The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) is seeking candidates aged between 19 and 35 for its 2009 Young Entrepreneur Awards (YEA).

The YEA, which will be presented for the 22nd year, pay tribute to outstanding Canadian young entrepreneurs who have distinguished themselves not only by their success in business, but also by their creativity, innovative spirit and community involvement. There will be one winning business per province and territory.

Eligibility criteria
- be a Canadian citizen
- be between 19 and 35 years old on December 31, 2009
- be a manager and have been actively involved in the company's daily management for a minimum of two years as of December 31, 2009
- own at least 20% of the company's capital stock

Why apply for a YEA?

The YEA winners will benefit from:
- nationwide media visibility
- unparalleled opportunities for networking with other entrepreneurs
- valuable media relations training
- many skills development opportunities

YEA winners will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to the awards gala which will take place on October 20, 2009 in Ottawa during Small Business Week®. During an inspiring and colourful ceremony, their accomplishments will be publicly acknowledged and celebrated by over 350 business people, representatives of BDC and its partners, and representatives of the various levels of government.

Deadline for submitting applications: June 24, 2009

The nomination form is available online (www.bdc.ca/yea) or in a BDC branch. The nomination can be emailed at yea@bdc.ca or mailed to the following address:

Young Entrepreneur Awards
Business Development Bank of Canada
5 Place Ville Marie, suite 300
Montréal, Quebec H3B 5E7

Questions?
Visit www.bdc.ca/yea
Write to yea@bdc.ca or
Call toll-free 1 888 INFO BDC

You can also call or visit the local office of the Business Development Bank of Canada located at 153 Great Northern Road, telephone 941-2006.

Young Entrepreneur Awards and Small Business Week 2009 partners
- Export Development Canada
- Deloitte
- Borden, Ladner, Gervais
- Maclean's