportunity to “pitch” their idea and be one of three winners sharing prizes worth over $35,000.

Similar to CBC’s Dragons’ Den – Community Futures and VantageOne Credit Union have teamed up for a third year; to offer this program in an effort to support and promote entrepreneurship in our region. “Businesses that were started in 2016, as well as potential start-ups are encouraged to register,” states Leigha Horsfield, Business Manager with Community Futures.

Participants will pitch their business concept to a panel of judges. The presentation will describe the product or service, the operations of the business and who the target market is. Seven participants will advance to deliver a final presentation and the winners will be announced at an awards event and Tradeshow in April.

Last year’s Enterprize Challenge saw 23 entrepreneurs register in the program. Judges had the difficult task of choosing finalists. They included: Out & About Companion Driving Service, Vision FX, Healing Arts Finder, The BBQ Pitstop, Parks Sustainable Design/Build and Brent Selver Designs-Convert a Bike. The winner, Jaye Coward with Farm Bound says, “The Enterprize Challenge was a brilliant process, the feedback, exposure and prizes were a perfect launchpad for our business to grow in the community.” She goes on to say, “Since the Enterprize Challenge our weekly extras sale has tripled and our local deliveries have doubled.”

“Our hope is that budding entrepreneurs with great ideas will participate and get support in starting businesses in our region,” states Horsfield. For more information or to register for the program log onto EnterprizeChallenge.ca.

The Community Futures Enterprize Challenge 2017 is presented by VantageOne Credit Union. Other partners include, KPMG, Nixon Wenger, Sproing Creative, The Morning Star, Sun FM, Futurpreneur Canada, Wholesale Grafix, Accelerate Okanagan, City of Vernon, Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce and Okanagan College.

Registration Opens January 3, 2017!
Learn more at www.Enterprizechallenge.ca
Community Futures Enterprize Challenge 2017 is presented by VantageOne Credit Union

Vernon Rising Star Award Winners

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The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce and KPMG, announced the winners of the Rising Star awards are David Hamm, Danny Robert and Kristina Sidorczuk. The Rising Stars program is a new initiative to recognize some of Vernon’s youngest entrepreneurs.

These awards were in conjunction with the celebration of the The 2016 Top Twenty Under 40 award program winners:

Guest Speakers – Small Business Week 2016

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Community Futures and the Vernon Chamber of Commerce have once again partnered up to pay tribute to small businesses during Small Business Week; October 17-21st.  Small businesses contribute to the strength of our local economy. They bring growth and innovation to our community as well as provide employment opportunities.  Leigha Horsfield, Business Services Manager with Community Futures feels that, “small business is a key factor in the economic health of our region and it is important to acknowledge and celebrate the impact these businesses have”.

Click here for Small Business Week Events

Attracting Your Ideal Customer – Aly Pain

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We all want more customers and more profit, but marketing costs so much money!  What if there were a way to win more customers without the expense, and those customers kept coming back and telling others about you?  In this workshop participants will clarify the core values for their business as a tool for attracting their ideal customer. They will be shown how to effectively use values in all forms of marketing (without cost!) and networking, and even how to better explain their business so customers understand the emotional experience of working with their business. Adding a strong vision statement to their values, they will see the power of dreaming big, with a compass for daily behaviour to lead the way. Customers want to know what to expect and are drawn to businesses that are clear on where they’re going and how they can be part of that.

For more information on Aly Pain please visit:
http://www.alypain.com/about-aly/ – Aly Pain

Communications Workshop – Tracy Cobb-Reeves
tracy cobb-reeves

You communicate every day in business. But have you ever wondered if you are communicating effectively? In today’s business environment, organizations large and small need to do a better job of storytelling.  There should be a strong focus on engagement; sharing of information, not just telling.  This workshop will help you make sense of “communications”, what it encompasses, and the guiding principles. There will be exercises using information specific to your business, which will help you learn how to become better at communications that will have an impact on your business.

For more information on Tracy Cobb-Reeves please visit:
http://www.kelownacapnews.com/news/381793051.html

Taking Your Sales to the Next Level – John Glennon 

John Glennon

  • Bad Sales Habits that are eroding your margins
  • Painfully long sales cycles
  • Prospects demanding (and getting) costly price concessions
  • How to overcome the lack of sales culture or methodology

Sandler provides training and consulting solutions for Fortune 500 companies and small to medium sized businesses.

For more information on John Glennon please visit:
http://www.glennon.sandler.com/about/local-sandler-trainer – John Glennon

How to Register:

Seating is limited. To secure your seat for any of these workshops please register with Rashmeet Parhar at 250-545-2215 Ext. 200 or Email rashmeetp@futuresbc.com

 

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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