It was an evening full of energy, business ideas, and the sound of chirping chicks.
On Thursday night, April 17, the Steinbach Chamber of Commerce hosted the annual Chamber Challenge presentation night, where nine student entrepreneurs took the stage in front of a full house to pitch their small business ideas, and they did not disappoint.
“I think the kids really knocked it out of the park,” said Tessa Masi, Executive Director of the Steinbach Chamber of Commerce, as she addressed the crowd of more than 160 parents, supporters, and judges.“I am blown away by your creativity and presentation skills. Well done.”
The young entrepreneurs ranged in ideas from custom crafts to lawn care, with creativity on full display. Live baby chicks even made an appearance on the judges’ table, courtesy of SB Farms, which drew giggles and surprise from the crowd.
The top three winners received cash prizes sponsored by local businesses. The first place sponsor was MNP. Second place sponsor was Smith Neufeld Jodoin LLP, and Third place sponsor was Scholars of Steinbach.
First place – Stay Fresh ($1000) was the big winner of the night. Ten-year-old Seth Friesen's business idea offers home delivery of furnace filters and softener salt on a monthly subscription basis.
“Do you know how heavy a bag of softener salt is? It’s 80 pounds. And I’m 70 pounds.” The audience was impressed.
Seth’s idea came from a discussion with his family, trying to come up with a problem and a solution. He adds his dad sometimes forgets to refill the salt in the water softener, so “He said he’d be my first customer."
Although the business hasn’t officially launched yet, Seth’s already thinking like a true entrepreneur.
“I have most of my prices figured out,” he explained. “So now it’s basically just, I gotta put it into practice.”
He plans to start the business when he’s old enough to drive. Until then? “I might buy a snowmobile,” he said about his $1000 prize from sponsor MNP.
Second Place – Cooper’s Creations ($750) Cooper Trinh wowed the judges with his 3D printing business, Cooper’s Creations. From spinner toys to tiny articulated dragons, and even replacement parts for broken household items, Cooper’s presentation stood out. His friends and family showed up in custom shirts that read “Cooper’s Creations,” cheering loudly when his name was called.
“He really knocked it out of the park,” said Masi. “He had a whole cheering section, his presentation was polished, memorized, just incredible.”
Third Place – SB Farms ($500) Siblings Bradley and Stephanie took home third place with their SB Farms business, offering farm-fresh eggs and a little bit of chick-filled charm. Sponsored by Scholars of Steinbach, their booth was a hit with the audience.
“I’m really proud of you guys,” said a Scholars rep during the award presentation. “It gives us lots of hope for the future, seeing all these young, bright entrepreneurs.”
Congratulations and Thank Yous
Steinbach Chamber Executive Director Masi couldn’t stop smiling after the event.
“We had nine different presentations and such a wide array of business ideas. From replacing your furnace filter to selling custom pillows, these kids are so creative,” she said.
When asked what the evening says about the next generation of business leaders, Masi responded: “They’re eager to fill a gap. They’re seeing business as something fun and fulfilling, not just punching a time clock.”
The judges, which included Steinbach Mayor Earl Funk, Scott Barkman (Barkman Concrete), Michelle Hilliard (SCU), Bob Schinkel (Schinkel Properties) and Kassi Unger (Millbrook Market), had a tough time choosing the winners. But everyone agreed: the future of Steinbach’s business community is looking bright and full of fresh ideas.
As emcee Michelle Sawatzky-Koop summed it up: “No dream is too big to dream. You guys, never stop doing it. Because you never know until you really step out and try.”
*All photos in the gallery below are courtesy of Nathan Dyck.