Young entrepreneurs shine at first-ever Steinbach Chamber Challenge

Ten young entrepreneurs and inventors from across the Hanover School Division took part in the Steinbach Chamber of Commerce Chamber Challenge Tuesday evening in Steinbach.

Executive Director Tessa Masi first introduced the challenge at the end of January, explaining what it was.

“We're really excited about this one. The Chamber Challenge, in essence, is a mini-Dragons Den where students make an entrepreneurial pitch to a panel of judges and there is prize money at stake and we're just excited to see how it goes.”

At the event earlier this week, seven groups of students stood on the stage at the SRSS with their products, presentations and power-points, ready to impress the judges and win the prize money.

Each presenter had four minutes to present their business idea, product or service, after which the judges asked them questions and tallied their scores. Then the winners were announced.

Winning First Place and $1,000 cash prize was Clint Plett for his presentation on his business “PLEMARK Welding.”

Clint Plett of "PLEMARK Welding" first place winner (Photo credit: Nate Matthews)

The 17-year-old Steinbach Christian School student says he came up with a mobile-welding business idea while learning the trade working on his grandfather’s farm near Blumenort.

“I had a lot of spare time. There wasn't a lot of work at the job that I currently work at, and I know how to weld so I was like, why not?”

Plett describes his business. “I will come to their (client) place, check out the job, and then come at back on another day with all the materials needed, and then I would weld for them.”

He says he got the idea to try out for the Chamber Challenge through his girlfriend’s mom. “Well, I wanted the money, and yeah, my girlfriend's mom, she told me about it. She was helping run it (the mobile welding business).”

Plett says being a welder is what he hopes to continue to do as his lifelong career. As for the prize money and how he’ll spend it, Plett says, “I will probably buy more tools for my truck. I might fix my truck up a little bit. It's beat up but, yeah.”

Plett notes that he learned a lot from the other presenters and what the judges said to the group. “I liked how market focused they were. I mean, they were less focused on their product, and just more focused on getting in people's faces.”

Winning Second Place and $750 cash prize was Madison Enns for her presentation on her business “The Little Epoxy Company”.

Madison Enns of "The Little Epoxy Company" second place winner (Photo credit: Nate Matthews)

The 16-year-old from Steinbach is self-taught in the art of pouring epoxy resin over and into specially chosen pieces of wood. Enns started her business in March 2023 and says she quickly learned how to create unique pieces through trial and error.

“I make charcuterie boards and jewelry trays with epoxy resin and wood, and I like to experiment with different techniques and styles.”

Enns talks about her personal technique. "So, I don't just pour epoxy on top of the wood, I actually put the epoxy in between the pieces of wood, and I don't mass produce every single one of my products is completely unique.”

She appreciates the flexibility the epoxy gives her to create many different things.

Although Enns is creative in her designs, she admits being more attracted to the business side of the company. “I would say I'm more into the business aspect of it, like logo making and branding and stuff. I've taken many business courses at the SRSS, and I’ve always wanted to own my own business. Yeah, I think it's really fun.”

Regarding the other presenters of the evening, Enns says, “I was impressed with all the different ideas that I saw. I didn't know what to expect coming into this. I think it just inspires me to see what other people are coming up with. It’s cool.”

Winning Third Place and $500 cash prize was Louis Tetrault for his presentation on his business “Lou’s Skate Sharpening”.

Louis Tetrault of "Lou's Skate Sharpening" third place winner (Photo credit: Nate Matthews)

In a social media post, Tessa Masi writes, “What a spectacular first ever Steinbach Chamber Challenge. We are in awe of the young entrepreneurs – their keen minds and ambition – in Southeast Manitoba! Thank you to all the brilliant and creative youth who entered and presented. There are so many opportunities ahead for each of you.”

She continues noting that there were over 100 spectators in the audience, cheering on the presenters. Masi also thanks the following sponsors and guest judges for their participation and contribution during the question-and-answer period:

MNP with the first place price of $1000

SNJ with the second place price of $750

Scholars of Steinbach with the third place price of $500

Other sponsors included SCU, Northforge, Hitch & Boler Coffee Roasters and Cafe, Collecta Co, and Sobeys

Guest judges:

Heather Jowett, Country Meat and Deli

Tim Schmitt, Oak Leaf Promotions

Colleen Wohlgemuth, Stone City Coffee Roasters

Susan Penner, City of Steinbach Councillor

Matt Penner, Print Studio One

and MC for the evening Michelle Sawatzky, Golden West Broadcasting

Other presenters at the Chamber Challenge were: