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.

Originally from Australia, Hayley Wilson moved to Smithers, British Columbia to work on Hudson Bay Mountain for one season. Six years later, she’s still there and she’s married to the ski hill manager!

“I love travel and the outdoors – hiking, mountain biking, snowboarding,” she explains.

So much so that she even started her own business that combines both of her passions into one unique company. Adventure Camp Tourism offers customized mountain adventures in Northern B.C. Their offerings include organizing all-inclusive hiking, mountain biking and ski and snowboarding vacations, operating shuttles to local ski resorts, and even conducting local tours, focusing on topic areas like organic food and First Nations art and culture.

According to the company website, Adventure Camp Tourism runs tours every day of the week, 365 days a year. They also make an effort to keep the business as local as possible, employing Smithers residents and working with local businesses and clubs like Shames Mountain Co-op, Local Supply Co, Harvey Mountain Adventures, Skeena Cat Ski and Bulkley Adventures to help maintain the natural beauty of the area.

“Northern B.C. is my home now and I absolutely love it,” says Hayley. “We have so much to offer, and no one else is currently running a business like mine so I was lucky enough to be able to do what I love and fill a hole in the market.”

Additionally, she has had the fortunate experience of working with organizations like ThriveNorth to help grow her business. In fact, she says receiving a ThriveNorth grant was one of her most memorable entrepreneurial milestones, along with getting a Class 4 license so she could drive her company’s 15-passenger van.

“ThriveNorth has given me the courage to step out and make this business a reality,” says Hayley. “It was a bit of a pipe dream but I’ve taken the plunge and I’m going for it.”

If you want to ‘go for it’ like Hayley and start your own company, her advice is this: “There is never a perfect time to start a business. If you can dream it, you can build it, so you just have to take a leap of faith.”

Written by: Jasmine Williams, Social Media & Content Specialist, Futurpreneur Canada

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