Entrepreneurs in the North Okanagan have dreams.
Last May, over and over, Enterprize Challenge 2024 winners used the word 91裸聊视频榙ream91裸聊视频� as they reflected on the experience of taking their business vision to the stage and then to the community.
Now, seven months later, what91裸聊视频檚 the word that best describes how they91裸聊视频檙e doing? 91裸聊视频楤usy!91裸聊视频�
91裸聊视频淚91裸聊视频檓 overwhelmed 91裸聊视频� but in the best way possible,91裸聊视频� says Jenna Smith, owner of Sage Dental Hygiene. Her business 91裸聊视频� providing in-room dental care at senior91裸聊视频檚 homes, mostly for those with mobility challenges and dementia 91裸聊视频� took first place in the annual entrepreneurship competition hosted by Community Futures North Okanagan (CFNO).
Since last May, Sage Dental Hygiene has earned contracts at several long-term care homes, including a handful run by Interior Health in Vernon, Salmon Arm and Kamloops. Day in and day out, as she holds clients91裸聊视频� hands and helps them enjoy some of their last pleasures 91裸聊视频� touch, smiling and eating 91裸聊视频� Smith knows how important and special her work is.
91裸聊视频淚t is really heart-warming," she said. "It91裸聊视频檚 so nice to have had something I absolutely believed in come to fruition.91裸聊视频�
Third-place winner Gaby Flores, owner of Baking Time, also knows the joy of seeing others delight in food. The Costa Rica native and executive pastry chef bakes gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan cookies, cakes and pastries. Since the competition, Flores secured rental use of a commercial kitchen and stepped into her business full-time, selling treats at local markets and caf茅s, and filling personalized orders.
The pink Baking Time tablecloths and her intricately decorated holiday desserts have become a recognizable favourite among those with a sweet-tooth and special dietary needs.
91裸聊视频淧eople say, 91裸聊视频極h my gosh, we love you. We can91裸聊视频檛 find baking like this,91裸聊视频�91裸聊视频� says Flores. As in, both gluten-free and dairy-free.
91裸聊视频淭he support at the markets has been great, especially Armstrong. There were so many Christmas markets in November. I didn91裸聊视频檛 get a lot of sleep but I91裸聊视频檓 enjoying being a part of the community.91裸聊视频�
How are the second-place winners Precious Gatpandan and RJ San Jose doing now?
91裸聊视频淲e named our business Errands and Beyond, but it91裸聊视频檚 the 91裸聊视频榖eyond91裸聊视频� of the business that91裸聊视频檚 really booming,91裸聊视频� says Gatpandan, who takes care of the administrative and marketing needs of the business while San Jose does the hands-on work, often renovations and handyman support in basements, bathrooms and kitchens.
Since Enterprize Challenge, their client base has grown significantly and now ranges from homeowners and rental property owners to property managers and businesses. They also recently earned the maintenance contract for Murphy91裸聊视频檚 Landing, the CFNO-led housing project for medical students.
91裸聊视频淭he clients just keep coming and we are happy," says Gatpandan. "RJ has such a sense of pride in his projects. We feel very grateful when we hear kind words from our clients that they are thankful we could help them out.91裸聊视频�
To other aspiring and emerging entrepreneurs considering entering the competition that offers business workshops, mentorship and a Dragon91裸聊视频檚 Den-style pitch with the chance to win thousands in prizes, Smith says: 91裸聊视频淵ou have to go for it. You have nothing to lose and so much to gain.91裸聊视频�
Registration for Enterprize Challenge 2025 is open until Feb. 7, and the final pitch event takes place on May 8, at the Vernon & District Performing Arts Centre.
More information can be found at .
