Image: Community Futures South Fraser / Nicole Read, General Manager of Community Futures South Fraser, awards cheque to Startup Challenge Winner Jennifer Mack of Abide Studio on Nov. 28, 2024.

By Don Mitchell

entrepreneur competition

Interior designer, emotional aid for children win ‘Startup Challenge’ awards in Chilliwack

Dec 7, 2024 | 11:14 AM

CHILLIWACK – A Lower Mainland interior designer who emphasizes “value and functionality” for clients won the top prize at a live pitch event held at Studio C in Cowork Chilliwack.

Judges at the “Startup Challenge,” hosted by Community Futures South Fraser in late November, awarded Abide Studio the $5,000 grand prize package, citing its hourly service offerings and tailored fee proposals as key factors in the win.

“Through 14 years in the industry, I have built a network of trusted contractors and suppliers to create a seamless experience for my clients,” said Jennifer Mack, the founder of Abide Studio. “I leverage client referrals and my charitable efforts to attract new leads.”

Meanwhile, audience members selected Sproutkins for the People’s Choice award, which came with a $750 business support package for its creator, Jenn Bratton.

Bratton explained that Sproutkins is more than just a stuffed animal with six foundational emotions inside; it is a tool designed to help children navigate and express their feelings.

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“By developing guidebooks, resources, and blogs, and connecting with professionals, parents, and those struggling to understand emotions, we create the true value of Sproutkins,” Bratton said during her pitch.

Just seven out of 15 local entrepreneurs made it to the final round, where they pitched their business ideas to a panel of judges in front of an audience of community members, peers, and business leaders.

The finale concluded an intensive program aimed at fostering innovation and entrepreneurship through workshops and mentorship sessions.