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VERNON, BC—There’s a shop where you can buy hand-baked spuds and a storefront that sells local artisans’ wares. There’s a place to rent RV’s, have your skin health analyzed and your audio-visual needs fulfilled. It seems the third annual Enterprize Challenge finalists have nearly thought of everything.

“The quality of the Enterprize presentations is always high and this year has been no exception,” says Leigha Horsfield, executive director, Community Futures North Okanagan. “I don’t envy the job of the judges.”

Community Futures North Okanagan, which host the annual Enterprize Challenge, has just announced the next five of 10 finalists competing to share nearly $35,000 in prizes so participants can take their business ideas to the next level. Twenty-three contestants—the most ever—entered this year’s challenge, an impressive number, says Horsfield.

“I think that tells us entrepreneurship is alive and well in this region. The spirit and intention of entrepreneurship is healthy here. That’s what that tells us.”

After weeks of preparation and pitching, the judges announced their first five of 10 finalists March 22. Here are the names and business descriptions of the next five:

1. Jeff McSweeney, Happy Little Camper Rentals

What better way to enjoy the outdoors and quality family time than on a camping trip sans tent?! Get off the ground and get out there with Happy Little Camper Rentals’ range of self-tow RV’s and camper vans.

2. Martin Paris, Jolly Good Spudz

Forget French fries! Jolly Good Spudz cooks up baked potatoes topped with an exciting array of healthy fillings to give you a new and nourishing handmade snack alternative.

3. Mathieu Jubinville, HBAV Production Group

When you’ve got great sound and a great picture, everything’s better. HBAV Production Group provides professional audio-visual services to create custom, long-term solutions that meet clients’ needs.

4. Juanita Miller, Balanced Botanical

As a certified nutritionist and health educator, Juanita is passionate about helping women improve their health and feel beautiful. Working out of downtown Vernon’s Mustard Seed Clinic, Juanita offers a range of popular services, including nutrition coaching, skin analysis, wellness education and retreats, and even grocery store tours.

5. Pam Taylor, The Pink Spotted Goat

The Pink Spotted Goat is a storefront that gives people the chance to buy home and gift items handcrafted by local artisans and makers. With a select line of sustainability-inspired products, PSG helps families reduce waste and contribute to local charities.

Now all 10 candidates await the announcement of the top three winners at the 2017 Enterprize Challenge Tradeshow and Awards event being held at Okanagan College April 13. The public is encouraged to attend this free event! Tradeshow begins at 4 pm and the awards will begin at 5 pm. To learn more, visit EnterprizeChallenge.ca. The Enterprize Challenge is presented by VantageOne Credit Union.

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News from © iNFOnews, 2017