Business Challenge Expanded

By Corey Fischer

Jan 7, 2019 | 6:15 AM

Photo: Locality owners Kate Johnston (left) and Julia Allen react to hearing their name called as grand prize winners of the 2018 Enterprize Challenge.

The Enterprize Challenge is back this year, and will be bigger and better.

Community Futures North Okanagan hosts the event that allows individuals and teams to promote new business ideas, with the top entries winning prizes.

Business Services Coordinator Kazia Mullin says the final presentations this year will be held before a judge’s panel at the Performing Arts Centre, with the top team winning a package worth 19-thousand dollars.

“There is so much creativity, passion and entrepreneurial spirit in the North Okanagan. That’s why we’re growing and expanding our event. We’re hoping to give Enterprize Challenge participants the opportunity to get the greater community excited and engaged in their new business, to get them started off on the right foot.”

Water Shut Off Response

Fruit Growers Association call for plan to support farmers amid water shortage

6h ago

42-Unit Project

Fees waived for new supportive housing project in Vernon

6h ago

Investigation underway

One person deceased after fire at North Okanagan farm

10h ago

There will also be a People’s Choice Award to the business earning the most votes from the audience.

First place winners will receive a prize package valued at $19, 389; second place receive a prize package valued at $9,139, and the value of the third place prize is $5,449.

Last year’s Enterprize grand prize winners, Kate Johnston and Julia Allen, have seen their business blossom and grow since the competition.

The owners of Locality, which offers a quarterly subscription gift box filled with locally made artisan products, offer advice when it comes to entering and participating in the Enterprize Challenge.

“Get ready to work hard, because the results are worth it whether you win or not,” says Allen. “The Enterprize Challenge was such a great process to go through and helped us answer the tough questions and properly launch our business.”

“The experience and work that you go through sets you up for success. Be sure to attend workshops and make use of the services, mentorships and courses that are offered. Everything helps,” says Johnston.

Entries are being accepted until Feb. 12 at enterprizechallenge.ca. Click here.

The Community Futures Enterprize Challenge is presented by VantageOne Credit Union, along with BDO Canada and other corporate sponsors.

by Corey Fischer