The Steinbach Chamber of Commerce has announced that it is bringing back the Chamber Challenge for a second year. The event will happen on April 17 and aims to support the next generation of entrepreneurs from our local communities.
The Chamber Challenge is a student entrepreneur competition modeled after the popular Canadian reality show, Dragon’s Den. This event invites middle school and high school students in Southeast Manitoba to pitch their business idea, product, or service to a panel of local business leaders for a chance to win cash prizes.
“Supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs is crucial as they explore new ideas, embrace creativity, and imagine the limitless potential of owning a business,” said Tessa Masi, Executive Director of the Steinbach Chamber. “We are dedicated to nurturing these innovations and helping our youth succeed.”
This year, we have eleven applicants pitching their business ideas in five minutes or less, followed by a brief question and answer period. Members of the public are invited to attend the event at the Steinbach Christian School theatre on April 17th from 6-8:30 pm. The first, second, and third place winners of the Chamber Challenge will be chosen directly following the presentations and will receive cash prizes of $1000, $750, and $500 at the end of the event.
The Steinbach Chamber says that it looks forward to celebrating each of the brilliant and creative youth who entered this year, and also extends gratitude to each of the community sponsors for making this event an incredible success:
- First place sponsor: MNP
- Second place sponsor: Smith Neufeld Jodoin LLP
- Third place sponsor: Scholars of Steinbach
- Event sponsors: RRC Polytech, Steinbach Credit Union, Lakeview Insurance Brokers, mode40, Steinbach Orthodontics, Collecta Co. & Hitch & Boler, and Sobeys
The Steinbach Chamber implemented its first Chamber Challenge event in April of 2024, and it was a resounding success. Ten students from seven different schools took to the stage to share their entrepreneurial acumen and enthusiasm for seven new business ideas – some of which were already in full operation. Over 100 attendees participated in hearing the presentations and witnessing the awarding of the cash prizes:
- 1st place – Clint Plett with Plemark Welding won $1000 sponsored by MNP
- 2nd place – Madison Enns with The Little Epoxy Company won $750 sponsored by Smith Neufeld Jodoin LLP
- 3rd place – Louis Tetrault with Lou’s Skate Sharpening won $500 sponsored by Scholars of Steinbach
