Local employer is telling their story of hiring foreign national in new videos to encourage more employers to consider the Vernon-North Okanagan Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) to address labour challenges.
More than 33,000 foreign nationals are ready to apply for full-time permanent jobs through the pilot which is one of the fastest tracks to permanent residency in Canada. The pilot, which began in February 2020 has already recommended 132 employees from 36 countries with jobs in the North Okanagan area for permanent residency. These individuals and their families receive support from Vernon and District Immigrant and Community Support Services Society once they arrive in the community.
Leigha Horsfield, Executive Director Community Futures North Okanagan which is hosting the pilot says, “This is exactly the type of success we were hoping for in our area as many businesses needed skilled workers to support their growth and long-term viability. We are grateful for the employers and employees who have shared their stories so that other local employers can see the benefits of using the RNIP pilot to meet their labour needs.”
The Pilot has a full-time coordinator to help employers post their jobs and complete the recruitment process. Employers with vacant jobs are asked to contact Coordinator Ward Mercer, online or at 250-938-1066 to learn more about becoming pre-approved and connecting with applicants through the RNIP job database.
The video was produced by Rhythm Production Services and Pinnacle Communications & Media. Interior Homecare Solutions describes the challenges faced in the health care sector during a pandemic and how the RNIP immigration pilot helped her to hire nurses with advanced qualifications from other countries.
The Vernon – North Okanagan RNIP pilot is funded by the Government of Canada through Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) and the Province of British Columbia. Additionally, the Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI-BC) provided a grant to fund the development of the online database platform and a marketing plan.
One of 11 pilots across Canada, the North Okanagan region includes the unincorporated areas, districts and municipalities of Vernon, Lake Country, Armstrong, Spallumcheen, Coldstream, Lumby, Enderby and lands under the authority of the Okanagan Indian Band and the Splatsin First Nation. RNIP Vernon- North Okanagan is designed to strengthen our local economy and support the development of our workforce.
For more information, please contact:
Leigha Horsfield, Executive Director – 250.545.2215
https://www.futuresbc.com/wp-2/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/CF-Website-Workshop-7.png7801370Albiyaj Johnhttps://futuresbc.com/wp-2/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Community-Futures-North-Okanagan-Logo.pngAlbiyaj John2022-01-10 15:52:212022-01-10 16:02:22Local labour shortages being addressed by immigration pilot
When a group of North Okanagan agricultural entrepreneurs joined together last fall, many felt like their business had hit an impassable roadblock.
Lost farmgate sales, COVID-19, and marketing efforts that weren’t seeing a return led eight small business owners to the REACH agricultural business accelerator program. Through Community Futures North Okanagan, the participants gained access to the tools and support they needed to scale up and succeed.
“The REACH program put real data onto what I was doing instead of going on intuition,” says Doug Gordon, Owner and Beekeeper of The Okanagan Honey Co. “You don’t know. You might be spending half of your time on something that only makes you 10 per cent of your profit. It was really nice to get all those numbers, put them all on paper, and figure out what’s actually happening.”
Based on the success of the pilot program and the response of REACH members, CF North Okanagan recognized the continued need for the program.
“When we introduced the program, we sought to bring the agricultural business community greater support in identifying opportunities that will help them stay strong and resilient,” says Kazia Mullin, Business Services Manager, CF North Okanagan. “Now that we’ve seen how great the need is and what a difference it makes, we wanted to bring this opportunity to more producers.”
Starting in October, the 22-week program moves participants through five phases of business development to identify gaps and opportunities. Along the way, REACH members will participate in workshops, gain access to federal and provincial grants and funding, grow a network of peers in the North Okanagan, and engage in one-on-one coaching with program facilitator Andrea Gunner—a leading agrologist and agricultural consultant who also runs a pastured poultry operation in the North Okanagan.
“It’s such a delight to very gently guide people and watch them take flight,” says Gunner. “The business growth that has happened through the program is incredibly inspiring.”
When the program ends in March 2022, participants leave the program with an actionable plan that paves the way to reaching long-term and short-term business goals.
“Last year’s participants entered the program looking for support. Many felt like their business was done because of COVID. Their marketing model didn’t work anymore. They felt stalled,” says Gunner. “By the end of the program, REACH was full of enlightened people. Not because of me, but because of their hard work and their new community of people running a business with the same obstacles. Having that support group was tremendously empowering for them.”
Rising food supply costs also present a challenge to agricultural entrepreneurs, Gunner says.
“As someone who cares about my community and people who are disadvantaged, that’s of great concern to me,” says Gunner. “But there’s also an opportunity for someone to fill that need. REACH can help you find those opportunities and efficiencies by helping you look at your business with a different mindset.”
Now, six months after the pilot program ended, Gordon says his biggest takeaway was identifying and overcoming his business’s weaknesses.
“It’s just really helpful to have that solid information,” says Gordon. “I feel like I actually know my business better.”
To learn more and apply for the REACH program, presented in partnership with Accelerate Okanagan and the Regional District of North Okanagan, visit www.futuresbc.com/reach. The deadline for applications is Sept. 30.
https://www.futuresbc.com/wp-2/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/REACH-Mike-BabottRhythm-Productions.png10791919Natalie Appletonhttps://futuresbc.com/wp-2/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Community-Futures-North-Okanagan-Logo.pngNatalie Appleton2021-09-22 09:37:412021-09-24 15:17:13‘Take flight’: REACH ag program returns after successful first year
Ask Judy Dangel about Business Exchange, and she’ll tell you all about the benefits of the peer networking program. That’s because, when she purchased her Enderby business 30 years ago, she quickly recognized gaps in her knowledge.
“I was young, bought my store, and thought I knew everything,” says Dangel, owner of Enderby Jewellers. “I soon found out owning a business means I also need to be an accountant and advertiser.”
That’s when Dangel heard about a new pilot program in Vancouver. Dangel joined and stayed on as Community Futures North Okanagan brought the Business Exchange program closer to home.
Delivered in bi-weekly meetings, Business Exchange is a small group forum that welcomes non-competing businesses. In each meeting, members learn about and discuss diverse topics ranging from business growth to accounting, marketing, legal, and everything in between.
“Business Exchange is great. Where else do you get a lawyer, accountant, and advertising professional sitting around a table for 90 minutes? If you have a legal question or accounting question, those questions are brought up in the discussion and answered,” says Dangel, the program’s longest-standing member.
Joanne Weatherill, owner of Briteland in Vernon, joined the program shortly after Dangel. After a few years in the program, Weatherill left Business Exchange only to rejoin after an invitation to become a guest speaker.
“I went back because Business Exchange truly brings the community and members together,” says Weatherill. “Plus, you always learn something. Everyone takes something away from the meetings. Community Futures is an encyclopedia of business knowledge.”
And, even after three decades in the program, Dangel agrees.
“Every year, I said if I didn’t get anything out of it, I’d leave. But, every year, I come out of it with something,” says Dangel. “For me, Business Exchange is about having those like-minded people around you that act as a sounding board.”
With a diverse, non-competitive membership spanning multiple industries, Business Exchange welcomes small business owners to share their experiences and learn from one another.
“One of the real strengths of the program is having a place to solve problems and come up with new ideas and strategies to address business challenges. Members bring unique perspectives, expertise, and support that everyone benefits from,” says Kazia Mullin, Business Services Manager, CF North Okanagan.
That program diversity, Weatherill says, grants members access to a network of professionals to navigate common business problems.
“Business is challenging no matter how big or small you are,” says Weatherill. “Friendships have formed through the program, and you can always pick each other’s brains after the discussion. I would tell anyone thinking about Business Exchange to apply. You and your business will benefit.”
Business Exchange, sponsored by Nixon Wenger and Clark Robinson, meets for bi-weekly virtual discussions and workshops. If you are interested in applying to become a member, visit CF North Okanagan online at futuresbc.com/business-exchange.
https://www.futuresbc.com/wp-2/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/210909-briteland-scaled.jpg17072560Natalie Appletonhttps://futuresbc.com/wp-2/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Community-Futures-North-Okanagan-Logo.pngNatalie Appleton2021-09-13 09:48:372021-09-13 09:48:37‘Encyclopedia of business knowledge’: Business Exchange program open to applicants
For hundreds of small businesses in dozens of communities across rural British Columbia, the devastating impact of this season’s wildfires are just one more blow to an economy already struggling from the effects of the pandemic. Since the start of the wildfire season on April 1st, more than 557,459 hectares of area have burned, displacing thousands of people and forcing many businesses to curtail their operations.
To help businesses deal with the effects of the wildfires on business stability and continuity, Community Futures British Columbia has launched a dedicated website and toll-free number (1-800-670-9058) to provide businesses with quick and easy access to information, resources, and support. The Community Futures Wildfire Business Support website (https://cfwildfire.ca/) provides a list of links to a range of resources and support available to assist with disaster recovery and mitigation, as well as the latest information on wildfire activity in British Columbia.
Among the resources provided are a Business Continuity Workbook and an Agriculture Emergency Preparedness Workbook, both of which were developed by Community Futures following the 2017 wildfires.
Disaster Readiness 101 Community Futures is also providing free, online workshops outlining the steps businesses can take to prepare for and recover more quickly from disasters. Disaster Readiness 101 covers the seven things your business can do immediately to avoid being caught off guard. Developed by Colin O’Leary, an expert in economic recovery and business planning, the workshop focuses on several key lessons learned following the 2017 wildfires.
The following is a schedule of upcoming online workshops with registration available through the Community Futures Wildfire Business Support website: Wednesday, August 11, 2021 / 12 – 1 p.m. Friday, August 20, 2021 / 12 – 1 p.m. Tuesday, August 24, 2021 / 12 – 1 p.m.
For more information call toll free, 1-800-670-9058, or visit the Community
https://www.futuresbc.com/wp-2/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Weekly-Disaster-Preparedness-OR.png10801080Albiyaj Johnhttps://futuresbc.com/wp-2/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Community-Futures-North-Okanagan-Logo.pngAlbiyaj John2021-08-09 15:05:362021-08-19 10:50:16Support Available for Businesses Impacted by the 2021 Wildfires
When her video camera turned on suddenly after the announcement was made, Amanda Homeniuk’s ear-to-ear smile filled the screen.
Homeniuk, new owner of the revamped Shambhala Clothing (soon to be renamed KALECO), took home the business services package valued at more than $20,000 during the Enterprize Challenge. Her prize includes business capital, banking, accounting service, marketing, legal services and more.
“This has been such a great experience,” says Homeniuk. “The community here is so great.”
Presented by VantageOne Credit Union and hosted by Community Futures North Okanagan the 2021 Enterprize Challenge culminated in the virtual Expo livestreamed via Hopin Wednesday, April 28. Seven competitors presented their final pitches to volunteer judges from VantageOne Credit Union, Sproing Creative, Nixon Wenger LLP, Wayside, and BDO Canada LLP.
Third place winners Bryn Davis and Jessica Bosman of DOUBL.
Shambhala has been in the community for a long time but with new ownership and an entirely new business model, Homeniuk fit the criteria as a start-up in the program. Surrounded by the eco-friendly clothing and jewelry from brands dedicated to social good, Homeniuk espoused the environmental and social need for change that drives her sustainable clothing business.
From adventure gear rentals to permaculture recycling and food waste recycling, environmental impact and conservation were top-of-mind for many of this year’s entrepreneurs.
“A global pandemic has not kept this years’ participants down,” says Michelle Hill, chair of the CFNO board of directors. “While navigating social bubbles, shifting restrictions and digital platforms, our participants have really risen to this year’s challenge.”
Second place winners Tiffany & Olivier Asselin of OTA Gear Rentals.
Second place winners OTA Gear Rentals, which helps people enjoy outdoor adventures, claimed the more than $10,000 prize package.
“We’re so grateful for everything we got from this competition,” says Olivier Asselin.
During a 30-minute break, while local musician Justin Moore performed, audience members voted for the People’s Choice Award. Sponsored by Sproing Creative, OTA Gear Rentals also won a $750 marketing package in addition to their second-place prize package.
Bryn Davis and Jessica Bosman of DOUBL, a custom-fitting bra harnessing 3D imaging technology, took home the third-place package valued at more than $6,000.
Each of the seven contenders was assigned a mentor to aid with their final pitches and underwent marketing, financials, development, and operations training. Entrepreneurs spent 10 weeks preparing for the Expo on Wednesday.
In its first virtual year, the Enterprize Challenge saw 25 businesses join the challenge and 15 present their initial pitch to the judges.
“The innovation we have seen this evening both at the Expo and in the final pitches is very impressive,” says Glenn Benischek, VantageOne Credit Union CEO. “The display of entrepreneurship shown during the Enterprize Challenge is to be commended, and we congratulate all of those that participated as well as all seven of our finalists.”
Following the Enterprize Challenge, CF North Okanagan will support all participants as they continue to grow their businesses.
Kazia Mullin, CF North Okangan Business Services Manager, says all the entrepreneurs, even those who didn’t take home a prize package, benefit from the Challenge.
“All of the Enterprize challengers showed innovation in their ability to adapt traditional business ideas to meet a changing marketplace,” says Mullin. “The Enterprize Challenge looked different this year, but the core principles of hard work and creativity remain. If you work hard, show your idea is valid, you will succeed not only in this competition but in business.”
Enterprize Challenge supporting partners include VantageOne Credit Union, Nixon Wenger LLP, Sproing Creative, BDO Canada LLP, Wayside, Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce, Okanagan College, Accelerate Okanagan, Rhythm Productions, Entrepreneurs with Disabilities, Vernon Morning Star, the City of Vernon and Beach 107.5.
https://www.futuresbc.com/wp-2/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Enterprize2021-Kaleco-2-e1619715575475.jpg742896Albiyaj Johnhttps://futuresbc.com/wp-2/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Community-Futures-North-Okanagan-Logo.pngAlbiyaj John2021-04-29 10:33:522021-06-09 13:19:27KALECO takes the top spot in Enterprize Challenge 2021
With years of experience in launching and managing media and tech start-ups, Tim Bieber uses his experience and industry knowledge to aid budding entrepreneurs.
A volunteer with Community Futures North Okanagan (CF North Okanagan), Bieber was awarded the organization’s Volunteer of the Year Award for his contributions to the community.
“I was drawn to how progressive CF North Okanagan was in their approach to economic development and supporting the modern-day community needs,” says Bieber. “In particular, I was impressed that the organization was stepping up to create a local community accelerator innovation centre space for the growing number of entrepreneurs in the area.”
A volunteer since January 2020, Bieber says he is inspired by CF North Okangan’s holistic approach to helping the community.
“I was blown away by the number of programs offered and by the impact the organization has on the community beyond business services and loans,” says Bieber.
The Vernon Innovation and Entrepreneur Workspace, or The VIEW, is a project Bieber supports as a CF North Okanagan volunteer. He believes The VIEW is a unique and powerful addition to the community.
“The VIEW will help foster and incubate the next generation of entrepreneurs to help our community thrive,” says Bieber. “I firmly believe this is going to be a huge driver in sustainably growing our region.”
Bieber is behind more than five media and technology companies and has helped launch and mentor other entrepreneurs looking to make their mark in the industry. He has held executive-level positions in companies as small as 10 employees and as large as 1,500 and has a keen eye for sales and business development in the tech sphere.
“We are very grateful to Tim for sharing his valuable time and expertise to improve and enhance the organization and the community we serve,” says Leigha Horsfield, CF North Okanagan executive director.
Through CF North Okanagan, Bieber is an active director and member of the Board Resource, Diversity, and Regional Relief Recovery Fund committees.
Volunteers are the backbone of CFNO. The organization’s geographically and demographically diverse board and committee members use their community engagement, business and workspace development, human resources, and financial and legal expertise to aid in CFNO’s ability to meaningfully contribute to the North Okanagan.
https://www.futuresbc.com/wp-2/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Volunteer-of-the-Year-2021-Tim-Bieber-e1618941021303.jpg14992353Albiyaj Johnhttps://futuresbc.com/wp-2/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Community-Futures-North-Okanagan-Logo.pngAlbiyaj John2021-04-20 08:49:002021-06-04 12:32:05Community Futures North Okanagan names volunteer of the year
Community Futures North Okanagan Enterprize Challenge finalists compete for more than $40,000 in prizes
VERNON, B.C.—From beautiful country weddings to food waste recycling and permaculture consulting, environmental consciousness ties together this year’s Enterprize Challenge finalists.
Hosted by Community Futures North Okanagan (CFNO) and presented by VantageOne Credit Union, the Enterprize Challenge brings together seven entrepreneurs with seven unique business ventures to compete in a Dragon’s Den-style competition for more than $40,000 in prizes. The April 28 virtual event will be live-streamed from the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre.
“This year’s Enterprize Challenge highlights the innovation and ingenuity of North Okanagan entrepreneurs during these difficult times,” says Kazia Mullin, CFNO Business Services Manager. “The challengers demonstrate the need to adapt traditional business ideas to meet a new marketplace. Our judges now face the difficult decision of selecting a winner from seven incredible finalists.”
This year’s finalists include:
Bluegrass Farm Events aims to be at the centre of the North Okanagan agritourism movement.
Bluegrass Farm Events, Troy and Thea Sievert
From its roots as a beautiful Airbnb on 13 acres of pristine North Okanagan landscape overlooking Spallumcheen Valley and Otter Lake to its future as a country-style wedding venue, Bluegrass Farm aims to be at the centre of the region’s agritourism movement.
“To be part of establishing a strong agritourism industry in the North Okanagan where people will be excited to experience our way of life, may just be one great present to give to a stranger,” says Troy and Thea.
“If they just happen to get married on the farm and be branded as a ‘Bluegrass couple,’ we think it’s a win-win.”
Jessica Bosman and Bryn Davis are the masterminds behind DOUBL—an innovative take on the future of bras.
DOUBL, Jessica Bosman and Bryn Davis
A good bra should inspire confidence. With the help of 3D imaging technology, DOUBL makes perfect, custom-fitting bras that provide comfort in the boardroom and support when you need it most. With their innovative ideas and dedication to the environment, DOUBL is a bra-market disruptor.
“We are looking forward to bringing the bra into the 21st century,” says Bosman and Davis. “This space has lacked innovation for years and the female population deserves so much better. We want to remove the frustration and discomfort that often accompanies purchasing and wearing a bra.”
Food Waste Challenge turns leftovers into bio pulp to enhance soil.
Food Waste Challenge, Jay Aarsen
Jay Aarsen of Food Waste Challenge believes nothing should be squandered. Through a specialized recycling method, Food Waste Challenge turns leftovers into viable bio pulp to enhance soil and aid plant growth.
“Food waste is one of the leading contributions to greenhouse gases,” says Aarsen. “We recycle in a way that promotes fermentation to create an agri-bio liquid to replace fertilizers full of microbes that remove nutrients from the soil.”
Born in the Okanagan, Gambit is a family board game made to bring players together.
Gambit, Paul Cousins
Unplug and enjoy one-on-one family time with Gambit, an all-ages custom board game created right here in the North Okanagan. Gambit boards have made their way into many homes and RVs through exposure at Vernon stores, Creative Chaos, and an interactive afternoon with École Beairsto students.
“Our ultimate dream scenario is to create a workshop to produce classic versions of the game while licensing out the concept to a major game manufacturer for worldwide distribution at the same tier as Chess, Backgammon or Crokinole,” says Cousins.
Oasis Gardens Consulting designs beautiful and regenerative gardens that inspire, bring joy, and foster land stewardship.
Oasis Gardens Consulting, Keli Westgate
Oasis Gardens Consulting inspires, consults, and educates about zero waste edible and medicinal foodscapes that foster land and community connections. Westgate designs beautiful, regenerative gardens using permaculture principles to improve mental and physical health.
“I am feeling the love from the community and the interest in edible landscapes is growing daily,” says Westgate. “I am looking forward to helping clients and students design and grow outdoor spaces that will inspire, bring a harvest, bring joy, and foster more land stewardship to increase resilience The Oasis Gardens Consulting brand will stand for eco-consciousness in land design, positive and regenerative solutions.”
OTA Gear Rental believes that outdoor adventure should be fun, safe, and affordable.
OTA Gear Rental, Tiffany and Olivier Asselin
Adventure should be safe, simple, and fun. OTA Gear Rental is a one-stop-shop for quality and affordable outdoor activity equipment whether you’re hiking in Kalamalka Provincial Park or camping in the beautiful Okanagan wilderness.
“We are so excited about our business and it means so much to us to know others feel that same way,” say Tiffany and Olivier. “OTA Gear Rental is a COVID-safe and affordable option for connecting with nature and reconnecting with friends and family.”
Shambhala Clothing, now under new ownership, specializes in sustainable, fair-trade, and handmade clothing, jewelry and gifts from eco-friendly brands working for social good.
Shambhala Clothing, Amanda Homeniuk
Located in the heart of downtown Vernon, Shambhala Clothing is a thoughtfully curated lifestyle shop. Shambhala specializes in Boho, eclectic, fair-trade, and handmade clothing, jewelry, and gifts from eco-friendly brands working for social good. Homeniuk purchased and transformed the business in 2020.
“In all respects, we have started anew,” says Homeniuk, noting the new branding, inventory, and renovated space. “Based on feedback from our customers, we are looking already to expand our selection to include men’s clothing—first online and then in the future to an additional brick and mortar location.”
“The final pitches is a highly anticipated event and it’s wonderful that the public can still be a part of the excitement in this virtual format,” says Mullin. “It’s going to be a great evening and a welcome return of the Enterprize Challenge.”
The final pitch and showcase will be live-streamed via HopIn on Wednesday, April 28, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available online at hopin.com/events/enterprize-challenge-finale.
The Community Futures Enterprize Challenge, presented by VantageOne Credit Union, is made possible by the support of 13 sponsoring organizations.
00Albiyaj Johnhttps://futuresbc.com/wp-2/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Community-Futures-North-Okanagan-Logo.pngAlbiyaj John2021-04-16 09:22:292021-04-16 09:22:29Enterprize Challenge 2021 Finalists Announced
FILL Vernon’s Refill Store & NUMU Technologies need your votes!
VERNON, B.C.—One uses data to help businesses grow their profits, the other uses pumps on jugs of household products to help people refill containers and keep plastics out of landfills. Both are Enterprize Challenge alumni and both have been nominated for a Small Business BC Award. FILL Vernon’s Refill Store has been nominated in the category of Best Community Impact and NUMU Technologies has been nominated in the category of Best Innovator.
The Small Business BC Awards is a high-profile province-wide awards competition, and FILL owner Teresa Sanders and NUMU owner Mitchal Derksen are no strangers to business competitions. Both have participated in Community Futures North Okanagan-hosted Enterprize Challenge, a local business competition designed to give entrepreneurs a headstart as they compete for more than $35,000 in prizes.
Derksen participated in Enterprize Challenge in 2018 with a dream of helping small and medium-sized businesses make better growth decisions and improve revenue with data and insights—the kind large companies have entire departments of analysts to support. After going through the competition, his focus shifted beyond offering a service and toward developing software to make “helpful data” even more accessible to a wider market.
“We feel very strongly that the work we do is innovative and helpful for clients so we’re very excited to be included in a category that lets us celebrate that,” says Derksen, adding given the current business climate, NUMU’s work has been especially rewarding. “Forecasting cashflow helps develop resiliency so you can get through this and get through it stronger.”
In the Polson Park Mall, fellow Enterprize alumni Teresa Sanders and her store, FILL, are helping businesses cope with COVID with natural hand sanitizer she created last year, and the store’s passionate community of “refillers” of everything from shampoos to laundry soap is also growing. After winning the spring 2019 competition, Sanders opened her refill store in December, and recently celebrated 100,000 plastics saved.
Teresa Sanders, owner of FILL Vernon’s Refill Store, holds her award after winning first place in the 2019 Enterprize Challenge competition. (photo credit Celena S Photography)
“I am super excited to be recognized for this award and am touched that our community continues to see the value of saving plastic and our earth,” says Sanders. “FILL couldn’t save so much plastic without the support of the community. I never could have dreamed that the community would get so behind our little store.”
CF North Okanagan wanted to draw attention to these nominations both to celebrate their achievements and to encourage the public to support them by voting. The public can vote for until March 7 to help deserving nominees receive this special recognition. https://smallbusinessbc.ca/awards/
Excitement is also building for the 2021 Enterprize Challenge. A total of 23 participants are now in the learning stages as they work toward creating a promising business and a compelling pitch for judges. Derksen is among the one-to-one mentors supporting participants along the way. On April 28, the finalists pitch, awards and challenger showcase will be livestreamed from the Vernon & District Performing Arts Centre, and the public will be able to get tickets via Eventbrite.
Feature image photo: Mitchal Derksen, middle, owner of NUMU Technologies, talks data with his team at Triumph Coffee in downtown Vernon.
https://www.futuresbc.com/wp-2/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/TeamAtCoffeeTableClose_numu.png10671600Albiyaj Johnhttps://futuresbc.com/wp-2/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Community-Futures-North-Okanagan-Logo.pngAlbiyaj John2021-02-19 09:43:472021-04-29 15:10:21Enterprize Alumni Nominated for Small Business BC Awards
This might be the year to start exporting—and the new Export Navigator advisor for the Thompson-Okanagan is providing free support along the way.
Successfully exporting overseas was once a possibility only for those who could travel across the globe to meet with potential partners in-person at trade shows. Now, with travel at a halt, and relationships and opportunities moving ahead online, exporting is a possibility for just about anyone with an exportable product or service.
“There has always been a huge potential with exporting, and now with the global economy, it’s a much more even playing field with opportunities worth exploring,” says Amber Piché, the new Export Navigator Advisor for the Thompson-Okanagan region. The Provincial Export Navigator program supports entrepreneurs with free advice from export specialists to help determine readiness and strategies for exporting successfully, from product development and marketing to financials, networking and logistics.
Piché, who grew up in West Kelowna, has a strong understanding of marketing for key Okanagan industries and experience running a business and doing business internationally. Her career began in three core sectors: tourism, hospitality and wine, with roles at Mission Hill Family Estate Winery, the Kelowna Museum Society, The Laurel Packinghouse Wine Museum and The Grand Okanagan Resort. Piché’s recent role in business development for an international corporate technology firm allowed her to travel the world, while making important contacts along the way. She says she is looking forward to putting her background to work to help business owners explore the possibilities of exporting.
Amber Piché, Export Navigator Advisor for the Thompson Okanagan
“I’ve always enjoyed helping companies improve their business operations in the areas of marketing and business development, for example. I love seeing others realize their dreams and am grateful that I get to be part of the process,” says Piché, who will be supporting Export Navigator clients across the North Okanagan as well as Penticton, Summerland, Salmon Arm and Sicamous.
At a time when many business owners are looking at ways to overcome challenges and stay competitive, exporting could be the possibility entrepreneurs are looking for, offering a more diverse market, fostering innovation, and growing profitability through economies of scale.
Piché says it’s helpful to have an outside specialist to ask questions and help think beyond the day-to-day running of a business.
“Even inter-community exporting can feel like a big step when you’re first getting started, but it’s a great way to get your feet wet and see what’s possible. These small steps can build confidence in yourself, your business, and present the opportunities that further exports bring.”
We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Recovery & Innovation and the Government of Canada through Western Economic Diversification Canada.
https://www.futuresbc.com/wp-2/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/export-nav_social-image-6.png788940Albiyaj Johnhttps://futuresbc.com/wp-2/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Community-Futures-North-Okanagan-Logo.pngAlbiyaj John2021-01-18 12:48:342021-04-29 15:10:22Are you Considering Exporting?
Community Futures North Okanagan calls for emerging entrepreneurs to participate in Enterprize Challenge, being held virtually in 2021.
VERNON, BC— More than three years ago, nurse and new mother Kayley Letendre moved back to Vernon from the coast to raise her young family when she started craving something that she and her husband devoured while travelling before they had kids. Letendre felt there was a gap in the Okanagan for quality, locally made ice cream inspired by regional flavours.
“I thought to myself, ‘Why does the most beautiful place with the most beautiful summers not have beautiful ice cream?’”
Letendre started making her own ice cream to turn a personal longing into a consumable product. After receiving great feedback when serving her ice cream at friend’s barbecues, she considered turning her hobby into a business. However, she didn’t know where to start until she heard a radio announcement about Enterprize Challenge, a boot camp for emerging entrepreneurs that culminates in a Dragon’s Den-style competition. Upon entering the 2019 competition, Letendre wowed the judges with her pitch and won the audience over with her enticing flavours, placing second.
Hosted by Community Futures North Okanagan (CFNO) and presenting sponsor VantageOne Credit Union, Enterprize Challenge is back for 2021. Postponed last year due to COVID-19, this year’s sixth annual competition will take place in a new virtual format.
“This year’s fully virtual challenge has been adapted to serve our community during the pandemic. We hope that moving to an online format makes the Enterprize Challenge even more accessible to those with young families and those who live outside Vernon or are working,” says Kazia Mullin, CFNO Business Services Manager. “More than ever, this year’s Enterprize Challenge is about finding 2020’s silver lining and highlighting how our local entrepreneurs’ creative thinking, problem-solving, and flexibility has been an important part of keeping our community going during these difficult times.”
As in the past, 2021 entrants will have the opportunity to attend online workshops to learn everything from marketing and financials to building a sound business plan. They’ll also receive one-on-one mentorship virtually from local business owners and professionals.
“I had an amazing mentor in (CFNO Loans Advisor) Scot McNair. He saw my vision and kept me on track the whole time,” says Letendre. “Having someone within the business community shed light on the ins and outs was invaluable.”
In April seven finalists will pitch their business idea in front of judges in a format similar to CBC’s popular television show Dragon’s Den. However, instead of in front of a live audience, the event will be live-streamed from the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre. Finalists will vie for prize packages valued at $35,000 that 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.
“A lot of businesses have pivoted and changed in 2020, so it will be interesting to see a continuation of that creativity and innovation, and how that will spill over to Enterprize Challenge,” says Mullin. “We’re looking forward to seeing how this year’s challengers change traditional business ideas to meet a new marketplace.”
“Just the exposure from being a participant was huge. Now, people know who we are and we’ve teamed up with other businesses that have similar values.”
Kayley Letendre
Since participating in the 2019 Enterprize Challenge, Letendre has made the full transition from nursing to owning a business. She sells her Sugarbee’s Ice Cream at events, local stores, and more recently, online and credits the Enterprize Challenge for giving her a leg up and growing connections.
“Just the exposure from being a participant was huge. Now, people know who we are and we’ve teamed up with other businesses that have similar values.”
The 2021 Enterprize Challenge registration opens Jan. 4, 2021, and closes at noon Feb. 5. All workshops will be in the evenings, live through Zoom. The Enterprize Challenge is open to all North Okanagan residents with a business idea they intend to turn into an operating business in 2021 or are an independent business that opened in 2020. To learn more or register, visit enterprizechallenge.ca.
