Challenge Judges Get Their ‘Fill’

Apr 25, 2019 | 12:45 PM

An idea to reduce plastics has won the big prize at the 2019 Enterprize Challenge, an event that supports new business ideas.

Teresa Sanders was successful with her idea called “FILL” to provide refillable cleaning and hygiene products, winning $20,000 in prizes from sponsors.

“I am so pumped for the opportunity to reduce plastics in our community,” says Sanders. “I’ve seen refill stores in Chilliwack, Victoria, Vancouver, but noticed there was none here in the Okanagan. I am happy we can do this for the earth, but I am also happy for myself and to open the business FILL.”

Ashley and Michael Reina of Therabyte inc., a cloud-based web application for therapists, won the People’s Choice award.

Kayley Letendre of Sugarbee’s Ice Cream Company came second, and Marilyn Courtenay of the Boarding House Café placed third.

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“This was an amazing opportunity to learn how to start a business,” said Letendre, who gave out samples of her French-style all natural ice cream during the showcase. “I really appreciated the support and mentorship I had from my mentor, Scot McNair. He was instrumental in getting me to where I needed to be. Now the sky’s the limit.”

More than 200 people attended the program’s showcase event, featuring seven finalists, at the Performing Arts Centre in Vernon Wednesday.

Kazia Mullin, Business Services Coordinator with Community Futures North Okanagan, says the calibre of entries this year, was incredible.

“Judging from the applause and shouts of support, the audience enjoyed watching the finalists pitch their ideas to the judges. It was like watching the Dragon’s Den live and was exciting to see how well all of them did in their presentations.”

The fifth annual business idea event, started out with 18 contestants.

by Corey Fischer