ThriveNorth Business Challenge

The ThriveNorth Business Challenge is an open competition where young people aged 18-39 from Northern B.C. can showcase their business ideas and get the support they need to make them a reality.

Congratulations to the 2019 ThriveNorth Business Challenge Winners!

Cameron Bell – Farmer Cam Foods (Terrace)

Contestant HeadshotAfter completing an Environmental Studies degree at UNBC, Cameron spent two years in local government and economic development before committing to a career in agriculture. He has worked with farms, social enterprises and urban agriculture consulting firms in BC and his home province of Ontario, returning to the Northwest last fall. Terrace provided the ideal confluence of agricultural, recreational and musical opportunities for Cam, who is starting Farmer Cam’s Foods this year. Farmer Cam’s Foods produces fresh vegetables for farmers market and wholesale customers in the region. With an entrepreneurial attitude and unbridled stoke, Cam looks forward to growing a business in the northwest.

Lucy Sager – All Nations Driving Academy (Terrace)

Contestant HeadshotLucy has an extensive knowledge of Northwest British Columbia, along with over 20 years of experience living in and working with rural British Columbia First Nations communities. Lucy started All Nations Driving Academy, providing the education necessary for Class 5 drivers. Lucy stresses the importance of supporting First Nations communities through the process of owning and operating their very own local driving school. Working to further make a difference not only in the community but in the boardroom, Lucy earned her MBA from UNBC in 2013 and she currently resides in Terrace, British Columbia with her two sons.

Katrina Slorstad – Imperative Recycling (Fort St. James)

Contestant HeadshotKatrina was born and raised in Fort St James and considers herself an “Eco-Warrior”. She has always had a deep appreciation for the environment. After high school, she started her own curbside recycling company. Eight years later, it is her full-time business and she is exploring the option of purchasing a local bottle depot. If she was to win the ThriveNorth Business Challenge, she would upgrade this building to begin accepting end-of-life electronics in addition to the beverage containers. She has learned that education is key when encouraging communities to recycle and she fully intends to launch an education campaign to promote all recycling options in this town.


Brittany Kinahan – Halo Athletic Apparel (Terrace)

Contestant HeadshotBrittany Kinahan is the owner and creative brains behind Halo Athletic Apparel and Designs in Terrace, B.C. She and her team mix their love of sewing and high-end fabrics to create custom garments sized for real people rather than conforming to generic sizes. The company began as an Aerial Arts apparel side hustle in Victoria BC in 2013, and in 2017 blossomed into a full-time dream that has expanded to include sports bras, leggings, swimwear, maternity wear and more.


Thank you to all who applied to this year’s Business Challenge. Each finalist who didn’t win their category prize took home $1,000 to put towards their business plans.

Questions? Contact thrivenorth@futurpreneur.ca

*The People’s Choice Award will go to the finalist that receives a combination of the most online and in-person votes. Online votes are worth 1 point, and each attendee at the Finals will receive 5 votes they can cast (either to one finalist, or divided amongst multiple finalists).


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