News Archives - Page 9 of 14 - Community Futures North Okanagan

Innovation Centre prepares to welcome & inspire local tech community

July 8, 2020/in News

Growing demand for workspace, connections amid COVID-19 fuels excitement about Innovation Centre

For so many reasons, and now more than ever, the upcoming opening of the Vernon Innovation & Entrepreneur Workspace in downtown Vernon is something to look forward to. While many storefronts have had to dim their lights in recent months, a new face on 30^th Avenue aims to become a bright spot for local collaboration, community and innovation.

“This is a grassroots Vernon project that has seen many individuals and organizations work incredibly hard. To see the walls go up and the lights coming on, it’s amazing and we’re so thankful for their support and the support of our board, because this was a big leap,” says Leigha Horsfield, General Manager, Community Futures North Okanagan (CFNO).

The centre, set to open in mid-August next to Marten’s Pub, will feature 2,400 square feet of space for meeting and coworking on the main floor. The basement is a potential future link of the grassroots Creative Campus initiative with community partners. The centre also aims to act as a hub for emerging and established freelancers and entrepreneurs to collaborate, network, learn and grow.

With both in-person and virtual opportunities taking shape, members of the Innovation Centre community and Vernon’s ‘hidden’ (home-based) workforce can connect and let ideas take root, an important factor as people look for a place to belong post COVID-19. The events of recent months and new ways of working have also fuelled growing demand for cowork space.

“We are fielding a lot of queries and we’re hearing people say with family at home more of the time, they need another place to work and focus, and this way they also get that check-in time with their peers,” says Kazia Mullin, Business Services Manager at CFNO, adding the centre will open with an evolving health and safety plan to ensure the wellbeing of our guests and community.

“We are so looking forward to seeing how members of our tech community with connections and experience will inspire others, including youth and Indigenous people, to take their business ideas forward.”

The idea for the centre grew with support of several local stakeholders, and it was propelled with local and federal funding and project management by CFNO. A local steering committee created critical roadmaps and relationships to help bring the project to fruition. Mullin says once the centre was ready to operationalize, Accelerate Okanagan was invited to manage the centre—drawing on their expertise while mindfully fueling the vision and values of this uniquely Vernon centre.

To help make the centre’s goals a reality in the day-to-day when it opens, Vernon resident and longstanding member of the local tech community Jessica Wicks is the Accelerate Okanagan Community Lead based in the centre.

“We are very committed to leveraging the feedback of the Vernon community to continue making this a centre they are proud of,” says Wicks.

Through its hub-and-spoke model, the centre will continue to inspire meaningful local collaboration with organizations such as The Okanagan Science Centre, Okanagan Regional Library, Vernon Arts Centre, City of Vernon, Okanagan College, School District 22 and others. This project is supported in part by Western Economic Diversification Canada.

New relief fund helps non-profits & ‘all the other businesses’

June 15, 2020/in News

North Okanagan small businesses & non-profits can apply for Regional Relief and Recovery Fund’s loans of up to $40,000 to cover expenses incurred during COVID-19

VERNON, BC—The rent while doors were closed. The cleaning supplies. The fees to create an online store. These are just some of the COVID-19 operating expenses some small businesses and non-profit organizations can now receive lending for through the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF).

“This is a fund for non-profits and all the other businesses that may have fallen through the cracks and not qualified for the federal government’s wage subsidy or Canada Emergency Business Account,” says Michele Hill, chair of the board of directors for Community Futures North Okanagan, which will be administering the fund for Western Economic Diversification Canada. CFNO is now accepting applications.

The federal fund provides loans of up to $40,000 to non-profits and small and medium-sized businesses located in non-metropolitan areas that were negatively impacted by COVID-19, and have costs that have not been covered by other COVID-19 supports. Expenses incurred during this period that are eligible include lease payments, rent, salaries and benefits, property taxes, utilities, bank charges and interest, office supplies, vehicle supplies and more.

“This funding will go such a long way to help cover some pretty big expenses incurred at a time when many of these businesses and organizations were seeing just a fraction of their normal revenue,” says Kazia Mullin, Business Services Manager. “It could be a lifeline for the many social enterprises and small and family-owned businesses that didn’t meet criteria for other government supports.”

Early COVID-19 federal lending assistance programs had requirements that excluded sole proprietor businesses and businesses without staff or a certain annual payroll minimum, and this is the first federal lending program to include non-profits.

Scot McNair, Business Loans Advisor at CFNO, says he’s looking forward to helping local organizations and ‘mom and pop’ stores get back on their feet.

“The RRRF really targets many of those family businesses as well as non-profits that are a big part of our community, and we’re glad to be able to bring them this support,” says McNair, adding he encourages businesses to apply soon as they are expecting many applications and the RRRF funds for each community are limited.

The RRRF repayment terms include no interest and no payments through to Dec. 31, 2022. If 75 per cent of the loan is repaid by Dec. 31, 2022, the remainder is forgiven. Payments begin January 2023 and loans must be repaid by Dec. 31, 2025 and there are no prepayment penalties.

To learn more about the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund, and to apply, visit https://www.futuresbc.com/regional-relief-and-recovery-fund/ For more information, contact Scot McNair at 250-545-2215 Ext. 249.

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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 provides workshops, programs, and services for three departments: Business Services, Employment Services, and Economic Development. Visit www.futuresbc.com to learn more.

Business Recovery Survey to Drive Supports

May 12, 2020/in News

Vision North Okanagan reaches out to business community to understand recovery needs

Local businesses will have a chance to share what kind of support they need to reopen and stay resilient through the Business Recovery Survey being conducted by Vision North Okanagan in May.

“The Business Recovery Survey allows us to hear first-hand from Vernon business owners so we can better understand their needs and inform the next step, which is a Business Recovery Strategy,” says Leigha Horsfield, general manager, Community Futures North Okanagan (CFNO).

Vision North Okanagan (VNO) is a collaboration between organizations that support economic development activities across the region, including the Okanagan College, Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce, the Province of BC, CFNO, Regional District of the North Okanagan, Social Planning Council, Downtown Vernon Association and the City of Vernon. The Business Recovery Survey is being conducted in partnership with the City of Vernon.

“The pandemic has impacted certain sectors more than others. By surveying a cross section of local employers we’ll be able to obtain key information including anticipated employment impacts, the uptake of federal and provincial business support programs as well as what measures can be done at a local level to better assist in business recovery efforts,” says Kevin Poole, manager of economic development and tourism at the City of Vernon.

Over the next two weeks, businesses in Vernon will be contacted by staff from member organizations of VNO, who will ask the survey questions over the phone. The survey has less than 20 questions and Horsfield says it’s designed to be a casual conversation and a simple way for business owners to share their experiences and challenges moving forward through the impact of COVID-19.

“The results from this survey will inform the Business Recovery Strategy so we can respond quickly to the needs of local businesses,” says Susan Lehman, executive director, Downtown Vernon Association, adding the strategy is expected to be shared in June.

Coping During COVID: CFNO Helps Businesses with Emergency Loan Funding

April 27, 2020/in News

Loans of up to $25,000 are available to North Okanagan businesses to help them endure the economic impacts of COVID-19

When Darren Bezanson had to shut down the seating inside his Armstrong restaurant due to COVID-19 social distancing requirements, he knew who to call.

Worried about how he was going to pay his staff and suppliers, the owner and chef of Fairways Bistro and Catering contacted Scot McNair, Business Loans Advisor at Community Futures North Okanagan.

“I wanted to see if I could get extra funding and get my staff paid and bills up to date, and what the process of that was going to look like,” Bezanson says.

McNair was able to help Bezanson access funding through CFNO’s new Emergency Loans Relief Program, which assists businesses in getting through the COVID-19 economic slowdown with business loans of up to $25,000.

With flexible terms and payment schedules, CFNO’s Emergency Loan Relief Program is different from the Canadian government’s emergency business loans program, says McNair. While the government program is interest-free, it has several requirements that some businesses can’t meet, including a minimum $20,000 payroll.

“The Community Futures program offers interest and payment-free loans for the first 90 days to help businesses get through the initial period and to a place where they can start back up again. The interest rate remains low for the remainder of the payback period. It’s a good fit for anyone who needs a bit of flexibility.”

Having received support and services from CFNO since he opened his business six years ago, Bezanson says CFNO’s Emergency Loan Relief couldn’t have come at a better time.

“There was no hesitation. The turnaround time to receive the funds took less than a week. Scot stepped right up and went to bat for us. The loan has allowed for us to continue to function and stay afloat,” says Bezanson.

While reopening his restaurant to public seating may take a while, Bezanson has been able to continue a takeout food and beverage service as well as a delivery service, thanks also to support from the Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce.

“Having business support and organizations such as Community Futures that have your back has been a huge load off,” he says.

CFNO is also helping small businesses navigate COVID-19 with support services such as virtual regional roundtables through #NOKTogether, as well as with one-to-one telephone or virtual meetings for business coaching and advice, and updated resources and information through its social media channels.

For more information or to inquire about Community Futures North Okanagan’s Emergency Loan Relief Fund, contact Scot McNair at 250-545-2215 Ext. 249 or fill out the form available at http://www.futuresbc.com/independent-business-loan-inquiry/.

This program is funded by the Government of Canada.

Experts Help Businesses Navigate COVID-19 with New Regional Roundtables

April 14, 2020/in News

Amidst a rapidly changing business landscape, employers in the North Okanagan can gain greater insight on how to access new programs and continue operating during this difficult .

The #NOKTogether Regional Roundtables hosted by Community Futures North Okanagan will take place every Thursday morning, and feature presenters on specific topics to support business owners navigating COVID-19. Businesses from all North Okanagan communities are welcome to participate in these no-cost roundtable sessions.

Thursdays

Starting at 11am

https://zoom.us/j/788148493

The regional roundtables kick off April 16, and will focus on employment law with guest presenters Kelsey Wheelhouse, a litigation lawyer from Davidson Lawyers with extensive understanding of employment, labour and human rights law; and Selena Stearns, wage subsidy advisor, CFNO.

This topic will help employers better understand their obligations as they lay off and rehire employees in these unique times.

Each week, presenters will share expertise on a different and specific theme, and these will continue to be announced.

Presentations will be followed by a Questions & Answer period so please bring your questions.

Thursday, April 16

Topic: What You Need To Know As An Employer During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Presenters: Kelsey Wheelhouse, Davidson Lawyers, and Selena Stearns, CFNO

Thursday, April 23

Topic: What You Need To Know About Your Small Business Financials During The Pandemic Economic Slowdown

Presenters: TBD

#NOKTogether is a collaboration of business support organizations and local government with a goal of streamlining communication and resources to support local businesses and residents through the new website noktogether.com. The project is supported by Community Futures North Okanagan, City of Vernon, Lumby & District Chamber of Commerce, Splatsin Band, Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce, City of Armstrong, Downtown Vernon Association, City of Enderby, Enderby & District Chamber of Commerce, Township of Spallumcheen, Village of Lumby, Okanagan Indian Band, the Regional District of the North Okanagan, Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce, District of Coldstream, Okanagan College, Beach Radio and Vernon Matters.

In addition to updates about virtual roundtables, webinars and training opportunities, the noktogether.com website provides streams of curated resources for employees and employers as well as additional health resources, news updates and a list of businesses still open in the region.

New #NOKTogether group launches website

April 7, 2020/in News

Online resources help business community & residents navigate COVID-19

NORTH OKANAGAN, BC—With the launch of the new #NOKTogether partnership and website, North Okanagan businesses and residents have access to a single hub of relevant and timely information as well as important tools to help endure the COVID-19 crisis.

“This is an incredibly unique and challenging time for everyone. Our community’s business leaders wanted to support business owners and residents by bringing together the most relevant updates and tools in one place, and also help them stay connected,” says Leigha Horsfield, general manager, Community Futures North Okanagan.

#NOKTogether is a collaboration between several North Okanagan business organization partners and local government, including Community Futures North Okanagan, City of Vernon, Lumby & District Chamber of Commerce, Splatsin Band, Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce, City of Armstrong, Downtown Vernon Association, City of Enderby, Enderby & District Chamber of Commerce, Township of Spallumcheen, Village of Lumby, Okanagan Indian Band, the Regional District of the North Okanagan, Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce, District of Coldstream, Okanagan College, Beach Radio and Vernon Matters.

The noktogether.com website has streams of curated resources for employees and employers as well as additional health resources, news updates and a list of businesses still open in the region.

“Many of our members have found ways to continue serving customers by adapting their service to help ensure everyone’s safety, and it’s been inspiring to see how residents are reaching out to support those local businesses,” says Patti Noonan, general manager, Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce.

The website also hosts a curated list of virtual meetups—webinars, online training and virtual roundtables.

“It’s important that we look for ways to help businesses stay connected with the wider business community so we can engage with and support one another as we respond to COVID-19,” says Kevin Acton, chairperson, Regional District of the North Okanagan.

To learn more, visit noktogether.com

ABOUT #NOKTogether

#NOKTogether is a collaboration of business support organizations and local government with a goal of streamlining communication and resources to support local businesses and residents through the new website noktogether.com. The project is supported by Community Futures North Okanagan, City of Vernon, Lumby & District Chamber of Commerce, Splatsin Band, Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce, City of Armstrong, Downtown Vernon Association, City of Enderby, Enderby & District Chamber of Commerce, Township of Spallumcheen, Village of Lumby, Okanagan Indian Band, the Regional District of the North Okanagan, Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce, District of Coldstream, Okanagan College, Beach Radio and Vernon Matters.

Virtual Roundtables & One-on-One Resources: Supporting Your Business

March 21, 2020/in News

Community Futures North Okanagan (CFNO) is hosting weekly virtual roundtables to help local business owners discuss challenges, solutions and resources around operating during the COVID-19 health crisis. Business owners can also access one-on-one support in telephone and virtual meetings with CFNO advisors.

North Okanagan Weekly Business Roundtables

These weekly community meetings give business owners an opportunity to connect with each other and our advisors to share and get answers to important questions, including:

How is COVID-19 impacting your business?
What kind of changes are you making in your business?
Where do you need help?
What resources are available?

How to participate in these weekly business roundtables

All you have to do is click on the Zoom virtual meeting link below during your community’s meeting. It’s the same link and time every week. There’s no need to register. Just log in and join us!

The roundtables are open to all business owners. Your participation is so valuable as we collaborate to support a changing business landscape and each other.

VERNON

Tuesdays

9 am to 10 am

https://zoom.us/j/502474720?pwd=T09RdlA1alpRaWl0MGhxN0M3V2RqZz09

ARMSTRONG/SPALLUMCHEEN/ENDERBY

Wednesdays

9 am to 10 am

https://zoom.us/j/129944504?pwd=Q0hzQ1RBa3NxQ3IzcDhvdE9Kc0Fmdz09

LUMBY/LAVINGTON/COLDSTREAM

Thursdays

9 am to 10 am

https://zoom.us/j/188618723?pwd=ODJhVVZKT0cxMGVZdHdCbHZwUWdmdz09

Other ways we are here to support your small business right now

We’re adapting how we deliver our services to support your small business, but we are still here to help you!

Here are some of the ways CFNO can offer you the resources, support and capital you need to help your business keep going right now:

Quick turnaround of business loans up to $25,000. We can also offer flexible terms and payment schedules to help your business get through this period.

Telephone or virtual meetings for business coaching and advice. Just call Business Services at 250-545-2215 ext 204 to arrange an appointment with one our advisors.

Curated and regularly updated resources and information for small businesses navigating the impacts of Coronavirus on our social media channels. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

You can also find a wealth of information in this live, constantly updated #COVID19 Resources for BC Businesses document from the BC Economic Development Association.

Take care and know we’re here to help!

The Community Futures North Okanagan Team

That’s the Spirit! Community Futures helps distillery reach new markets

March 5, 2020/in News

Blair Wilson looks up at the steam wafting from the crown of his copper still. The sweet smell of apples enters the nostrils as the vapour passes through two shiny plated columns that resemble giant flutes. The steam condenses back to a liquid, drops, then evaporates before continuing its journey. The process repeats and repeats.

As the owner of an orchard, Wilson has churned his Okanagan apples into liquid gold, producing quality 25-times and 50-times distilled vodkas at his Kelowna distillery, Forbidden Spirits.

The fruit of all this labour has been well worth the effort. Wilson is now set to export his vodkas to international markets, thanks to the help he has received from Community Futures.

“I heard about the program through the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce and met with Ken MacLeod at Community Futures, who has been coaching us since the very beginning. He has been especially helpful in helping us deal with all the documents and the certificate of origin that are needed to export products overseas. There are at least 12 different documents you need to prepare when exporting an item, so it’s a lot of paperwork to get through,” Wilson says.

Fermenting an Idea

Before fermenting fruit into alcohol, Wilson ran a chartered accounting practice in North Vancouver and started a software company. He even served as Canada’s first elected Green Party MLA. However, it was an investment made overseas that got him into the food and beverage industry.

“A client of mine from Poland had a pizza-making company. I was doing the books for him, and after seeing the location and how people were lined up for pizza, I decided to invest. This took place after the Berlin Wall came down when the demand for anything western was huge,” Wilson says. “I drank a lot of vodkas when I was in Poland but never thought then that I would ever own a distillery.”

After retiring in Kelowna with his wife more than four years ago, Wilson says he soon became restless.

“I wanted to do something that I have never done before.”

–Blair Wilson

That’s when Wilson decided to invest in an apple orchard. However, he soon found the market for the fruit to be less than fruitful.

“I didn’t think it would be this much hard work. Let’s say we were happy when the snow hit the ground,” he says. “There was no money in apples as the market price was too low. I had to find another use for them. I thought about a cidery, but when I did up a business plan and looked at the financial statements, I found the cost of cans to be too high and the results of all that labour to be too small, plus the competition was fierce.”

Searching for options, Wilson experienced a revelation while attending a whisky conference in Seattle.

“I was told I could turn apples into vodka,” he recalls. “I then encountered other distilleries at a trade show in New York who were making vodka from apples. Whenever there is a craft distiller, they use the sugar source that is the most available and least expensive. In the Prairies, it’s wheat. In the Caribbean, it’s sugarcane. In the Okanagan, it’s apples.”

After hiring a chemist to conduct the research, Wilson started looking for equipment and found a state-of-the-art 1,000-litre copper column still from Germany.

“We spent more than a year in the laboratory perfecting the recipe, getting the fermentation right, and investing in a still that would offer us the very best product on the market. Now we spend half our time cleaning it,” Wilson laughs.

That was three-and-a-half years ago, and today business is booming.

The first bottle of Forbidden Spirits vodka came off the line in January 2019. In May, Wilson opened a tasting room on his property and also started offering tours so that visitors could see the still in action.

“We had a hugely successful summer and were able to hire someone to market our product in Vancouver and Whistler. All I have to do is get people to try our vodka. The price point is competitive, and the quality is superior. It is some of the best-tasting vodkas in the world.”

Infusion of Interest

With domestic sales on the increase, Forbidden Spirits is now ready to hit the shelves in Europe and Asia.

Earlier this year, MacLeod encouraged Wilson to apply to Anuga, one of the biggest food and beverage trade fairs in the world. Sponsored by the Canadian Ministry of Agriculture, Forbidden Spirits was accepted, and in October, Wilson travelled to Cologne, Germany, setting up a booth to promote Forbidden Spirits.

“It was incredible. It was a huge show that took place in eight buildings the size of BC Place. We had importers and buyers from different countries learn about our vodka, and we came back with a fistful of business cards,” Wilson says.

At Anuga, Wilson connected with a food and beverage broker in Europe as well as an importer from China. In December, he travelled to China to meet with a national chain of department stores interested in carrying his vodka.

Now the real work has begun, as Wilson is packaging, marketing, and shipping his product overseas

“The language and size regulations have to meet EU standards. We have to repackage our quantities from 750 ml to the EU standard of 700 ml,” he explains. “There are also the requirements for language, the percentage of alcohol, and where the product is made that have to go on the label. We’ve been lucky to partner with a company that helped us get our first container shipped.”

A Smooth Finish

With Forbidden Spirits ready to liven taste buds around the world, the next hurdle is to keep up with demand while remaining profitable.

To do this, Forbidden Spirits is working with local companies such as Kelowna’s SunRype for more juice concentrate and Vernon bottle printers Universal Packaging to help with the brand expansion.

“We have also looked at our pricing. Rebel Vodka was originally priced low to break into the market. It’s been below our craft competition and our multi-national competition. Now we’re able to raise our price because we’re competing with international premium brands. We’re at that level,” says Wilson.

During this whole process, one of the essential things Wilson says he’s learned is to be willing to take risks and not take no for an answer.

“It’s critically important that your product is top quality before you get it out there. If the label isn’t right or the cap doesn’t work properly, then you’re going to have problems. Your product has to be ultra-premium from the bottle design to what’s inside the bottle. You need to be better than your competition to break into new markets.”

Regional Job Fair and Business Showcase set for March 9, 2020 in the North Okanagan-Shuswap

February 7, 2020/in News

The North Okanagan-Shuswap Employment and Business Fair hosted by the Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with Community Futures North Okanagan, WorkBC Centre – Enderby, Splatsin Development Corporation and the Enderby & District Chamber of Commerce are hosting the second annual job fair on Monday March 9, 2020, 11am-5:30pm at the Splatsin Community Centre, 5767 Old Vernon Road, Enderby.

Whether pursuing a better job or a new career direction, job seekers will find a wealth of exciting opportunities at this free job fair. Numerous local employers within the region from a variety of industry sectors will be eager to hire for immediate openings in a wide range of fields.

“We are excited at the response we have received from businesses who want to participate in this year’s job fair and business showcase. Whether you are attending as an employer seeking employees, or a business and/or organization in the region looking for an opportunity to share your products and/or services, this event is a great way to connect face-to-face with employers, network, get industry exposure and gain confidence,” says Event Coordinator, Ali Maki.

This event is being funded by the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia through the WorkBC’s Community & Employer Partnerships (CEP) Program. Their mandate is to strengthen the local labour market, increase employment and work experience opportunities in the North Okanagan. “We are thankful for the overwhelming support we’ve received this year from our sponsor organizations, their generosity provides us the opportunity to connect our community’s talented workers with great employers looking to hire, continues Maki. “Attendees should bring a resume and be prepared for on-the-spot interviews.”

More than 600 people attended the inaugural 2019 North Okanagan-Shuswap Employment and Business Fair last March. This year’s event are expecting to see an even greater turnout than its first year, making it an invaluable opportunity for businesses and organizations in the region. Maki encourages businesses to register soon as space is limited.

This event is for businesses wanting to promote employment opportunities and showcase their products and services, for job seekers looking for opportunities in the North Okanagan-Shuswap Region and for the communities within the region to discover first hand what the businesses and organizations are offering.

The event organizers would like to thank their title sponsors; Beach Radio 107.5FM, Interior Health, City of Armstrong, Township of Spallumcheen, City of Enderby, Regional District of North Okanagan, Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce, Community Futures North Okanagan, WorkBC Centre Enderby, Splatsin Development Corporation, Enderby & District Chamber of Commerce and Rhythm Productions.

Registration is $130. To save your spot, visit the North Okanagan-Shuswap Employment and Business Fair and register today!

Making Connections: How Enterprize Gave Them a Headstart

January 31, 2020/in News

Past Enterprize Challenge participants share how the competition helped them get to where they are today

(submitted) Michael Derksen, 2018 Enterprize competitor, is the founder and CEO of NUMU Consulting

VERNON, BC— As a new arrival to Vernon, Mitchal Derksen knew he’d have to build strong relationships for his business to grow. A chartered accountant with a background in finance, he already had a business plan. All he needed was to make the right connections.

That’s when he decided to enter the 2018 Enterprize Challenge. Presented by VantageOne Credit Union and Community Futures North Okanagan, the annual competition helps local entrepreneurs build on their business ideas with mentorship, marketing, skills training, and more.

Now the founder and CEO of NUMU Consulting, a software consulting firm that provides business data information and tech services, Derksen was supplied with all the tools he needed to succeed thanks to the connections he made at the Enterprize Challenge.

“Even though I had a business plan ready to roll, the program helped me refine my ideas and provided me with a clear point of communication and a strategic direction. I also appreciated the coaching and support I received from my mentor Ken MacLeod. He was a wealth of knowledge,” says Derksen, who now has a team of three supporting clients across the Okanagan, Alberta and around the world. “I would highly recommend Enterprize, especially as the competition has grown in its operation, exposure, and popularity.”

Anyone with a business idea or who has had a business open in the last 12 months can enter the 2020 Enterprize Challenge.

The competition sees participants work with a mentor and take part in business planning sessions and tasks over eight weeks. Seven finalists then compete in a Dragon’s Den-like competition, where they pitch their business ideas to a panel of judges in front of a live audience. Up to $45,000 worth of prizes are up for grabs for the top three winners, as well as a People’s Choice Award and the new Innovation Award.

(Selina Morrison photo) 2017 Enterprize participant Sue Cairnie is a life cycle celebrant and metaphysical minister with Sue Cairnie Ceremonies.

Sue Cairnie also credits the personal connections she made as a 2017 Enterprize Challenge participant.

As a life cycle celebrant and metaphysical minister, Cairnie has not only created and officiated personalized weddings, funerals, and other rite-of-passage ceremonies through her business Sue Cairnie Ceremonies, she has since launched a sister project called Elope BC, specializing in nature-based elopements. Last year she performed more than 80 wedding ceremonies across BC, and Cairnie credits the Enterprize Challenge for showing her how important it is to network within the community.

“Enterprize helped me to streamline my message and showed me how success truly takes a village and also showed me that succeeding at business takes equal parts passion and hard work. You need to love what you do, but you won’t get anywhere if you don’t put the time and effort into creating the systems that make your dream a reality. It also showed me that people love a story, and the more I can share who I am, the better I can connect with my community.”

2019 Enterprize participant Dr. Steve Piper is a chiropractor and partner with Monashee Health Collective.

For Dr. Steve Piper, a chiropractor and founding partner with Monashee Health Collective, the 2019 Enterprize Challenge helped him get more brand exposure for a new app he and his allied health care company is developing.

The app will help practitioners efficiently communicate with patients between visits, as well as provide personalized support, track patients’ progress daily, and reward behaviours known to positively impact wellness and quality of life.

Designed by the REd Academy Design School in Vancouver, the app is now being submitted to the National Research Council Canada’s Industrial Research Assistance Program.

“It was through Enterprize that we were able to network and make connections with a research-based institution that guides funding further development,” says Piper.

Registration for the 2020 Enterprize Challenge closes at noon Feb. 7. The finalists’ pitch, awards and challenger showcase happens Apr. 28 at the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre. To learn more or to register, visit enterprizechallenge.ca.