CanadaOne is excited to tell you about the return of the 2013 BDC Young Entrepreneur Award. The contest this year boasts an impressive $100,000 Grand Prize, plus a second prize of $25,000 in consulting services.

The Casting Requirements

This year's award is intended for entrepreneurs who: are between the ages of 18 to 35; have reached a crossroads in their business; and have come up with a solution to put their business on a new trajectory toward success.

All companies reach turning points — decisive moments when entrepreneurs need to make important decisions that can change the future of their business. Examples include: tapping into a new market by implementing an Internet strategy or increasing your profitability by acquiring new equipment.

These are just a few ideas as every entrepreneur’s turning point decision is different.

For more real-life examples of entrepreneurs who came to crossroads in their businesses and made a decision that changed their future, please see BDC’s web series Entrepreneurs at a crossroads

How to Enter

To enter the contest? young business owners must fill out the 4-step online application form and create a short video (1 to 2 minutes). Your video is your pitch to Canada, so be clear, concise and persuasive.

Lights, Camera Action...

The video should tell BDC and the rest of Canada about the decisive moment your business has reached, AND the solution you propose to take your business to the next level - the proposed solution must not yet be implemented. The prizes are intended to help the winners through the change process.

The video doesn’t have to be professionally produced, but should be clear, concise and persuasive. It may be worth $100,000 to your young business!

The application period ends ?April 2, 2013 at noon, Eastern Daylight Time.

This is Canada's decision

The coolest part about this contest is that, through the power of social media, Canadians will be able to choose the winners.

Eleven finalists will be selected from across Canada, and then Canadians will vote to select the winners.

All Canadian residents are invited to vote on BDC’s microsite or Facebook page for the project they think most deserves the $100,000 Grand Prize. The finalist with the second highest number of votes will win $25,000 in consulting services.

What if you win?

The winner will be awarded the grand prize, $100,000 will be yours to put to work.

ALL of the finalists will be featured on BDC’s national website, receiving cross-Canada visibility and national media coverage from BDC’s media partners.

Postproduction

After the contest, the Grand Prize winner will keep a video journal tracking the implementation of their project. People across Canada can tune in and watch as the winning project comes to life on BDC’s microsite.

Apply today or encourage someone to apply!

Best of luck! ?

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