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Young entrepreneurs aged 19 to 35 have until July 1st to enter the competition
Montréal, Quebec, June 23, 2009 - The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) invites entrepreneurs aged 19 to 35 across Canada to apply for its prestigious Young Entrepreneur Awards (YEA). YEA winners will benefit from national visibility as well as from networking and skills development opportunities. Eligible business owners now have until July 1st to submit an application for the awards ceremony that will take place on October 20 in Ottawa, Ontario during Small Business Week ®.
Thirteen awards, one for each province and territory, will be presented to young entrepreneurs who stand out in terms of business success, spirit of innovation and community involvement. Applicants are also eligible for two special awards. The Export Development Canada Export Excellence Award will be presented to the company with the best export objectives, strategies and results. This award comes with a $10,000 grant. The Deloitte Corporate Social Responsibility Award will honour the winner whose business stands out in terms of environmental protection practices, sound human resources management and/or community well being. This award comes with general consulting advice worth $20,000.
All YEA applicants will receive a copy of the new "Financial Toolkit for Small and Medium Businesses", a valuable guide for entrepreneurs who seek finance in today's challenging economic climate.
Selection criteria
The winners will be selected by provincial panels comprising business people, entrepreneurs, members of Chambers of Commerce and BDC representatives. Selection criteria include: the originality of the business concept, its success, growth potential, and social involvement. The panel also considers the entrepreneur's age when the business was started and any special challenges that were overcome. Candidates from previous years may re-enter the competition.
Nomination procedure
Entrepreneurs can nominate themselves or be nominated by another individual, representatives of provincial and local government or by private or public associations. Nomination forms are available for download at www.bdc.ca/yea . To obtain a printed version visit any BDC branch or send an email to yea@bdc.ca. Nominations must be received by July 1st, 2009.
For detailed information about the selection criteria, nomination procedures and testimonials from past YEA winners visit www.bdc.ca/yea. For information about Small Business Week call 1 888 INFO BDC (1 888 463-6232).
2009 YEA and Small Business Week partners
Platinum YEA and SBW partners: Deloitte and Export Development Canada
Gold YEA and SBW partners: Borden Ladner Gervais LLP and Maclean
About BDC
BDC is Canada's business development bank. From 100 offices across the country, BDC promotes entrepreneurship by providing highly tailored financing, venture capital and consulting services to entrepreneurs.
® Small Business Week is a registered trademark of BDC.
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Contact:
Johanne Bissonnette
Media Relations Manager
BDC
514-283-7929
Contact by email
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