Entrepreneurs in the North Okanagan have dreams.
Last May, over and over, Enterprize Challenge 2024 winners used the word 鈥榙ream鈥� as they reflected on the experience of taking their business vision to the stage and then to the community.
Now, seven months later, what鈥檚 the word that best describes how they鈥檙e doing? 鈥楤usy!鈥�
鈥淚鈥檓 overwhelmed 鈥� but in the best way possible,鈥� says Jenna Smith, owner of Sage Dental Hygiene. Her business 鈥� providing in-room dental care at senior鈥檚 homes, mostly for those with mobility challenges and dementia 鈥� 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 clients鈥� hands and helps them enjoy some of their last pleasures 鈥� touch, smiling and eating 鈥� Smith knows how important and special her work is.
鈥淚t is really heart-warming," she said. "It鈥檚 so nice to have had something I absolutely believed in come to fruition.鈥�
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.
鈥淧eople say, 鈥極h my gosh, we love you. We can鈥檛 find baking like this,鈥欌�� says Flores. As in, both gluten-free and dairy-free.
鈥淭he support at the markets has been great, especially Armstrong. There were so many Christmas markets in November. I didn鈥檛 get a lot of sleep but I鈥檓 enjoying being a part of the community.鈥�
How are the second-place winners Precious Gatpandan and RJ San Jose doing now?
鈥淲e named our business Errands and Beyond, but it鈥檚 the 鈥榖eyond鈥� of the business that鈥檚 really booming,鈥� 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 Murphy鈥檚 Landing, the CFNO-led housing project for medical students.
鈥淭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.鈥�
To other aspiring and emerging entrepreneurs considering entering the competition that offers business workshops, mentorship and a Dragon鈥檚 Den-style pitch with the chance to win thousands in prizes, Smith says: 鈥淵ou have to go for it. You have nothing to lose and so much to gain.鈥�
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 futuresbc.com/enterprize-challenge.
