Be on Time! Advertising Deadline: 12 Noon on Tuesday

Friday, October 24, 2025

For PDF version of this weeks paper, please click here...

Five new businesses highlighted at Neepawa’s What’s the Big Idea?

By Eoin Devereux

Big ideas continue to spring forth in Neepawa and the surrounding area. On Oct. 16, some of these ideas stepped into the spotlight. The 10th annual ‘What’s the Big Idea?’ was held that day at the Neepawa legion, welcoming entrepreneurs to pitch their business ideas. The day also included networking opportunities, an entrepreneur trade-show, and more. A show of value Since 2015, a total of 62 businesses have been awarded a total of $98,100 through this event to support the launch of businesses in the region. These figures include the 2025 presentations. “We are glad to support events like this– giving local entrepreneurs a chance to connect, share ideas and launch successful businesses in our communities,” said deputy mayor Murray Parrott. Neepawa economic development officer Marilyn Crewe, who assists businesses in preparing for the event, added, “As part of the 10 year review of What’s the Big Idea?, Sabine Chorley (the EDO from Minnedosa) and I reached out to all of the What’s the Big idea? businesses to find out how they are doing. We learned that 36 of the [57 prior] Big Idea businesses are still operating– that’s 63 per cent! The Canadian average for businesses still operating after five years is 50 per cent, and after 10 years only 33 per cent of businesses are still around. What the numbers show is that participating in What’s the Big Idea increases your chance of business success.” This year’s event saw a total of five businesses competing for 12 prizes, amounting to $8,050 in cash and prize awards. Awards were determined by judges Caroline Ksiazek (Futurpreneur), Alanna Keefe (Women’s Enterprise Centre of Manitoba), and Jodi Baker (Jodi Baker Photography, and an alumni of What’s the Big Idea?).2025 awards results The 2025 awards, in order of the business pitch presentations, are: •Northern Taxi: Owned by Pardeep Singh, this Neepawa-based taxi service seeks to provide reliable transport for its customers. Singh’s business is currently operated from his home, but seeks to expand and acquire an office space in the future, and bring on additional drivers as demand increases. Northern Taxi received a $750 marketing package from PromoTime and the Neepawa Banner & Press; and $1,000 from Neepawa and Area Development Corporation (NADCO).

•Relax & Enjoy Cleaning Company: Located in Minnedosa, this service was founded by Gregory Bykov. Bykov offers carpet and upholstery cleaning, deep cleaning, and more. He seeks to grow his business and take on bigger projects, and eventually hire additional staff as well. For his pitch, Bykov received $500 and a one year membership from the Minnedosa Chamber of Commerce; and $1,000 from the Minnedosa CDC. •Happy Clover: This food truck is operated by Natalia, Veronica and Roman Zhuniak. The Zhuniaks’ business offers food which combines a variety of cultures found throughout Manitoba. For example, french hotdogs served with bread that uses a distinctly Ukrainian recipe. As food trucks are season limited, the family hopes to establish a year-round cafe location, and expand their catering services in the future. Happy Clover was awarded $300 from the Neepawa Lionelles; and $1,000 from the Town of Neepawa. •Chroma Films: Based in Neepawa, Chroma Films is owned by Thea Krystobel Duka and Roderick Pernecitas. This photography and videography business aims to capture meaningful memories in both mediums. Currently operated out of their home, the pair seek to establish a professional studio in the future. For their pitch, Chromas Films was awarded $500 and a one year membership with the Neepawa and District Chamber of Commerce; and $1,000 from Community Futures Westman for Best Pitch of the Day. •A Better Connection Therapy Services: Operated in partnership between Shelby Gillies and behaviour consultant Martina Villa, this business won Best Overall Idea. They offer speech, language and behaviour consulting services for both individuals and families. The pair seek to welcome occupational therapists, physical therapists, and more, in the future. They also hope to help train future professionals in speech therapy and behavioural therapy. A Better Connection was presented with $1,000 from the NADCO; and $1,000 from Stride Credit Union.