From The Canoe Race to Business Growth: Tidy Haus Journey 🚀
The Canoe Race TV Show (2025) was more than just a competition, it was a national platform designed to challenge and grow entrepreneurs across Vanuatu. Over the course of 6 intense weeks, participants were put through a series of real-life business challenges that tested not only our entrepreneurial skills, but more importantly our mindset, resilience, character, problem-solving abilities, creativity, and cultural identity.
Each challenge pushed us beyond our limits. It wasn’t just about building a business, it was about thinking under pressure, adapting quickly, and staying grounded in who we are as Ni-Vanuatu entrepreneurs.
Our Journey Through The Canoe Race
When I entered the competition, my goal was simple: to grow, learn, and hopefully win enough to invest back into Tidy Haus Cleaners. Like many small business owners, I had big dreams one of them being to purchase a company vehicle to support our operations.
By the end of the competition, I was honoured to be selected as one of the Top 3 winners, walking away with 600,000 VT in cash.
At that time, while it wasn’t enough for a vehicle, but it turned out to be exactly what the business needed.
Investing Back into Tidy Haus
That prize became a turning point for Tidy Haus. We were able to:
- Invest in staff uniforms, creating a more professional and unified team
- Develop customized protective vests for safety and branding
- Purchase a commercial steam cleaner and vacuum cleaner, significantly improving the quality of our services
Looking back, this was truly a blessing. While my initial plan was different, God and fate had other priorities for the business, and they were exactly what the business need.
Where We Are Today
Almost a year later, we are now in a position where we can finally afford our very own company vehicle thanks to our vehicle dealer at Performance Suspension & Parts Vanuatu. This milestone is incredibly meaningful because it reflects growth that is organic, sustainable, and earned step by step.
Without the Canoe Race and other supporting programs, this progress would have taken much longer.
Today, Tidy Haus Cleaners is:
- Fully locally owned 🇻🇺
- Operated by a sole founder, with a growing and dedicated team of over 10 full time staffs
- Expanding steadily due to strong market demand
- Continuously improving services through innovation and eco-friendly practices
The Bigger Impact
The Canoe Race was not just about winning it was about building entrepreneurs and inspiring a nation.
Programs like this, supported by partners such as VLab and sponsors such as DFAT and MFAT along with other stakeholders who believe in local businesses, are critical. They:
- Provide real opportunities for SMEs to grow
- Equip entrepreneurs with practical skills and exposure
- Inspire communities to think creatively and entrepreneurially
- Encourage individuals to pursue business in their own unique way
Looking Forward
We hope to see more entrepreneur-focused TV shows like The Canoe Race continue in Vanuatu and across the Pacific. These platforms don’t just change businesses they change mindsets, families, and communities.
For me, the journey continues. From a simple idea built out of necessity to a growing business with real impact, Tidy Haus is proof that with the right opportunities, local businesses can thrive.
And this is just the beginning.
With love,
Irene