The BDC Young Entrepreneur Award (YEA; French Prix jeune entrepreneur BDC) is a contest organized by the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)Business Development Bank of Canada’s website. Retrieved 24.01.2014 to promote youth entrepreneurship across Canada and encourage public support for it. BDC has organized the contest for business owners aged 18 to 35 since .Business Development Bank of Canada’s website. Retrieved 17.02.2014
The format of the contest changed in 2012, when for the first time finalists competed online for a $100,000 grand prize and a second prize of $25,000 in consulting services.Top entrepreneur contest online from start to finish Financial Post Retrieved 22.01.2013
To enter the YEA competition, applicants have to fill out an online form and submit a short video (1 to 2 minutes) in which they explain a turning point their business is facing and the solution that will take their company to the next level.BDC Young Entrepreneur Award website. Retrieved 24.01.2014
Up to 11 finalists are selected by regional selection committees across Canada. The winner and the runner-up are then determined by a public vote combined with a score attributed to each finalist by a national committee.BDC Young Entrepreneur Award website. Retrieved 17.02.2014 The grand prize is to be used by the winning entrepreneur to implement his or her project.
Applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents and operate a Canadian business.BDC Young Entrepreneur Award website. Retrieved 24.01.2013 The application period, finalist selection and voting take place from mid-winter through mid-summer.Industry Canada. Retrieved 25.01.2013
Winners of the BDC Young Entrepreneur Award
2015BDC Young Entrepreneur Award website. Retrieved 13.08.2015
100,000 BDC Grand Prize Chris Cowper-Smith and Bob Garrish - Spring Loaded Technology (Nova Scotia)
Second prize ($25,000 in consulting services) Melissa Butler - Real Food Market (Newfoundland and Labrador)
2014BDC Young Entrepreneur Award website. Retrieved 13.08.2015
100,000 BDC Grand Prize Shep Ysselstein - Gunn's Hill Artisan Cheese (Woodstock, Ontario)
Second prize ($25,000 in consulting services) Toni Desrosiers - Abeego Design (Victoria, B.C.)
2013Business Development Bank of Canada’s website - Press release. Retrieved 17.02.2014
100,000 BDC Grand Prize Joel Pinel - WOW Factor Media (Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan)
Second prize ($25,000 in consulting services) Max Jenke - Endeavor Design (Vancouver, B.C.)
2012Business Development Bank of Canada’s website - Press release. Retrieved 17.02.2014
$100,000 BDC Grand Prize Zane Kelsall - Two if By Sea Café (Halifax, Nova Scotia)
Second prize ($25,000 in consulting services) Mike Miltimore – Lee's Music (Kamloops, B.C.)
References