I scream, you scream, we all scream for youth entrepreneurship
Published 1:30 pm Monday, July 6, 2026
Frozen North is now open for business for the season and now in a new location.
The Smithers and District Chamber of Commerce’s not-for-profit food trailer is currently open and training their summer student team at Tyhee Lake Provincial Park. The goal is to be open six to seven days a week throughout the summer (depending on staff availability), and they may even open an additional camping canteen while their students continue learning and refining operations.
“The food truck is much more than a seasonal concession food trailer, it’s a non-profit, student-supported business incubator program and circular economy initiative operated by the Smithers District Chamber of Commerce,” explained the chamber’s executive director Sheena Miller.
“The business program & social enterprise gives local youth hands-on experience in entrepreneurship, leadership, customer service, marketing, food service, financial literacy, communications, project management, and business operations while showcasing local food producers, artisans, and Chamber members.”
She added whenever possible, they source ingredients and products locally, creating opportunities for visitors and locals to experience the incredible businesses and producers that make the region unique. Any proceeds generated beyond operating costs are reinvested into mentoring young entrepreneurs and supporting future community-building initiatives.
This season, they have changed up their location. Previously they were camped out in the Central Park area in Smithers but now will be stationed at the Tyhee Lake day-use area.
Miller explained the new location significantly reduces many of the logistical challenges associated with operating a mobile business in Smithers, allowing their team to focus more on delivering an exceptional local and visitor experience and meaningful student training.
”It also provides greater visibility, increased access to visitors and campers, improved infrastructure, and a truly world-class lakeside setting for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and tourists,” said Miller. “The move aligns perfectly with our vision of creating a destination that celebrates local food, recreation, entrepreneurship, and community connection while providing an outstanding real-world learning environment for the next generation of business leaders.”
This is their fifth season running the program in the social enterprise model, and every year they have continued to expand the concept.
“What started many years ago as the Chamber’s student entrepreneur business involving one student, has grown into a larger collaborative community project featuring upwards of 50 local food partners, regional producers, multiple students and a stronger focus on circular economy philosophies, zero waste, healthy menu options, sustainability and business entrepreneurship,” said Miller.
She added that like many small businesses, the high costs of operating and staffing continue to be some of their biggest challenges.
“Because Frozen North is intentionally a teaching business, we’re looking for young people excited to learn, grow and take ownership of the business training and leadership experience. Launching a seasonal small business also comes with many logistical challenges, from training new staff in a short period to setting up infrastructure, sourcing local products and adapting to weather. That is also part of what makes the program such a valuable and fast paced learning opportunity,” she said.