Soilmate
It has only been up for 10 months, but Soil Mate, a Kelowna-based website that connects consumers with local food and beverages, has been recognized for the Best Concept in B.C. at the 12th Annual Small Business Awards held in Vancouver in February.
The contest, hosted by Small Business B.C. to recognize the top small businesses across the province, saw 460 nominees in ten categories compete over five months. Soil Mate was selected through public voting, written applications and a Dragons’ Den-style pitch finale. As a winner, Soil Mate received $1500, a year of mentoring from an accounting firm and some welcome exposure.
“It brings attention to what we’re doing,” said Matt Gomez, Soil Mate’s founder and chief executive officer.
Featured as part of Orchard and Vine’s Eight Cool Apps and Websites article in its July 2014 Innovation Issue, the Soil Mate website works on computers and mobile devices to direct people to local farmers, raisers and producers within a 160 kilometre radius.
After its launch in May 2014, Soil Mate rapidly expanded to every U.S. state and Canadian province. Within six months, it grew to 10,000 listings. Initially listing only farms, farmers’ markets and wineries, Soil Mate’s directory now includes craft breweries, cideries, distilleries and local sourcing restaurants and stores. Gomez attributes Soil Mate’s success to having a good product and good methodology.
“We’re more of a movement and a set of values than a straight up business or tool,” said Gomez.
To learn more about Soil Mate visit soilmate.com.
