(Winnipeg, Manitoba October 16, 2007) A select group of Canada's young business people will receive BDC's Young Entrepreneur Awards at a ceremony tonight in Winnipeg. The event is a highlight of Small Business Week, which runs from October 14-20 under the theme: "A world without boundaries, open to new markets". "The entrepreneurial spirit and drive of these award recipients are exactly what Canada needs," said the Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for BDC. "Our economic prosperity depends on the success of growing enterprises like these. The responsibility of Canada's New Government is to foster Canadian entrepreneurship and to create an environment where Canadian champions can compete in the global marketplace.""Our 2007 Young Entrepreneur Award recipients represent the very best and brightest of their generation, people who are leading the way in emerging new fields, and making their mark in a wide range of industries at home and internationally," said BDC President and CEO Jean-René Halde.BDC's Young Entrepreneur Awards, an annual event in its 20th year, celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit and business success of Canadian entrepreneurs between the ages of 19 and 35. The winners one from each province and territory are selected by a committee, based on criteria including originality of the business concept, its success, growth potential and social involvement. The committee also considers the entrepreneur's age when the business was started and any special challenges overcome. Special awardsTwo additional special awards will also be presented at tonight's ceremony. Len and Kevin Thomson of Paradise Island Foods in Nanaimo, British Columbia will receive the Rogers Business Transition Award which recognizes the seller and buyer of a business that has successfully changed hands from one generation to the next. The Thomson brothers succeeded their father, George, in the top jobs at Paradise Island Foods in 2003 and have since made significant progress in taking the business to the next level. The Export Development Canada Export Excellence Award, which recognizes the most outstanding export results, will also be awarded during the ceremony.The 2007 Young Entrepreneurs, listed by province and territory, are as follows:
British Columbia Sabrina Heinekey, 30, and Tiffany Steeves, 34, EPIC Newsgroup Inc., Vancouver EPIC Newsgroup Inc. is an innovative production and media placement company that produces international segments for broadcast on outlets such as the Discovery Channel, CNBC and the Travel Channel in North America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Each year, EPIC selects five or six countries which they believe possess untapped opportunities and offer them a variety of production and media packages. After conducting extensive research, they hire professional crews to film on location. Their professionalism and international savvy have helped them to open doors around the globe, with clients that include tourism boards, ministries, embassies and corporations.Alberta Ashif Mawji, 35, Upside Software, EdmontonSeven years ago, when Ashif Mawji couldn't find the type of contract management software he needed, he created his own company to provide it. Upside, which started out with two employees, now numbers some 130 and serves customers in the U.S., the United Kingdom, South Africa and Germany. Between 2001 and 2006, Upside realized an increase of over 3,300% in revenues and more than 400% in profits. "We spend three times the industry average on R&D," says Ashif. "We really push the limit and that's how we stay ahead of the curve." Saskatchewan Greg Fettes, 30, Jeff Fettes, 33, 24-7 INtouch, ReginaUsing innovative technology to give them an edge, Greg and Jeff Fettes have carved out a niche for themselves in the highly competitive world of outsourced call centres. Their business, 24-7 INtouch, provides affordable, quality service for the small-to-medium and enterprise-level markets. Their operation, which started out as a small 10-seat call centre serving the local market in 1998, now numbers between 350 to 500 employees working from offices in Regina, Winnipeg and Toronto. 24-7 INtouch has received numerous awards for call centre excellence and quality, and has been ranked by Profit Hot 50 as one of Canada's top emerging businesses.Manitoba Dan Belhassen, 33, Modern Earth Inc., WinnipegModern Earth, started in 1999 by Dan as a "hobby business" is today growing by leaps and bounds, helping some 400 customers in North America and beyond stand out in the marketplace. The web development company combines technical and artistic skills to provide both programming and graphic design. Its unique services include an e-mail marketing system, greatBIGnews.com, which is endorsed by major associations in the educational and travel industries. "Our motto is 'eclipse the ordinary', says Dan. "We're changing this industry for the better." Ontario Razor Suleman, 33, I Love Rewards, TorontoA passionate entrepreneur who started his first business as a student, Razor Suleman heads an online incentive marketing company that ranks number 12 on the Profit 100 list of Canada's fastest growing companies. I Love Rewards uses a Web-based point system to build reward programs for companies that want to increase sales, motivate employees and build customer loyalty. The company has also been recognized as one of Canada's Top 100 employers. "We've proven that you can be both a fast-growing company and a great place to work," says Razor. Québec Inder Bedi, 34, matt & nat, MontréalInder Bedi's line of vegan handbags and wallets for men and women is appealing to an ever-growing number of savvy consumers across Canada, the U.S. and Europe. matt & nat, founded 10 years ago, distinguishes itself in the crowded fashion accessories industry with three key factors: fashion-forward designs, a philosophy (reflected in its positivity message stamped on all bags), and reasonable pricing. "Our strategy is to carefully select who we sell to and be the most affordable line in high-end stores," says Inder. Nova Scotia Nathan Kroll, 35, Ad-Dispatch, HalifaxIn the notoriously competitive and fast-paced advertising world, Ad-Dispatch has made its mark on the national scene and become one of the most successful audio/video production companies in Atlantic Canada. Ad-Dispatch produces Web video segments for national ad agencies and advertisers. "We're very competitive compared to high-end production companies in Ontario, for example," says Nathan. "With our own internal team and the great pool of talented people in Atlantic Canada, we can produce the same product they do, but at a lower cost." New Brunswick Gene Fowler, 31, Fatkat, Miramichi Gene Fowler heads up Atlantic Canada's largest animation studio, with a staff of 115 who provide animation services to the television industry. The company's flagship co-production, Happy Tree Friends has a strong following on the Internet, and helped to "put Fatkat on the map". Unlike many other studios, Fatkat's staff is full-time and salaried. Gene believes that "taking a leap of faith" that he could provide steady work for full-time staff is one of his company's greatest strengths. "We're proving that you can do big things in this little town," he says. Prince Edward Island Jared Stretch, 27, Smooth Cycle, Charlottetown Jared Stretch has turned Smooth Cycle into a thriving business that attracts Islanders and tourists alike. Since buying the bicycle store in 2003, Jared has moved it to larger premises, widened the range of services offered, increased traffic to the store's web site and become a visible participant in cycling events across the province. One of the store's most popular offerings is a shuttle service from tip to tip of Prince Edward Island. "I plan to take the business a lot further yet," says Jared. Newfoundland and Labrador Jonathan Brett, 28, MedicLINK Systems Ltd., St. John's Jonathan Brett has transformed a software solution he developed for one client into a growing enterprise that is helping optometrists across North America to better manage their businesses. MedicLINK, established in 2005, provides software solutions which enable eyecare clinics to manage their practices with an automated system that tracks everything from appointment scheduling to billing to marketing. MedicLINK is now branching into the field of dermatology. "I'm proud that I've been able to contribute to the Newfoundland economy," says Jonathan.Nunavut Krista Uttak, 31, Igloolik Isuma Productions, IgloolikIsuma, Canada's first Inuit independent production company, is best known for the international box-office success, Atanarjuat The Fast Runner which won the award for best first feature film at Cannes in 2001. Krista, who became equal partner and vice president of Isuma in 2003, is the daughter of one of its founding members, the late Paul Apak. She is involved in all aspects of Isuma, including building economic development in Igloolik and Nunavut through initiatives such as Artcirq, Igloolik's youth circus and video performance group, and Arnait Video Productions, the first Arctic women's collective independent production company. Northwest Territories Scott Smith, 34, Northern Canadian Adventure Racing, Yellowknife Scott Smith has combined his experience in the mining exploration industry with his love of physical endurance sports to create a company that stages endurance races in the Far North and attracts athletes and media from around the world. Northern Canadian Adventure Racing held its first race, the Rock and Ice Ultra, this past spring, attracting 100 endurance athletes and offering a purse of $30,000 worth of diamonds. The second Rock and Ice Ultra will be held next spring and Scott and his crew are scouting locations for venues to stage additional races. Yukon Tammy Beese, 35, What's Up Yukon, WhitehorseWhat's Up Yukon, Tammy Beese's entertainment magazine that features 100% local content, has fast become a mainstay in the region. "There's so much happening in this community that I saw an opportunity to start a publication that would get the word out about our living culture," she says. A background in advertising sales and knowledge of marketing have been key to Tammy's success. She has also started a quarterly business magazine with all-Yukon content and is introducing a semi-annual Yukon health magazine.Small Business Week partnersContributing to the success of this year's Small Business Week and Young Entrepreneur Awards are the following national sponsors: Western Economic Diversification Canada, Export Development Canada and Rogers. Privileged partners are the Pan Canadian Community Futures Group and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, which has been a privileged partner of the event since 1981. About BDCBDC is a financial institution wholly owned by the Government of Canada. BDC actively supports the development and growth of Canadian small and medium-sized businesses through its complementary financial, investment and consulting solutions. BDC is one of Canada's Top 100 Employers for 2008.
Small Business Week is a registered trademark of BDC.
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For more information or to arrange for an interview on October 16th: Media Room1-866-515-6033 204-985-6251After October 16th: Johanne BissonnetteMedia Relations Manager(514) 283-7929
