Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, Líl̓wat and Stl’atl ́imc Entrepreneurs Pitched Ideas at a Fun Wrap-up Event

On October 3, 2018, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, Líl̓wat and Stl’atl ́imc community members pitched their new business ideas to a panel of business experts.

Skwxwú7mesh Líl̓wat Stl’atl’imc Nation entrepreneurs worked hard at developing business plans for new businesses that will fill gaps in their communities. Classroom sessions, on-line homework, mentorship, and learning from local Indigenous entrepreneurs were key components to the development of these pitches.

Pitching Entrepreneurs

Patricia Agudelo – Rising Bear Emergency Services (read more)
Tanina Williams – Líl̓wat Cultural Tours at Joffre Lakes (read more)
Nadine Pascal – Mount Currie Firestone Pizza
Amy McGrandle – “It’s All Good B&B”
Desiree Horse – Scruffle Bee Honey
Jill Patrick – Jill Patrick Grant Writing Services (read more)
Willamena Jim – TBA

Each entrepreneur had an opportunity to pitch their new business concept to a panel of judges at this fun event. The entrepreneur with the winning business pitch received $5000!

And the winner is . . . Tanina Williams.

Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Líl̓wat Stl’atl ́imc Business Start-up Program

The Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Líl̓wat Stl’atl ́imc Business Start-up Program (SLSBSP) is a new program being launched by the Whistler Centre for Sustainability in partnership with the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Líl̓wat Cultural Centre (SLCC). This program supports new business start-ups for local First Nation members from regional Indigenous communities including the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Nation, Líl̓wat, Lower and Upper Stl’atl ́imc Nations. The program builds upon the success of our 2015, 2016 and 2017 Social Venture Challenge programs to encourage, support and grow new businesses with a social and/or environmental purpose through capacity building, mentorship, and raising awareness.

Program Goals

To encourage, support and inspire new Indigenous-based business development
To create a stronger culture of Indigenous-based entrepreneurship that can generate greater social impact in the region

The program is based on our Social Venture Challenge program.

The Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Líl̓wat Stl’atl ́imc Business Start-up Program includes:

Learning: Four cohort-based topic-focused learning sessions on components of business development and the Business Model Canvas.

Value proposition and customer segments (what sets you aside from other companies and who are your customers going to be)
Marketing
Key resources
Partners and key stakeholders
Making the pitch

Inspiration: Presentations from speakers who have on-the-ground business experience will provide inspiration at each learning session and other events.

Mentorship: One-on-one support in developing and refining business concepts.

Videos: Development of a short video to promote the new business idea.

Dragons’ Den style Pitch Event – Each applicant has an opportunity to pitch their new business concept to a panel of judges at a community event. The entrepreneur with the winning business pitch will receive $5000! Each participant who completes the program will receive $1000 towards furthering their business.

Thanks to funding from the BC Rural Dividend Program, all program costs, including travel and accommodation, are covered for participants.

For more information, please contact Cheeying Ho at cho[at]whistlercentre.ca or Dawn Johnson at djohnson[at]whistlercentre.ca

“The Centre’s Social Venture Challenge was a crucial step in creating our business. The process turned our idea into a solid plan and provided a great overview for our business. From marketing channels to banking info, the course taught us the necessary next steps in order to make our initiative a reality. The Centre’s team was amazing to work with; they were encouraging, knowledgeable and helpful. I would highly recommend this program to anyone with an idea for a social venture.” Jeff Anderson, Co-owner of Dooshi Pet Treats.

Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Líl̓wat Stl’atl ́imc Business Start-up Program Partners and Sponsors

Thank you to our program partner the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Líl̓wat Cultural Centre, and our program sponsors the Province of British Columbia Rural Dividend Fund, the Resort Municipality of Whistler, Squamish Savings and Community Futures Howe Sound.