What motivated you to start your business and what is your vision for the future of the company?

I started the first Forager business right out of university, now the larger Forager International group of companies, driven by my desire to support and empower organizations in the TACH sector (tourism, arts, culture, and heritage). I aspired to create something that not only excited me every day but also made a positive impact in the world. As an anthropologist, my passion for cultural exploration and community development has been a guiding force. The inception of Forager International was a response to the challenges faced by the TACH sector during the pandemic. Recognizing the struggles with staffing shortages, funding, declining visitor numbers, and the lack of capacity to adopt new technologies, I saw an opportunity to leverage my background in anthropology to make a meaningful difference in my community. After initial consultations with the BC Museums Association, I was encouraged by their enthusiasm for my program ideas. From those consultations, I developed the Classroom Voyager platform (formerly The VR Voyage Classroom), a marketplace where museums, art galleries, science centres, and cultural centres can publish, promote, and connect their educational programs to the BC curriculum. Forager International reflects my commitment to fostering community development and championing the vital role of the TACH sector in society and the economy. By identifying their immense potential and the obstacles they face, I set out to create a business that specializes in finding innovative solutions, enabling these organizations to thrive and share their unique stories and perspectives. Each time Forager adds a new partner, we discover new community needs and develop dedicated teams to address them. A prime example is Forager Futures, our latest venture focusing on waste reduction, emissions reduction, and climate change mitigation. We will continue to develop new ventures and expand our reach beyond BC and Canada, ultimately establishing Forager International as a globally recognized brand synonymous with innovation and transformation in the TACH sector.

Why do you deserve to win the Best Youth Entrepreneur Award?

As a dedicated entrepreneur with a proven track record of innovation, community development, and international recognition, I believe my achievements make me a strong contender for the Best Youth Entrepreneur Award. My experience as a four-time Canadian delegate to the G20 Young Entrepreneurs' Alliance Summit has provided me with a global perspective on entrepreneurship and the skills necessary to excel in my field. Forager International, my company, exemplifies my passion for making a meaningful difference. When I first started, I was told that there was no money to be made working with these types of organizations, but for me, success isn't solely focused on the highest margins, but also on the impact of working with organizations that are often overlooked by other businesses. Through our initiatives, we have provided innovative solutions to the TACH sector, including the development of the Classroom Voyager platform, and The VR Voyage platform. Our work has been instrumental in helping organizations adapt to challenges during and after the pandemic while empowering them to share their unique stories and perspectives through new technologies. One of our most significant accomplishments is the expansion of the Forager Partnership Program across Canada. To date, we have signed up 30% of all heritage organizations in BC, and branching out nationally. By cultivating strategic alliances with organizations like the BC Museums Association, chambers of commerce, and arts associations, we have created a robust support network for the TACH sector, demonstrating the scalability and adaptability of our business model. Our model focuses on providing benefits at all levels of the TACH sector. We have developed virtual tours for organizations in rural communities, helping to open them up to audiences that would never have visited in person. We have developed online educational programs that allow teachers across BC access lessons that would normally be out of reach for a field trip. And, we have helped raise more than $485,000 for partners to build capacity and develop new programs. Our partners gain valuable support services, while strategic partners share in the revenue generated through their memberships. Additionally, we dedicate 2% of all revenue to charitable causes in the communities we serve, primarily through Forager Foundation, which I founded with university friends back in 2013. My determination and forward-thinking mindset have consistently enabled me to identify emerging opportunities and establish long-lasting relationships. This has not only contributed to Forager International's success but also made a tangible difference in the communities we serve, including a deep-rooted commitment to reconciliation. I believe these experiences, achievements, and contributions to the TACH sector make me a deserving candidate for the Best Youth Entrepreneur Award. If granted this honour, I would leverage the platform to inspire other young entrepreneurs to create businesses that are not only financially successful but also drive positive change in their communities.

Why do you think you should win the Premier’s People’s Choice Award?

As a dedicated entrepreneur and visionary leader, I believe I am an ideal candidate for the Premier's People's Choice Award due to the unwavering support my businesses have received from the community due to the dedication we have shown to my community, as well as my proven track record of fostering collaboration and innovation in the TACH sector. At the heart of my businesses, Forager International and its group of companies lies a steadfast commitment to empowering organizations in the tourism, arts, culture, and heritage sectors. Throughout our journey, we have consistently engaged with our community, listening to their needs and creating solutions that drive sustainable growth and development. The strong relationships we have built with institutions, associations, businesses, and municipalities demonstrate our ability to unite diverse stakeholders and work towards a common goal. This is also evident in the teams we have built. We live the Canadian ideal of diversity and multiculturalism. We are a proud LGBTQIA2S+ business with Indigenous, women, neurodiverse, and multicultural business partners. The Forager Partnership Program exemplifies our dedication to fostering collaboration and co-creating impactful solutions with our partners. By nurturing strong alliances with organizations like the BC Museums Association, we have expanded our reach to over 30% of heritage organizations across British Columbia and several chambers of commerce in BC and beyond with hundreds of members benefitting from our support services program. This extensive network showcases the trust and support we have garnered within our community. Moreover, our achievements have been recognized both nationally and internationally. Forager International's selection as a delegate to represent Canada at the G20 Young Entrepreneurs' Alliance Summit for four consecutive years and our role as the Innovation Taskforce Lead for the last two years underscores our commitment to driving positive change in our community. Additionally, our award-winning education program, Classroom Voyager, has further cemented our reputation as a trailblazer in the industry. As the Premier's People's Choice Award is a testament to a business's ability to engage and mobilize its community, I am confident that our strong support base, combined with our innovative spirit and passion for fostering sustainable growth, will inspire our community to vote and make us the top choice for this prestigious award.