Five entrepreneurs looking to take their budding businesses to the next level have advanced to the final stage of the City’s YK Win Your Space competition.
Borealis Bike Tours Unlimited by David Stephens, Jenny’s Painting World by Jennifer Pohl, Kerri’s Kreations: the Farmhouse by Kerri and Mike Nolting, Longarm of the North by Marilyn McGurran and Music Space YK by Mary Kelly were named as finalists during an announcement Wednesday from Mayor Mark Heyck at Centre Square Mall’s Ja-Pain – the winner of last year’s competition.
In a bid to boost small business growth and breathe new life into empty storefronts in the downtown, the winner of the contest – backed by the city, Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce, Business Development of Bank of Canada, the NWT Business Development and Investment Corporation and the GNWT – will get the keys to a leased store space in the city.
The final five were selected by a panel of seven jurors – made up of Yellowknife-based entrepreneurs and business owners – from a group of 13 semi-finalists.
Online-based entrepreneur Kerri Notling of Kerri’s Kreations told Yellowknifer a commercial space would be “huge” for her plans to expand alongside her business partner and husband Mike.
For finalist Kerri Notling, the prospect of showcasing her home decor line in a physical location is promising for the growth of her business.
“It would be huge,” said Notling.
“Right now I run (the business) out of my basement so people actually come to my home and buy my products, and I do everything online. So, a storefront where you can come in and browse? Amazing,” Nolting told Yellowknifer.
Notling’s excitement was echoed by fellow fledgling business-owners Wednesday, including Longarm of the North’s Marilyn McGurran.
“I can hardly breathe. I can’t believe I got this far,” said McGurran.
“It’s a great opportunity and where else in the North would you get an opportunity like this?,” she added.
McGurran, who aims to expand her quilting business in a commercial setting, also relies on in-home sales.
“My house is not my house, it’s actually a store. So, it would be nice to have my house back,” said McGurran, adding foot traffic around the space would translate to more in-store visits.
But McGurran acknowledged the race to the finish won’t be easy.
“I’m up against some stiff competition. We all have good plans and good ideas. I think it would be awesome for anyone of us to win.”
Mary Kelly of Music Space YK – a would-be home for musical programming and activities – said she's
“encouraged” by the nod from the jury.
“I look forward to pitching it next week,” said Kelly.
The five remaining hopefuls will sell their business – and ideas – live in front of the jury on Aug. 23. A winner will then be crowned.
As for Seiji Suzuki, owner of last year's winning Japanese pastry pitch, it’s “so far, so good,” since opening shop in April. Suzuki said the initiative is a great way to fill vacant commercial spaces downtown.
Last year’s YK Win Your Space competition also saw Let Me Knot owned Sarah Kalnay-Watson snag store space.