Jennifer Obleman
Northern News Services
Published Wednesday, October 17, 2007

YELLOWKNIFE - When it comes to running, skiing, swimming, cycling, kayaking and climbing, Scott Smith means business - and he's got the hardware to prove it.

Scott Smith has cycled across Australia, skied across the Greenland ice cap, and had numerous other adventures around the globe. Now his business, Northern Canadian Adventure Racing, is drawing other globe-trotting adventurers to Yellowknife. Smith recently received a Young Entrepreneur Award for his innovative business. - Chris Puglia/NNSL photo.

Smith, the mastermind behind Northern Canadian Adventure Racing, was expected to be presented with the Business Development Bank of Canada's Young Entrepreneur Award for the Northwest Territories at a ceremony in Winnipeg last night.

"It's great to get the recognition," he said. "It's an honour."

Smith started Northern Canadian Adventure Racing two-and-a-half-years ago. The company's inaugural race was the BHP Billiton Rock and Ice Ultra last March, hosted by the Yellowknives Dene First Nation. About 100 people from as far away as Taiwan and Finland ran, snowshoed and skied their way through the endurance race.

Next year's Rock and Ice Ultra is scheduled for March 22-27. Race agents in several countries are promoting the event, and information about the race is available online.

Smith is still seeking volunteers and sponsors as well as participants for the 2008 race.

"The biggest challenge is obviously getting support. Sponsorship is one of the biggest things that will make this a world-class event that will bring people to Yellowknife to experience our community and culture," he said.

Smith is also hoping to add a summer race to the company's to-do list - Mackenzie Mountain Madness, a 357-kilometre contest on a trail from the Mackenzie Pass to Norman Wells.

At this stage, Northern Canadian Adventure Racing is mostly run by volunteers, but Smith plans to hire more staff as the business grows.

"For the time being, it's definitely a money losing adventure. It's more about passion than money right now, but there's definitely potential," he said.

The adventure racing business sprang out of Smith's other business - he's been involved in mineral exploration for the last 15 years, and started his own prospecting business, Initial Exploration Services, eight years ago.

"One thing kind of led to the other," he said.

"Adventure racing and prospecting are very similar things. Prospecting, we're climbing mountains, kayaking, navigating through bushes. We're not racing when we're exploring, but it's very similar."

The 34-year-old credits his success to determination.

"You can't give up when you're hit with obstacles. It's not as easy as being an employee. You're on your own," he said of being an entrepreneur. "But I think working for yourself is one of the most rewarding things you can possibly do."

Young Entrepreneur Awards are presented every year during Small Business Week to Canadians aged 19 to 35 who demonstrate original business concepts with strong growth potential and community involvement. One winner is selected from each province and territory.

Smith's ability to harness an unusual idea and pioneer an industry in the North made him a prime candidate for the award, said Garry Kelly, manager of the Yellowknife branch of the Business Development Bank of Canada.

"This business creates a unique opportunity to bring elite athletes to Yellowknife from all over the world. Scott brings tourism to a new level with this adventure racing stuff," said Kelly.

"When I first sat down and talked with Scott about his idea, I was impressed by his concept and by his enthusiasm ... I believe he's going to succeed."