Reltek Industries has emerged victorious with the top prize of $5,000 in the Kitimat Business Builders Competition. The event, aimed at fostering growth among local businesses, also saw Foxhound Non-Destructive Testing and Matthew Mask Productions taking home 2nd and 3rd place prizes of $3,000 and $2,000, respectively.
The competition is part of the Kitimat Business Bootcamp series, launched last year as a joint initiative by the District of Kitimat and the Kitimat Chamber of Commerce. With Rio Tinto and LNG Canada sponsoring the $10,000 prize pool, the series aims to help local businesses address challenges such as staffing, digital navigation and succession planning.
“Participants had to pitch a proposal that would help them grow their business. We aim to see more businesses succeed and grow, reporting an increase rather than remaining steady or shrinking," said Walsham Tenshak, the district’s director of economic development.
Reltek Industries received funding to purchase a van to help service more residential customers. Foxhound Non-destructive Testing was awarded funds for rope testing training to broaden their services and for billboards to advertise. Matthew Mask Productions received funding towards the cost of a computer tower to create commercials for local businesses and major industries.
The competition was open to participants who attended at least three of the four free workshops held in June. Tenshak said the six eligible businesses, of which four presented their growth proposals, demonstrated the community's entrepreneurial spirit and drive for growth, adding the significance of the competition extends beyond individual business success. “It’s important because, as a small community with big industry, we notice that if our businesses don’t have support to continue growing and expanding here, it affects the community as a whole. No one wants to move here if we don’t have the businesses and amenities to support people’s lifestyle.”
While pleased with the quality of this year’s proposals, Tenshak expressed hope for increased participation in the future. “The only commitment that businesses have to make is one hour, once a week for four weeks. Although we understand that business owners are also busy, we’re very pleased with the quality of proposals we received this year.”
