Kootenay youth social enterprises are turning ideas for solving community and global challenges into purpose-driven businesses through the Innovate for Impact program.
Two student-led, purpose-driven businesses are now moving from ideas to action with support from the Innovate for Impact program.
Connectopedia, based in Kimberley, and The Shark Side of Life, from Revelstoke, were selected as the winners of the Innovate for Impact youth pitch event. Groups of young people presented their social enterprise ideas to a panel of judges for the chance to win funding and bring their plans to life.
The awards were funded by StellerVista Credit Union and Community Futures East Kootenay.
“The problem we are facing today is that women and LGBTQ+ gamers don’t have a safe place to go online,” said Selkirk Secondary graduate and professional gamer Mason Kaldestad.
Kaldestad developed Connectopedia as a network of safe and inclusive online community hubs for gamers, with opportunities for mentorship and beginner-friendly workshops.
Work on the platform has already begun. Kaldestad plans to use the contest funding to expand a network of approximately 300 gamers, host tournaments and create potential career paths into professional esports.
The Shark Side of Life was developed by students from the Stoke Youth Network in Revelstoke.
The group is drawing attention to the effects of overfishing, climate change and habitat loss on shark populations around the world by combining education with a small business.
Visitors to Revelstoke may have seen the group’s market stall this summer, offering shark stuffies and face painting alongside information about sharks and their importance to marine ecosystems.
The pitch-event funding will help the group expand its product offerings and host additional events.
“We had a great mix of innovative and thoughtful business ideas presented at the showcase, and it was hard for the judges to pick just two winners,” said Robyn Peel, Community Economic Development Manager with Community Futures East Kootenay.
Youth groups from across the Kootenay region spent 15 weeks during the spring developing their ideas and entrepreneurial skills through a flexible, hands-on online curriculum supported by mentors.
The resulting projects were custom-designed social enterprises built from the ground up. The initiatives are intended to strengthen local communities while giving young people an opportunity to explore leadership, entrepreneurship and innovation.
Community Futures East Kootenay is now looking for mentors interested in supporting the next group of young entrepreneurs when the program returns this fall.
“We’re looking for mentors who already work with youth and want to guide them through a hands-on entrepreneurship experience,” Peel said.
The opportunity is intended for teachers, youth workers, coaches and community leaders who already have a youth group in mind. Mentors will receive a ready-to-use curriculum, ongoing support and a $500 stipend.
An online information session will be held Monday, September 14, at 4:30 p.m. MDT.
Registration for the session and applications to become a mentor are available through the Innovate for Impact website.
Innovate for Impact is a Community Futures East Kootenay initiative delivered in partnership with Impact Toolbox. The program supports social entrepreneurship in the Kootenays by providing purpose-driven innovators with training, tools and a community in which to develop sustainable ventures.
