Enterprize Challenge will help sprout many business ideas in North Okanagan

Photo: Contributed

Olive Butler gets a hug after winning the 2022 Enterprize Challenge.

Whether you have a business that you launched in 2022 or you have an idea that just needs a little moulding, the Enterprize Challenge offers plenty of value.

The “business bootcamp,” which is organized by Community Futures North Okanagan, features entrepreneurs participating in six workshops, some in-person and some online, and one-on-one mentoring to grow their businesses. The challenge culminates in a night of live pitches before volunteer judges in a Dragons’ Den-style competition.

The winner will receive a prize package valued at more than $20,000 to help grow their venture even more.

“We really strive to make it a valuable experience for every single person that comes to the Enterprize Challenge,” CFNO business services manager Kazia Mullin says.

“Even if someone comes into the Enterprize Challenge and goes through the process and says, ‘Well, you know what? This business idea isn’t the one that’s going to work. I need to go back to the drawing board.’ That’s valuable, right?

“We want everyone to go through the process—whether they win or not—and at the end of their time with the Enterprize Challenge go, ‘OK I learned something. That was a really cool experience.’”

Unlike other entrepreneurial competitions, hopefuls do not need to have their business up and running to take part in the Enterprize Challenge.

“Bring your ideas,” Mullin says. “What are you doing? What do you want to be doing? What cool stuff are you working on in your garage?”

The entry deadline is Monday (Feb. 6) at noon, so now is the time to act and make your business dream come true. Mullin says there is no better time to try something new.

“There’s so much change going on in our community and in the economy right now,” she says. “There’s a lot of shifts happening, which makes room for a lot of opportunity and innovation. It really is during the times of great change when our biggest ideas come to light.

“That’s what the Enterprize Challenge is all about: people coming with these big dreams, these big ideas, and trying to make them happen.”

The first place winner’s prize includes startup capital, free business banking for one year, and packages that provide legal, accounting, marketing, graphics and digital advertising services. The second-place package is worth more than $10,000, while the third-place finisher will secure more than $6,000 in support.

The introduction and orientation workshop will take place on Feb. 15, followed by instructional workshops over the ensuing month or so. The first presentations are scheduled for April 4 and 5, and the final pitch event will happen on May 18 at Vernon & District Performing Arts Centre.

You can register for the Enterprize Challenge here.

This article is written by or on behalf of the sponsoring client and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.