Successful Thrive North Business Challenge to return for a second year

The First edition of the ThriveNorth Business Challenge was such a well received success, that organizers are anxious for the turn of the calendar and a chance to do it all again.

The program which offers residents of the North Coast the chance to pitch their business concepts and compete for cash prizes to bring those dreams to life will be opening up the application process in the New Year.

The initiative is made possible through a partnership between Futurpreneur Canada and BG Canada and last year provided funding and mentorship to a range of new entrepreneurs for the Northwest.

“We are thrilled to bring the Challenge back for its second year and work with more of the region’s talented young people,” ... “The level of commitment and enthusiasm we saw from last year’s finalists was truly inspiring and, as ThriveNorth launches this year’s Challenge, I look forward to seeing more of the ideas, passion and potential that the region’s entrepreneurs have to offer.” -- Julia Deans, CEO, Futurpreneur Canada on the Thrive North Business Challenge

The Thrive North Business Challenge hosts the finalists in a two day Challenge, where they are mentored and receive one-on-one coaching to prepare their final business plan and pitch to the judges. From there it's up to the contestants to present their vision for the future and compete for the funding to launch that business plan.

The program is open to young people from ages 18-39 who live across the Northwest.

You can learn more about the opportunities available through the challenge from Thrive North Business Challenge page here.

The first of the planning workshops come up in January, with the Prince Rupert workshop set for January 21st while a similar event is planned for Terrace on January 22nd.

ThriveNorth is featuring a Prince Rupert business this month as one of the success stories in the community, exploring the path required  when it comes to taking an idea for a business and turning it into a new addition to the city's business community.

The story of Tara Dias and Happy Little Clouds Art Studio offers up a pretty good example of some of the questions that entrepreneurs ask as they look to develop their business.

You can review that profile here.

Ms. Dias offers up some helpful advice for would be local entrepreneurs and highlights the range of services available in the community to help get those business plans off the ground.

More background on the Thrive North Challenge will be release in the New Year offering North Coast residents the chance to put their own ideas to work for them.

For more background on events with the Prince Rupert Commercial sector see our archive page here.