Steve Wanless spent nearly 25 years building and operating a successful business in Kamloops. After retiring and moving to Vernon, he expected his entrepreneurial journey had come to an end. Instead, he found himself inspired to start again—this time in an entirely new industry and a new community.

Fortunately, one of his first connections was Business Exchange, a networking group for business owners facilitated by Community Futures North Okanagan.

Tanya (L) and Steve Wanless (R) of LINQ Flooring.

“There’s always something to learn, something to gain, and relationships to build,” says Steve, who became owner of LINQ Flooring in 2024 and now co-owns the business with his wife, Tanya.

“That’s really how you build a business—the community of people you’re involved with and the connections you make.”

Steve founded a fire protection company, CheckMate Fire Prevention in 1995 in Kamloops, BC with vital training and support from Community Futures. CheckMate grew to a team of 22 employees over 25 years and was sold in 2020 while receiving a Chamber of Commerce Employer of the Year Award. Steve believed retirement was the next chapter.

But after four years away from business, he found himself missing the challenge.

“I saw an opportunity to get involved with LINQ, and I was close friends with the owners.”

At 63 years old and completely new to the flooring industry, Steve committed to a six-month transition period, learning everything he could about the business and the industry. Today, LINQ Flooring, located just off Kalamalka Lake Road, offers premium flooring, tile, countertops, and cabinetry while providing complete renovation project coordination.

“Just because you’ve done it before doesn’t mean you know it all,” Steve says.

That mindset led him to join Business Exchange, where he could connect with fellow business owners, exchange ideas, and learn from others facing similar opportunities and challenges. The group meets every two weeks before the workday begins, featuring presentations on timely business topics as well as tours and talks hosted by local entrepreneurs at their businesses.

“The great thing about Business Exchange isn’t just the excellent facilitators—it’s the conversations. What are others doing? What’s working for them? It’s all valuable. We’re building relationships, and sometimes we’re doing business with one another. When you’re a new business in a new community, that goes a long way.”

LINQ Flooring’s Showroom located at 913 B Kalamalka Lake Road in Vernon.

Today, Steve and Tanya are focused on earning the trust of homeowners, renovation contractors, builders, and designers throughout Greater Vernon.

“We want people to know we care about more than just the flooring in their home—we care about how it complements every other finish in the space.”

With many North Okanagan homeowners choosing to renovate instead of moving, LINQ Flooring has positioned itself as a one-stop renovation partner, helping clients bring their vision together by supplying quality products while coordinating trades and managing projects from start to finish.

“We take care of all of that,” says Steve. “We bring the whole project together, and we make sure every customer is five-star happy.”

Beyond networking and building local relationships, Steve says Business Exchange has become an invaluable resource for staying current on the issues shaping today’s small businesses. Workshops covering topics such as artificial intelligence, human resources, and business strategy provide practical knowledge that owners can immediately apply.

“We do our best to learn what’s out there and where the opportunities are. Business Exchange has been a great place to start gaining that knowledge.”

Looking to grow your business and expand your network? Learn more about Business Exchange and apply to join today here.

Neil & Jenna Bestard.

After discovering Back Nine, a next-level indoor golf simulator franchise across the border, Neil and Jenna Bestard knew they were onto something that would be appreciated by golfers in Vernon. The couple set out to open their own Back Nine, and they were feeling confident: Neil knew golf, construction and tech, and Jenna knew fitness, sales and membership. The biggest piece to figure out was the lending.

In the winter of 2024, Neil began looking into a golf simulator for his garage so he could work on his swing over the winter—when he got home from his days as a plumber. He’d spent nearly 20 years in the construction industry by then, he’d also found himself considering other careers that would be less physically demanding. So, that winter, he researched and contemplated.

“I was really diving into the best systems and technology, and Back Nine kept popping up,” says Neil.

Back Nine offers an indoor golf experience it calls ‘unparalleled’ because it offers the most accurate and realistic swing experience:  cameras above capture initial impact club and ball data, then the golf ball passes through four hyper-clear cameras for a precise, realistic and real-time experience.

“They only had US locations, but I reached out to the CEO and said, would you be interested in coming to Canada?” says Neil.

With testimonials from the likes of Tiger Woods, and a business model that sees members and guests receiving a code for self-guided ‘tee times’ in spacious, private rooms, Neil could picture casual and serious golfers alike enjoying Back Nine—and he could see this business with so much potential.

While he awaited a response from Back Nine, Neil worked on helping his wife, Jenna, see the vision.

“I wanted to have a good sense of what the risk was and what the investment would be,” says Jenna.

The lobby at Back Nine in Vernon, BC.

After a few months, Back Nine replied to Neil, and after a few calls, in the fall of 2025, they were invited the couple to a conference in Las Vegas, where they heard from other franchisees talking about hosting everything from kids’ camps and ladies’ nights to school groups and corporate parties.

“That part really excited me,” says Jenna. “That trip solidified things for me. We came back feeling pretty committed.”

There were just a few hurdles to overcome. First, the Vernon location would be Back Nine’s first in Canada, so the paperwork took a while. In the meantime, Neil secured a space he knew would be ideal for multiple rooms hosting multiple golfers playing this version of 18 holes.

Second, they needed financing, and once the paperwork came through, they didn’t have time to lose. Their initial experiences at large financial institutions left them feeling disappointed.

“When everyone was saying ‘no’, it was really hard,” says Jenna. “We kept saying, it’s going to be great. It’s fail-proof. Trust us, we’re going to get it done.”

Finally, they landed a meeting with Scot McNair, business analyst, Community Futures North Okanagan.

“His response was, show us your business plan. What are your projections? Sell me on your idea and what that looks like,” says Jenna. “But it was also not just the numbers. He wanted to know what is your passion and what are you going to do to make it happen.”

Inside the Back Nine experience in Vernon, BC.

The couple took their homework seriously and returned with what they felt were realistic and promising projections, including a goal of 20 founding memberships within weeks of opening and more than 150 members within a year, in addition to guests who are not members.

Neil and Jenna’s business loan application was approved.

“It was really rewarding,” says Jenna. “It felt like someone was behind us and believed in our good ideas.”

Then, they were off. They got the keys and Neil was at the space—on 45 Avenue—seven days a week doing renovations.

“I got to do what I do best and that time didn’t matter,” says Neil. “I was doing this for us and our family. I got to smile every time I drove here. I had to sit on my hands to stop from clapping.”

In February 2026, Back Nine hosted a grand opening that was well attended and soon they had their first 20 members. Today, they have more than 80 five-star reviews and their vision has become a reality.

“We’re seeing families come in and play and say this is how we’re spending family time,” says Jenna. “And now that it’s nice out we’re hearing people say the practice here is translating to a better swing and a better game on the course, and that’s great.”

Looking back, they said they would have started out with the business plan and walk into those meetings with strong numbers. They already tell others that if they get a ‘no’ from a big bank, not to feel defeated.

“We knew we had something, and once we got to Scot, things opened up.”

Are you considering opening or expanding your business? Explore how Community Futures North Okanagan uplifts local businesses through lending and a range of resources.

Community Futures North Okanagan recognizes the ongoing support of Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan).

Kylee Howard presents her final pitch for “Vicky’s Play Place” at the Enterprize Challenge Finale on May 7th, 2025 held at the Vernon & District Performing Arts Centre.

When the 2025 Enterprize Challenge wrapped up last May, Kylee Howard stood on stage as the second-place & People’s Choice winner, fueled by a vision to create a much-needed community space: Vicky’s Play Place.

But as any seasoned entrepreneur will tell you, the final pitch is just the starting line. Seven months later, Kylee is sharing a look behind the curtain at what it really takes to bring a business to life—and how the foundation laid during the Enterprize Challenge is helping her navigate the “marathon” of business ownership.

Shortly after the competition, Kylee moved to secure a facility. However, the transition from a business plan to a physical storefront brought a series of high-stakes lessons in zoning, permits, and commercial logistics.

“Ultimately, we had to walk away from our first potential deal due to parking limitations,” Kylee shares. “It was a tough but necessary decision. That process taught us exactly what a commercial space needs to truly work for our vision.”

For Kylee, the summer of 2025 was about more than just business; it was about life. While regrouping from facility setbacks, she was also navigating life with three children and welcoming a new baby girl to the family.

Kylee (back right) and her family.

While the pace changed, the momentum didn’t stop. By the Fall, the “rhythm” returned. Kylee used that time to:

• Strengthen the business plan and financial projections.

• Finalize an investor prospectus to prepare for the next level of funding.

• Leverage Enterprize Challenge media credits to share her story, leading to vital connections with local business owners who believe in the mission.

One of the most significant shifts for Vicky’s Play Place has been a deep dive into the financing landscape. Kylee has been working closely with accountants, legal advisors, and the City of Vernon to understand exactly what makes a business “lender-ready.”

“It’s been a steep learning curve,” says Kylee. “But it has given us so much more clarity and confidence. We’re structuring this business responsibly from day one.”

The community demand for Vicky’s Play Place is undeniable. With nearly 600 families on the waitlist and consistent engagement on social media, the North Okanagan is ready for what Kylee is building.

While the original goal was a 2025 opening, the journey has led to a stronger, more grounded business model. With a third facility opportunity currently in the works, 2026 is looking like the year the doors finally swing open.

Are you ready to start your business journey? Registration for the 2026 Enterprize Challenge is NOW OPEN!

Kylee’s story is a testament to the fact that the Enterprize Challenge provides more than just a prize—it provides the tools, the network, and the resilience needed to turn a “business idea” into a “business reality.”

Whether you are in the middle of a pivot, just starting your plan, or looking for the mentorship to take you to the next level, we want to see you there.

Why Join the 2026 Enterprize Challenge?

• Expert Mentorship: Get one-on-one guidance from local business leaders.

• Refine Your Vision: Turn your idea into a robust, “lender-ready” business plan.

• Win Big: Compete for thousands of dollars in prizes and essential business services.

Click Here to Register for the 2026 Enterprize Challenge!

Don’t wait—the next North Okanagan success story could be yours!

With the kickoff of registration for the 2026 Enterprize Challenge, we wanted to share two  ‘bite-sized’ Success Stories with you from former Enterprize Challenge finalists!

Your Friendly Dev – Finalist, 2025 Enteprize Challenge

Amber and her Enterprize Challenge mentor Danielle Guetter at her 1st Pitch in April 2025.

Amber was about half-way through the Self-Employment program with WorkBC Vernon in late 2024 when a fellow participant shared that he was entering the Enterprize Challenge. It’s a competition that sees emerging entrepreneurs develop a viable business plan and presentation, then pitch to judges like Dragon’s Den to compete for prizes.

Amber’s friend suggested she do it with him. “That was way out of my comfort zone, but I thought, OK, I am going to do this.”

Amber and “Your Friendly Dev” on-stage at the Finale Event for Enterprize Challenge in May 2025.

As a software developer, Amber was great supporting clients one-to-one. Talking up her business in front of dozens of strangers, though?

“ I went from not even being able to read my pitch in front of my kids to being up on stage in front of all those people,” she says.

Along with some incredible support from her Enterprize Challenge mentor, Amber made it through the first round. On the big night, her three kids were in the audience wearing Your Friendly Dev t-shirts and cheering her on.

Amber was not one of the top three winners, but she was thrilled with all the other results.

“I got so much out of it. The day after, my inbox was full of queries and my discovery chats were booked solid for a month. It was such great exposure.”

Lauren at the 1st Pitch in April 2023.

Chef Lauren Vincent – 3rd Place, 2023 Enterprize Challenge

In the spring of 2023, Lauren Vincent took third place in the Enterprize Challenge hosted by Community Futures North Okanagan. Her business preparing hearty, healthy fresh meals families could simply warm and serve was just getting off the ground, and Enterprize changed everything.

Lauren and her husband, who served with the military, and her young son had recently moved to Vernon from Victoria. Four years earlier, back on Vancouver Island, Lauren was on maternity leave with her son, the pandemic changed everything for young families, and a friend with two young children whose husband was away serving called Lauren and said, “I’m drowning. I need help with meals.”

“That’s how it all started,” says Lauren. “I feel like so much has happened between then and now.”

Not long after moving to the North Okanagan, Lauren saw a social post for Enterprize Challenge, which offers thousands of dollars in prizes to three winners after a Dragon’s Den-style pitch to judges.

Lauren holding her 3rd place trophy in May 2023.

“I thought, best case, I would place and maybe win prizes to help me accelerate the growth and opening. Worst case scenario, I would meet a network of people in the community.” So, she signed up.

Over the next several weeks, she took the workshops, she met with her mentor, and practiced her pitch. She made it through the first round and would go on to the final pitch at the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre.

“I was very excited and motivated to polish my presentation, take on the judge’s feedback and really nail it down,” she says.

Those words, “And third place of the 2023 Enterprize Challenge goes to…” still ring in her mind. It took a minute, she says, for everything to sink in.

“I was really proud and just happy to have had the opportunity to do my pitch in front of 200 people and talk about what I’m doing one-to-one during the vendor expo in the lobby. That exposure was amazing.”

Before the end of the night, Lauren had a handful of clients. And after those clients tried and loved her meals, they told their friends and neighbours, who told their friends and neighbours. Chef Lauren Vincent was on its way. Soon she had more than 20 client families receiving between two and four meals every week.

Feeling inspired?

Are you inspired by the success stories of these past Enterprize Challenge participants? Their achievements underscore the tangible benefits and proven framework this program provides.

If you have a business idea burning within you, or a startup ready to accelerate, now is the time to act.

Enterprize Challenge is more than a competition; it is a comprehensive, hands-on program designed to transform ambitious concepts into viable, sustainable businesses. We provide you with the structure, mentorship, and resources necessary to navigate the complexities of the early startup phase.

Don’t just dream of success—build it.

Register today by clicking here.