The Steinbach Chamber of Commerce is once again hosting its annual Chamber Challenge this spring, with applications now open for students interested in taking part.
Executive Director Tessa Masi says the event gives middle and high school students the chance to step into a “Dragon’s Den” style competition.
“You bring your entrepreneurial idea, your idea for starting up a small business, or maybe even a business that you’re already running. You sit in front of a panel of five judges and our fantastic audience full of family and friends, and you make your pitch.”
This year, ten students will be selected to present their ideas. First place will receive $1,000, second place $750, and third place $500.
“There are three opportunities to win money that you can either invest in your business or use maybe to start a new idea.”
Masi says encouraging entrepreneurship is a key focus for the chamber, and she enjoys seeing young people begin to imagine themselves as business owners.
“We’re actually going to different schools and we’re making presentations and we’re talking about entrepreneurship and we’re saying like, ‘Hey, maybe consider this as your future.’ I mean, Steinbach is built on entrepreneurs.”
Students interested in participating can apply through the chamber’s website, where they will be asked to provide details about their pitch. A new panel of judges will also be featured this year.
“Our judges are always amazing,” Masi says. “They ask really great questions, like maybe what are some future considerations? What will the financial aspect look like for this? Is your business already started? How many people have you sold to, or how are you going to promote your idea?”
Proposals can range from an existing business to a simple concept. Masi notes that last year’s winning idea began as just an idea, but quickly turned into something more.
“We got an e-mail about a month later saying he started his business. We want to see this get off the ground. But it was a concept. It was a great concept. And there had been a lot of thought put into how could we make this happen.”
Masi says even participants who do not place in the top three will walk away with valuable experience, and a few extras.
“They win one of these fantastic Chamber Challenge hoodies. We give those to all the participants, and there will be a little bit of swag in the bag as well from some of our sponsors. I think experience and even just thinking through the process is a win.”
The Chamber Challenge will be held April 16 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Steinbach Christian High School Theatre. Masi adds that applications close March 27.
“If you need any help with the application, you can tap a parent or you can call us at the chamber, come in and see us. We would love to help you be able to get that off the ground. We have some returning presenters coming. When we put out the call, one of the young entrepreneurs came back and said, ‘I have a new business idea. Can I sign up again?’ I said, ‘Absolutely. We’d love to see you.’”
With files from Carly Koop
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