First Chamber Challenge a Success!

Posted December 21, 2023

We are in awe of the young entrepreneurs – their keen minds and ambition – in southeast Manitoba!

Congratulations to our three prize winners:

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

Thank you to all the brilliant and creative youth who entered and presented! There are so many opportunities ahead for each of you!

Thank you to our panel of judges as well! We want to recognize each of you for the time and attention you poured into our young entrepreneurs and this event:

Heather Jowett of Country Meat and Deli
Tim Schmitt of Oak Leaf Promotions
Colleen Wohlgemuth of Stone City Coffee Roasters
Matt Penner of Print Studio One & Three-Six North Marketing
Susan Penner of City of Steinbach Council
Michelle Sawatzky of Golden West Broadcasting

Are you a young entrepreneur or inventor? Do you have an idea that you need to share with the world? We invite you to be a part of the first ever Steinbach Chamber Challenge!

The Chamber Challenge is a student entrepreneur competition modeled after the popular Canadian reality show, Dragon’s Den. This event invites 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!

Entry requirements:
Students ages 15-18

How it works:
Eligible students are required to submit an application of their idea, product, or service through the Steinbach Chamber of Commerce online application process.

The Finalists:
Once the application period has closed, applications will be short-listed and finalists will be chosen to be a part of a live Chamber Challenge event where they will present to a panel of local business leaders.

The Chamber Challenge Champions:
The first, second, and third place winners of the Chamber Challenge will be chosen directly following the event and will receive cash prizes during a formal presentation.

First place: $1000, sponsored by MNP
Second place: $750, sponsored by Smith Neufeld Jodoin LLP
Third place: $500, sponsored by Scholars of Steinbach

Deadline for applications: March 15th
*Successful applicants notified by March 25th
Presentations will take place Tuesday, April 30, 6:00 – 8:30pm at the SRSS theatre

Presentations must be no longer than five minutes, followed by a brief question and answer period.

We invite all interested students to apply below! We look forward to seeing you at the first-ever Chamber Challenge on April 30, 2024!