Purpose-Driven Power:
- Jun 2
- 3 min read
By Karen Hastie
As a serial entrepreneur, I have primarily been driven by businesses that stem from passion and address genuine challenges in the community. I started my first business – a fitness retail store – 30 years ago because there was nothing like it in my vicinity. In 2021, I sold my business after building it into one of the longest-running independently female-owned and operated fitness retail businesses in North America. I launched my second business as a sales coach after observing many entrepreneurs struggling with branding, engagement, and sales fundamentals.
For my current venture, the Chamber Perks App, I didn’t have to look far beyond my experience and network. As an entrepreneur, I have a deep connection with the local Chambers of Commerce. I identified the challenges they faced in demonstrating value to their members and in providing the innovative resources needed to support them.
Although we launched the Chamber Perks App in 2022, its true mission is now becoming clearer. As tariff tensions rise worldwide, countries like Canada must look inward to bolster their economies. The Chamber Perks App has become a catalyst for this change. We assist consumers in discovering local chamber businesses and reward them with perks and discounts when they shop at these establishments. Additionally, we create opportunities for Chamber businesses to gain advertising avenues, access potential suppliers or vendors, and connect with a broader network of customers.
Every mission-focused business must innovate to realize its true potential. I believe that right now, our purpose as a tech startup is to help individuals fight inflation by passing along savings through local discounts and perks, strengthening local communities by supporting their local businesses, and improving the overall Canadian economy by facilitating – both practically and financially – Canadians' ability to shop locally.
What started as a tool for one chamber is now connecting communities across Canada, aiding businesses in their growth and helping consumers save. Here are a few aspects that have enabled me to turn challenges into mission-driven businesses:
Be a selfless problem solver: Many business textbooks will ask that you look for a problem around yourself to solve. But in my experience, it’s equally important to look at the challenge from the perspective of a community. What are others around you struggling with? Which skills do you have to turn their problem into a purposeful solution? Whenever I’ve adapted this approach, my business has brought me more than financial success – a sense of fulfilment for being able to lead change in the lives of those around me.
Think about the most value you can offer: A business cannot function if you don’t plan for cash flow. However, that alone is not enough. You must think about the maximum value I can offer at a price that is fair to you. When you offer products, services, or skills that are packed with use cases for your end user, their trust in you grows, and they are more likely to recommend you to others and to pay you the price you deserve.
Be willing to pivot and innovate: We are constantly upgrading our product at the Chamber Perks App. While the Chambers might be our primary audience, I am committed to adding features that make it worthwhile for everyone in Canada. That means offering versions for free, launching and testing beta features, and always wearing the hat of the end user — what can I do right now to make their lives easier? As a tech startup, this means always being willing to innovate.
In my experience, leading a purpose-driven business has involved looking beyond my immediate surroundings to identify the issues that threaten us as a community, how I can add value for my customers, and maintaining an openness to adaptation. This trio continues to define my ethos as an entrepreneur and as a member of my community.
Connect With Karen
Turning Challenges into Mission-Focused Businesses
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