Young people throughout the Kootenays are looking at solving real problems in their communities and in the world through creating social enterprises.

Two student-led, purpose-driven businesses are now hitting the streets – and screens – with support of the Innovate for Impact program.

Projects ‘Connectopedia’ in Kimberley and ‘Shark Side of Life’ in Revelstoke were the winners of the Innovate for Impact youth pitch event where groups of young people presented their ideas for social enterprises in front of a panel of judges to win cash prizes and bring their business ideas to life.

Awards were funded by StellerVista Credit Union and Community Futures East Kootenay (CFEK).

Selkirk Secondary School graduate and pro gamer Mason Kaldestad explained the challenge he was trying to solve with his social enterprise: “The problem we are facing today is that women and LGTBQ+ gamers don’t have a safe place to go online.”

As the innovator behind ‘Connectopedia’ he designed a plan for safe and inclusive community hubs for gamers with opportunities for mentorship and beginner-friendly workshops. Work on the Connectopedia platform has already started and Kaldestad will use the contest money to expand the network of approximately 300 gamers, host tournaments and create potential career paths into professional e-sports.

The Shark Side of Life was a group project by students (pictured above) from the Stoke Youth Network in Revelstoke. To draw attention to the massive impact of overfishing, climate change and habitat loss on shark populations around the world, the team has found a unique way of combining education and business.

Visitors to Revelstoke may have seen their market stall this summer, offering shark stuffies and face painting as well as information about sharks and their importance for the ecosystem. The winnings from the showcase will help the group expand their product offerings and host more events.

“We had a great mix of innovative and thoughtful business ideas presented at the showcase and it was hard for the judges to pick just two winners,” said Robyn Peel, Community Economic Development Manager with CFEK. Groups of students from across the Kootenay region spent 15 weeks in the spring developing their ideas as well as their entrepreneurial skills, guided by a flexible, hands-on online curriculum and supportive mentors.

The results were custom-designed solutions and social enterprises built from the ground up. These initiatives will help strengthen the young people’s local communities while giving them a chance to explore leadership and innovation for themselves.

For those wanting to get involved more actively with Innovate for Impact and support the next wave of big ideas, CFEK is offering an information session for individuals looking to work with youth groups in the next cohort starting in the fall.

“We’re looking for mentors who already work with youth and want to guide them through a hands-on entrepreneurship experience,” said Peel.

This opportunity is ideal for teachers, youth workers, coaches and community leaders who already have a group of youth in mind. Mentors will receive a ready-to-use curriculum and active support as well as a $500 stipend.

An information session will be hosted on Monday, September 14, at 4:30 p.m. MDT. A registration link to the event as well as the application form to become a mentor are available on the Innovate for Impact website.

The youth pitch event is just one of the opportunities through the Innovate for Impact program. The initiative by CFEK in partnership with Impact Toolbox, is advancing social entrepreneurship in the Kootenays and supporting purpose-driven innovators with the tools, training, and community to build impactful, sustainable ventures.

Photos submitted

Community Futures East Kootenay

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