Six local business owners representing B.C.’s Northwest at national entrepreneurship summit

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.

Six young entrepreneurs from the Northwest region of British Columbia will participate in the Action Entrepreneurship Canadian Summit hosted by Futurpreneur Canada in Toronto. On May 30-31, they will join over 300 entrepreneurs, mentors and other stakeholders from across Canada for thought-provoking skill-building workshops, dynamic networking opportunities and engaging keynote speakers. Visit actionentrepreneurship.ca to find out more about the event.

Meet the Northwest B.C. delegation below!

Barbara Lippke – Prince Rupert, B.C.
Little Anchor’s Consignment

Barbara (Barbie) Lippke studied at Mount Royal University in Calgary, Alberta where she grew up. Barbie is the owner of a children’s consignment store in Prince Rupert called Little Anchor’s that offers new and used items with a selection of locally made mom & baby products. She and her husband live in Prince Rupert with their three children.

Dana Foster – Terrace, B.C.
IC Media Inc.

Dana Foster is a Canadian Television and Radio Host. After attending Columbia Academy in Vancouver, Dana explored radio as an intern at the AM station Mojo Radio, The Beat 94.5, as well as Vicki Gabereau on CTV. Currently, Dana owns and operates IC Media Inc., a new media company located in Terrace, BC. She also the founder of Founder of The WON; the Women’s Online Network, which strives to create positive change for women in Canada using New Media and to bring attention to the stories that matter to women.

Jeffrey Minhinnick – Terrace, B.C.
Ye Olde Chop Bloc

Jeffrey Minhinnick is a fire fighter and he co-owns a barbershop in Terrace with his friend Travis Murphy. The two always wanted to start their own business so when a local barber shop closed after 30 years in business in Terrace, they jumped at the opportunity and created Ye Olde Chop Bloc. The aim of the business is to give men and women an experience that is modern while respecting the traditions of the neighbourhood barbershop. Jeffrey and Travis also competed in the 2015 ThriveNorth Business Challenge and won a cash prize in the Best Growth Opportunity category.

Jill Whitfield – Terrace, B.C.
Repose

Jill graduated with honours with her diploma in Massage Therapy in 2004 from ICT Northumberland College in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She thrives off helping people on their journey to wellness, which drives her plans to create a community driven spa. With a cooperative approach, it will supply the demand for affordable and accessible treatments using local products, therapists and resources. Jill competed in the 2016 ThriveNorth Business Challenge and won a cash prize in the Best New Business category.

Marcie LeBlanc – Prince Rupert, B.C.
LeBLANC boutique

Marcie LeBlanc has been designing and sewing for over 15 years. She went to Fashion Design school at Blanche MacDonald in 2004 and realized her obsession with fashion and designing was real! She recently made the move back North to her hometown of Prince Rupert, B.C., and re-opened LeBLANC boutique in Cowbay. Creating is a way of self-expression and simply a way of life for her. Nothing brings her more joy than being creative and executing her ideas threw different forms of design.

Tyler Meers – Prince Rupert, B.C.
Tyler Meers Photography

Born and raised in Prince Rupert, Tyler’s photography subjects range from still life to landscape, from the rugged temporal rainforests of Haida Gwaii to the urban beauty of Vancouver’s concrete wilds. In January, Tyler Meers opened a Studio in Prince Rupert where he plans on building a creative team, expanding his fine artwork, portrait and branding services. Tyler was a finalist in the 2016 ThriveNorth Business Challenge.