Skip to main content
the challenge

Colin Bell, managing director at RecycleSmart Solutions, recalls all the sales leads that flowed in after the Richmond, B.C., company made it as a semi-finalist in the 2013 Challenge contest.DARRYL DYCK/The Globe and Mail

Karyn Climans missed out on the jackpot in last year's Small Business Challenge Contest, a national competition sponsored by The Globe and Mail and Telus Corp.

But while her company, Tail Wags Helmet Covers in Toronto, failed to snag the $100,000 grand prize, it still walked away with quite a windfall from the Challenge: national publicity that bumped online visits and sales by almost 270 per cent over two weeks last fall, plus dozens of congratulatory messages to the company's social media platforms.

"I could not have afforded publicity of that scope," says Ms. Climans, whose 10-year-old company makes whimsical covers for recreational sports helmets – think zebra stripes and a tail on a ski helmet or yellow puffer-fish spikes on a bicycle helmet. "The response was quite amazing."

Tail Wags was one of the 10 regional award winners in the Challenge contest last year – a recognition of outstanding businesses in the country's Atlantic, north, west and central regions. Each winner received Telus services or devices worth $1,500.

Like Ms. Climans, other Challenge runners-up and special mentions have cited the invaluable benefits of having the spotlight directed at their business. Brandon Austin, co-founder of Toronto-based GoFish Cam Inc., says being named one of the most promising startups in the Challenge contest last year has helped with fundraising.

Colin Bell, managing director at RecycleSmart Solutions, recalls all the sales leads that flowed in after the Richmond, B.C., company made it as a semi-finalist in the 2013 Challenge contest.

"We made connections we might never have otherwise been able to," he says. "Even if you don't win the grand prize, you can still really capitalize on the exposure you get by being shortlisted in the Challenge."

Winning the $100,000 cash is still the ultimate goal. That's why Ms. Climans has already submitted her company's entry into this year's Challenge contest.

A lot has changed in the business since last year, she says, including the launch of highly reflective helmet covers for nighttime visibility and a dual-purpose product that serves as helmet cover and sun protection. Tail Wags has also started to offer helmet covers that can be customized with corporate logos.

"We are really expanding," says Ms. Climans. "I think we're a strong candidate for the big prize this year."

Interact with The Globe