Young Entrepreneurs Excel at Bearcat Ventures
Abbotsford, BC – May 15, 2026 – Teams of enthusiastic 9th-12th graders from across the lower mainland gathered at Columbia Bible College for Bearcat Ventures, a dynamic one-day business competition modeled after Dragon’s Den. The event challenged students to design and pitch real-world businesses with startup costs of $2,000 or less, while centering their ideas on the Triple Bottom Line-People, Planet, and Profit-and honoring Jesus through honest, kind, and creation-caring practices.
Organized by Kurtis Kube and Matt Kaminski (Directors of Applied Leadership and CBC/IWU Dual Degree Programs), teams spent the day engaged in leadership exercises with recent CBC graduate Chloe Plett, competing in business simulations, meeting with local business owners, and pitching their businesses in hopes of winning the $1500 grand prize. By afternoon, the venue was alive with energy as teams presented faith-informed business ideas to a panel of judges featuring local entrepreneurs from Phantom Screens, Van Belle Nurseries, Pohl Strategic Marketing, Assante Wealth Management and Alderidge Construction.
Winning Teams Showcase Value In Action
First place was awarded to Justin of “Super Fresh Car Detailing.” Justin (Accellus Academy) started his business three years ago, and having built a successful venture, he now intends to turn his business plan into an online course called “$10K summer” in hopes of motivating and equipping young entrepreneurs with the skills needed to succeed.
Second place was a tie between “Fight for Business,” a card game developed by Oliver and Naveed (MEI), and “RJ Lawn Mowing,” run by Ethan and Riley (Langley Christian School). Bearcat judges loved the creativity and practicality of these two businesses. Students Abigail, Eve and Cadence, came in third place with the development of “Fearfully & Wonderfully Made,” an NPO focused on affordable, custom jewelry in support of students abroad.
The competition was incredibly close. “Crystal Pro” window cleaners (ACS), “Bundled” (ACS) and
“Posture Correct” (MEI) earned special recognition for creativity and innovation and walked away with consolation awards.
Overall, competitors won over $3500 in cash prizes and gift certificates.
Strong Results and Lasting Impact
The competition delivered inspiring outcomes. Students gained valuable skills in public speaking, sales, and promotion, and made some lasting connections with local business leaders.
“This event showed that faith and business are natural partners,” said co-organizer Kurtis Kube. “These students proved that profit and purpose belong together when we seek to honour God and create value for others.”
Most of the standout endeavors required under $1,500 to launch, proving that impactful, values-driven businesses can begin with modest capital, creativity, and community support. Marketing strategies emphasized honest, relational approaches such as family, church networks, social media, and word of mouth.
Bearcat Ventures was proudly hosted by Columbia Bible College and sponsored by Phantom Screens, Pohl Strategic Marketing, Alderidge Construction, and Van Belle Nurseries.
Organizers plan to make Bearcat Ventures an annual event. Next year’s event is tentatively scheduled for Friday May 21st, 2027.
For more information or to get involved in future events contact Kurtis at https://columbiabc.edu/bearcat-ventures/