Six Kootenay Entrepreneur Films Screen in Trail on Nov. 12

By Amara Osei

KAST says the BroadKAST Film Festival will screen six short films about Kootenay entrepreneurs at the Royal Theatre, 1597 Bay Ave. in downtown Trail, on Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026. KAST says doors open at 6:30 p.m., with $10 tickets available at kast.com under Events and Workshops.

What will the six films show?

The Kootenay Association for Science and Technology (KAST) says it presents the festival in partnership with the Trail and District Chamber of Commerce. Its six short films explore the challenges, successes and personal experiences of building businesses across the region.

Nelson videographer Carlo Alcos created the films with the entrepreneurs, according to KAST. The founders come from Revelstoke, Nelson and Invermere, and their ventures span outdoor clothing, bicycle manufacturing, digital technology and nutrition.

• Aaron Davidson, Revelstoke — Cronometer. KAST says Davidson sought to better understand the nutrients in his food and created the nutrition-tracking app, now used around the world. What began as a personal project now employs more than 80 people, and Davidson has participated in VAP since its early days.
• Carissa and Chas Misener, Nelson — Wildelore Outdoor. KAST says Wildelore Outdoor designs clothing for pregnancy, nursing and postpartum life.
• Amy Puzey, Invermere — Goodphyte. KAST says Puzey’s company develops supplements focused on digestive health and nutrient absorption.
• Kirsten Silfvenius, Gudtrails. KAST says Gudtrails develops digital trail-mapping tools.
• Isabel Kessi, My Market Scout. KAST says the online platform connects market vendors and organizers.
• Jack Sutter, Jackalope Bikes. KAST says the company designs and fabricates bicycles inspired by riding and exploring the Kootenays.

KAST describes Cronometer as an example of an idea born in a small mountain community growing into an international enterprise. Priya Biswas, KAST’s executive director, said the six businesses were selected to reflect different stages of entrepreneurship, from an initial idea to an established company. Biswas said BroadKAST lets audiences look beyond the products and services to meet the people behind them.

How does VAP support the founders?

KAST says every entrepreneur featured has participated in its Venture Acceleration Program (VAP). The program helps technology- and innovation-centered businesses develop and grow, according to KAST.

Biswas described business building as lonely but said VAP connects entrepreneurs with experienced business mentors for one-on-one guidance. She also said the program supplies a network of founders who share experience and support one another. That practical support runs from understanding customers to bringing new products to market, she said.

Why is Trail hosting the next screening?

KAST says BroadKAST has already visited Nelson, Revelstoke and Invermere, making Trail the next stop. Royal Theatre owner Lisa Milne said the festival gives the community a chance to celebrate the creativity and determination behind local ventures.

Milne said the area’s hardworking, creative entrepreneurs have contributed to the local economy. She added that the Royal offers a relaxed gathering place for people to watch local stories on the big screen.

Milne, a business owner herself, said customers rarely see everything required to keep a business running. She hopes the entrepreneurs’ experiences will build appreciation for the work behind local companies and encourage people to support them. She also sees BroadKAST as a way to draw residents into downtown Trail for dinner or visits to other businesses.

Biswas said the festival is open to anyone curious about the people and ideas shaping the region, not only business or technology workers. It also welcomes people who do not own a business or plan to start one. The films, she said, concern people in their own communities and what it took to reach their current positions.

“The success of all small businesses in our community is reliant on each other thriving,” Milne said.

What support comes with the screening?

KAST says it has supported technology and innovation in the region since 1998. Its Venture Acceleration Program operates in partnership with the National Research Council of Canada’s Industrial Research Assistance Program.

A Regional District of Kootenay Boundary Electoral Area A grant-in-aid supports the Trail screening. The award recognizes the festival’s role in promoting regional entrepreneurship, innovation and economic opportunity.

KAST says audience members can speak with the entrepreneurs and participate in a question-and-answer session after the films. KAST expects Dave Damer, a representative of the federal Industrial Research Assistance Program, to attend and share information about support available to innovative businesses.

What comes next?

KAST says BroadKAST has reached audiences in several Kootenay communities. “There are many more stories in the Kootenays worth sharing,” Biswas said. The organization is looking eventually to feature more regional entrepreneurs after screenings in Nelson, Revelstoke and Invermere.