In December 2019, the ThriveNorth program successfully completed its five-year mandate. Managed by Futurpreneur Canada, the program helped young entrepreneurs in Northern B.C. launch and grow their businesses by connecting them with resources, financing and mentorship.

The third and final category is “New Social Enterprise.” Finalists in this group are working on projects that aim to benefit their communities and the people of Northern BC.

Celebrate entrepreneurship and cheer on the finalists at the Business Challenge Awards Ceremony, March 28 5:30-8 pm. RSVP at http://ow.ly/KpJHH

Patrick Shannon
Patrick Shannon
Patrick Shannon is a First Nations creative professional and a social entrepreneur. Specializing in community engagement and youth development, Patrick’s background includes touring the country to mentor native youth. Patrick is working on developing a social innovation incubator – a tool that harnesses the power of modern technology to help young people connect and to encourage communication in the community.
Nathan Hoffart
Nathan Hoffart
Nathan Hoffart is a registered speech-language pathologist, with a Masters degree from University of British Columbia. He currently operates a private practice, but hopes to create a company that makes speech-language pathology easily accessible in Northern BC. Passionate about the community, Nathan regularly volunteers and sits on multiple local and provincial boards.
Harvey James Russell
Harvey James Russell
James Russell is a fishery professional, with a degree in natural resource protection. In addition to working full time, Harvey also volunteers with the Prince Rupert Marine Search & Rescue. Noticing a lack of local establishments offering services and expertise to the big businesses of Northern BC, Harvey plans to create a marine-based company that would serve as a research platform and consultant for environmental issues.
Kimberlee Ulmer
Kimberlee Ulmer
Kimberlee Ulmer is a property manager working out of Terrace. After moving from the lower mainland, Kimberlee was struck by the absence of high quality, short-term employees available in the area – as well as a lack of opportunities for local workers. She intends to create a temp agency that would help both employers and workers, benefitting the working community as a whole.

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