Where Are They Now? From 3rd Place to Career Growth with North Okanagan Consulting

Shelley pitches North Okanagan Consulting at the Enterprize Challenge Finale Event on May 7th, 2025 at the Vernon & District Performing Arts Centre.

At Community Futures North Okanagan, we’ve seen firsthand that the true value of the Enterprize Challenge isn’t just in the businesses created—it’s in the incredible professionals who emerge from the process. Today, we’re catching up with Shelley Lavigne, a standout participant from our 2025 cohort, whose journey perfectly illustrates how the challenge serves as a springboard for personal and professional growth.

A Foundation Built on Innovation

When Shelley entered the 2025 Enterprize Challenge, she hit the ground running with the launch of North Okanagan Consulting. Her vision was clear: create a streamlined system to support local contractors and homeowners navigating the complexities of the permit process.

While the business had a quieter start than initially anticipated, the experience was anything but a setback. Through the challenge, Shelley gained a masterclass in the local market and the unfiltered realities of solo entrepreneurship. These insights allowed her to sharpen her business acumen and gain the clarity needed to shape her long-term career direction.

Shelley participated in many community events to promote her new business in 2025, including the Vernon Spring Home Show at Kal Tire Place.

The Power of Placing Third

Shelley’s hard work and dedication didn’t go unnoticed. She secured 3rd place in the 2025 Enterprize Challenge, walking away with a massive prize package designed to fuel growth.

This prize package included:

• Significant cash investment to help with business expenses

• Marketing & advertising credits to amplify the North Okanagan Consulting brand

• Legal services to ensure a solid professional foundation

• Local Chamber of Commerce memberships to deepen her community roots

A New Chapter

The beauty of the Enterprize Challenge is that the confidence and connections built during the program often lead to unexpected, exciting doors opening.

This past fall, Shelley transitioned into a new role as Accounts Manager for a local marketing company and it has proven to be a perfect fit. Today, she uses the very same business skills, systems-thinking, and community connections she cultivated during the challenge to thrive in her day-to-day work.

North Okanagan Consulting continues to hum along as a side-hustle for Shelley, creating opportunities to help clients with their permitting projects on a smaller scale. Shelley’s story is a powerful reminder that “success” in the challenge can mean many things—including landing a dream role where your entrepreneurial spirit is a prized asset.

Final Call: Your Turn to Change the Narrative

Shelley’s story is a testament to the fact that the Enterprize Challenge is about more than just a business plan; it’s about changing your circumstances and growing your personal brand.

Registration for the 2026 Enterprize Challenge is now in its FINAL WEEK.

Are you ready to find the clarity, confidence, and community support that Shelley did? Whether you launch the next big local startup or use the experience to catapult your career to the next level, the 2026 Enterprize Challenge is your platform to make it happen.

Don’t wait for the “perfect” moment. The deadline is fast approaching—register today and start your own success story.