Photo contributed Mike Miltimore and his Interior-based Riversong Guitars won the second prize of $25,000 in products and services in last year's BDC Young Entrepreneurs competition.

Young Entrepreneurs take note. The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) is giving away a $100,000 grand prize to a young entrepreneur to help grow their business and take it to new heights.
The BDC Young Entrepreneur Award is a contest aimed at helping the next generation of young business owners (18 to 35) grow their company while remaining
competitive.
Former Okanagan resident Mike Miltimore placed second in last year's
contest and won $25,000 in products and services to grow his business, Riversong Guitars, a division of Kamloops-based Lee's Music.
The deadline for submitting applications for the awards is April 2, at 9 a.m. PST.
Applicants are asked to create a short video describing a turning point their business has reached and the solution that will help them achieve future growth. The video should clearly explain the solution, have good image and sound quality, and be memorable.
For more information go to bdcyoungentrepreneuraward.ca.

Timely news
It's Business After Hours time again and the Westbank and District Chamber of Commerce is holding their Business After Hours today from 5 to 7 p.m. at Bliss Bakery, 320 - 1405 Stevens Rd. Thanks to Rapid Time Networks, there is no fee for chamber members. Non-members pay $5.
The Kelowna Chamber of Commerce is holding its BAH next week on Thursday, Feb. 21, at Floform Countertops, at
107 - 1641 Commerce Ave., from 5 to 7 p.m., with a speed networking session from 4:30 to 5 p.m.
Fee is $10 for members and $20 for non-members.

Welcome aboard
Helen Holton, chairwoman of the Westside Community Foodbank Society has news.
"I'm really happy to announce we've hired Lenetta Parry as our new executive director, said Holton. "She was raised on the Westside and this is her community. Plus she brings will her all her experience from the Kelowna Food Bank.
"The board of directors are excited that she's chosen to come on board with us and we are looking forward to some great changes and a fresh new approach. Lenetta has great fundraising skills, which are so important to organizations like the food bank."
The Westside Community Foodbank is currently working on its website and a
link should be available soon for online
donations.
Until then, you can drop off donations at 2545 Churchill Rd., at the corner of Hwy. 97 and Hebert Road.

Making an impression
Christine McIntyre moved to Kelowna 16 years ago and five years ago, she
purchased Fast Stamp with her partner, Mike Brennan.
"We make rubber and self-inking stamps, name tags and embossing seals," said McIntyre. "And we have 100's of art stamp designs for card makers and scrap bookers. If you can think it, we can put it on a stamp."
Fast Stamp's client base has grown quite large over the years as they serve both business and personal needs.
"Some of our clients include Kelowna FlightCraft, BMO, Property Management, Interior Health, government and a lot of lawyers," said McIntyre. "Right now, wedding invitation stamps are big for brides who want unique invitations, and/or embossing seals to emboss their napkins."
They have also just introduced a fun product for gift decor. Laser-cut acrylic tags and letters can be ordered with any words to decorate gifts, such as Happy Birthday, To my Sweetheart or a simple Congratulations.
"They are made in such a way that you can string one or two on a ribbon or cord and attach to a parcel, gift bag or wine bag," said McIntyre.
Fast Stamp is located in Kelowna's north end at #3-991 Richter St. They are open from10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday.
You can also find them on the web at faststamp.ca or call 250-861-9121.
 
Okanagan businesses have some interesting ideas on what to do for Valentine's Day. Okanagan Spirits Distillery on Bernard Avenue is hosting a cocktail and oyster event called Sips and Shells on Friday. They've teamed up with Codfathers Seafood Market and will have two unique Okanagan Spirit cocktails along with plenty of fresh oysters. The evening starts at 7 p.m. and tickets are $40.00.
For more info on purchasing tickets call 778-484-5174, or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Blossoms Fresh Fruit Arrangements has another nifty idea - edible arrangements.
How about a chocolate-dipped strawberry bouquet for the love of your life? You can even have different coatings, such as Skor or Oreo cookies, toasted almond, coconut and chocolate. Blossoms is located at 105-1289 Ellis St.
You can check out their full assortment of edible bouquets at kelownablossoms.com, or give them a call at 778-478-0848.
To top it off, InniskillinWinery has created a pairing of wine and movies for a night at home.
Pairings include:
- 2011 Inniskillin Riesling with When Harry Met
Sally;
- 2011 Inniskillin Pinot Noir with The Way We Were;
- 2010 Inniskillin Merlot with Roman Holiday, 2011 Inniskillin Reserve Chardonnay with Gone With The Wind, and;
- 2011 Inniskillin Riesling Icewine with Casablanca.
If you don't have those movies on DVD, you can rent them at Leos Videos at 2680 Pandosy St. They have every one except The Way We Were.
They are open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day except Sunday when they open at 11 a.m. Call them at 250-861-8437.