Enterprize Challenge 2021 Finalists Announced

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, 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.”

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, 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.”

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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.

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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.”

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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.”

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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.