Entrepreneurs in the North Okanagan have dreams.
Last May, over and over, Enterprize Challenge 2024 winners used the word 香蕉视频直播榙ream香蕉视频直播� as they reflected on the experience of taking their business vision to the stage and then to the community.
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香蕉视频直播淚香蕉视频直播檓 overwhelmed 香蕉视频直播� but in the best way possible,香蕉视频直播� says Jenna Smith, owner of Sage Dental Hygiene. Her business 香蕉视频直播� providing in-room dental care at senior香蕉视频直播檚 homes, mostly for those with mobility challenges and dementia 香蕉视频直播� 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香蕉视频直播� hands and helps them enjoy some of their last pleasures 香蕉视频直播� touch, smiling and eating 香蕉视频直播� Smith knows how important and special her work is.
香蕉视频直播淚t is really heart-warming," she said. "It香蕉视频直播檚 so nice to have had something I absolutely believed in come to fruition.香蕉视频直播�
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.
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How are the second-place winners Precious Gatpandan and RJ San Jose doing now?
香蕉视频直播淲e named our business Errands and Beyond, but it香蕉视频直播檚 the 香蕉视频直播榖eyond香蕉视频直播� of the business that香蕉视频直播檚 really booming,香蕉视频直播� 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香蕉视频直播檚 Landing, the CFNO-led housing project for medical students.
香蕉视频直播淭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.香蕉视频直播�
To other aspiring and emerging entrepreneurs considering entering the competition that offers business workshops, mentorship and a Dragon香蕉视频直播檚 Den-style pitch with the chance to win thousands in prizes, Smith says: 香蕉视频直播淵ou have to go for it. You have nothing to lose and so much to gain.香蕉视频直播�
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 .
