Meet the winners of Enterprize Challenge 2026!

The Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre was electric with excitement and anticipation on Thursday, May 7, 2026, as Community Futures North Okanagan rolled out the red carpet for its 11th annual Enterprize Challenge.

A vibrant crowd of over 200 people turned out to support local entrepreneurs at the grand finale, capping off months of hard work. The evening highlighted the talent and drive shaping the future of our region.

After a series of inspiring pitches, three entrepreneurs took home top honours:

Claiming the prestigious 1st Place award was Sarah Draht with StrongHER.

The 2nd Place honors were accepted by Chey Kidd with Frog Pockets, and the 3rd Place prize was awarded to Tyler Patenaude of Pocket Grandson.

StrongHER took home the People’s Choice Award, chosen by the audience as their local favourite!

Huge congratulations to Sarah, Chey and Tyler!

We also want to celebrate every finalist who gave so much of themselves to this competition over the past several months. Last night, they delivered their final pitches, and did an amazing job:

• • Crispin Lispcomb & Raffaella Vaz, Gallery Artiva
  • Katie Cameron, NeuroNest Okanagan
  • Sara Knol, KNOL HAUS

We also extend our gratitude to the five amazing judges who donated their time and expertise to Enterprize Challenge this year.

• Adrianna Stange, The Mullings Group
• Brenton Born, Agile Bookkeeping
• Kate Markowsky, Locality Distribution
• Pamela Connolly, Nixon Wenger LLP
• Teresa Sanders, FILL Refill Stores

And the Enterprize Challenge wouldn’t be possible without the support of our presenting sponsor, Agile! Agile is changing the game for small businesses in the North Okanagan and beyond by combining AI-driven technology with CPA-reviewed accuracy, they help owners move away from “shoebox accounting” and into real-time financial clarity. Their philosophy aligns perfectly with the Enterprize Challenge: empowering local dreamers to become local leaders.

The future of local business in the North Okanagan is looking bright!

(Back row L-R) Adrianna Stange, Brenton Born, Rebecca Barton, Pamela Connolly, Kate Markowsky, Teresa Sanders; (Front row L-R) Tyler Patenaude, Katie Cameron, Sarah Knol, Sarah Draht, Brian Martin, Chey Kidd, Crispin Lispcomb, Raffaella Vaz