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

We started VEGAIN from a passion for health, fitness, and sustainability. Our founding team are part of the 75% of people who are lactose intolerant, and have been following a plant-based diet for years for its health, ethical, and environmental benefits. We struggled to find high-quality sports nutrition supplements that met our dietary needs and ethical standards. Recognizing a significant gap in the market, we decided to create VEGAIN to provide effective, plant-based supplements that not only cater to the needs of top-level athletes but also align with a commitment to environmental sustainability. Our vision for the future of VEGAIN is to become a global leader in the plant-based sports nutrition industry. We aim to expand our product line, continuously innovate to enhance product efficacy, and reach new markets both locally and internationally. By leveraging technology and strategic partnerships, we plan to grow our brand presence and make our products accessible to a wider audience. Our ultimate goal is to inspire a shift towards healthier, more sustainable lifestyle choices, ensuring that high-performance nutrition can be both eco-friendly and effective. We envision VEGAIN as a catalyst for positive change in the sports nutrition industry, promoting a healthier planet and healthier people.

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

VEGAIN deserves to win the Best Youth Entrepreneur Award because our co-founders, at just 30 and 31 years old today, have demonstrated exceptional innovation, resilience, and dedication in creating a brand that stands out in the competitive sports nutrition market. As the sole shareholders and principal operators, they have grown VEGAIN without outside investment, allowing them to stay 100% true to their mission and values - without needing to compromise for the sake of shareholders. Motivated by a clear vision to fill a gap in the market for high-quality, plant-based sports nutrition supplements, they have successfully transformed this vision into reality. VEGAIN has achieved significant milestones, including earning the "Amazon's Choice" badge, securing partnerships with elite athletes like UFC’s Ian Machado Garry and Cory Sandhagen, and expanding retail presence across Canada. Our unwavering commitment to excellence and community impact sets VEGAIN apart. We actively engage in initiatives promoting health and wellness, such as sponsoring the Heart and Stroke Foundation’s "HIIT for Heart" event and donating profits to Spirit North to support reconciliation through sport. These efforts underscore our dedication to making a positive difference beyond just business success. Winning this award would not only validate our hard work and entrepreneurial spirit but also inspire other young entrepreneurs from smaller communities to pursue their passions and create businesses that prioritize both profit and purpose. Our journey is a testament to what can be achieved with determination, integrity, and a commitment to sustainable, impactful business practices.

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

VEGAIN hopes to win the Premier’s People’s Choice Award because we embody the spirit of innovation, community engagement, and sustainability that defines the future of small business in British Columbia. Our commitment to providing 100% plant-based sports nutrition products has filled a crucial market gap and inspired a growing community of health-conscious, environmentally-aware consumers. VEGAIN has revolutionized the sports nutrition market with our innovative plant-based supplements that outperform traditional animal-based products, consistently setting new standards for efficacy and sustainability. We are deeply rooted in our community, actively participating in events that promote health and wellness, from sponsoring local sports teams to partnering with organizations like the Heart and Stroke Foundation and Spirit North. Our endorsements from elite athletes such as the UFC’s Ian Machado Garry and Cory Sandhagen validate the effectiveness of our products and demonstrate the edge they provide some of the highest performing athletes in the world. At VEGAIN, we prioritize sustainability by using locally sourced ingredients and hiring local talent, ensuring our operations align with our values. Despite being a young company, we have achieved significant milestones, including major partnerships with retail chains like Goodness Me! and expanded availability on Amazon Canada and USA. Winning this award would recognize our efforts to create a healthier, more sustainable world and inspire us to continue leading the charge in the sports nutrition industry - right here from our hometown of Nanaimo.