Give your start-up a boost

Photo: Facebook

Julia Allen and Kate Johnson of LOCALITY.

Your start-up business has the chance to win thousands of dollars in prizes at the 2019 Enterprize Challenge in Vernon.

Registration is now open for the business boot camp hosted by Community Futures North Okanagan and the winners will be crowned on April 24.
 
“The people who participated in the Enterprize Challenge last year blew us away,” says Kazia Mullin, business services coordinator, Community Futures North Okanagan. “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.”
 
This year, the entrepreneurship competition, designed to give new and start-up businesses the chance to pitch their business idea to a panel of judges, will hold its final presentations at the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre.

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 receives 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 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,” said 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,” said Johnston.
 
Following orientation, eight weeks of business planning sessions and tasks, and working with a mentor, seven finalists are chosen to present and compete for the top three prizes.
 
Registration is now open and closes at noon on Feb. 12.

Participants can enter individually or as a team. Click here to register.