"Drop-in Office" to compete for $100,000 BDC Grand Prize for Innovation - Shift Development Inc. to welcome Saskatoon's mobile workforce

SASKATOON, SK, May 30, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Canadians can now vote online for "The Drop-In Office", the innovation project proposed by Shift Development Inc., one of eight finalists competing for the $100,000 Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) Grand Prize for Innovation.

Founded in 2009 as a business focused on acts of urban renewal, Shift opened Two Twenty— a commercial space that houses 45 studios and offices, an event space and a café— in Saskatoon's Riversdale district.  Shift plans to expand on that success by offering Saskatoon's growing mobile workforce of start-up entrepreneurs, freelance designers and consultants a flexible space with access to the technology, offices and resources they need to succeed.

"We will provide work spaces for people who are on the move and who need occasional access to world-class services to deliver their products and services to the market," explains Shift's founder, Curtis Olson, 34. "We will provide local entrepreneurs with the opportunity to expand their professional networks and connect with a cluster of interesting, creative entrepreneurs."

In addition to private workstations, the building will include services such as meeting rooms with high tech conferencing capabilities, a photo studio for photographers, filmmakers and fashion designers, and a mini amphitheatre for social and professional gatherings. Shift's premises will also be equipped with practical amenities such as showers, bike lockers and a kitchen.   

"I would like to congratulate Curtis for bringing his project to the finals of the BDC Young Entrepreneur Award contest," says Michel Bergeron, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Public Affairs at BDC. "It is now up to Canadians to choose which project will come to life in the following year.  Every vote counts towards the Grand Prize!"

"Vote for our project, and you vote for more than just bricks and mortar," points out Olson. "It's about empowering people, start-ups, entrepreneurs and creative professionals.  Saskatoon's mobile workforce will now have a place to go and an opportunity to leverage the skills and expertise of a socially and creatively-driven young community. Help us create an environment that allows individuals and companies to grow their businesses!"

"All the finalists competing for the Grand Prize for Innovation have projects with a solid potential to generate growth and prosperity. The eight finalists have proven that they have ability to run a successful business and to establish themselves as thought leaders in their industries," adds Bergeron.

Voting for the 2012 BDC Young Entrepreneur Award contest runs from May 30 to June 19 and the general public can vote once a day.  To support your favourite innovation project, log in to the dedicated microsite or vote directly on Facebook at BDC Entrepreneur.  Frequent contest updates will be posted on Facebook, Twitter at @BDC_News and LinkedIn.  The BDC Young Entrepreneur Award winner and runner up will be announced on June 25.

About the BDC Young Entrepreneur Award contest
Created by the Business Development Bank of Canada in 1988, the BDC Young Entrepreneur Award contest pays tribute to successful Canadian entrepreneurs between 18 and 35 years of age.  For the first time in 2012, the contest will see finalists competing for the BDC Grand Prize for Innovation which will award $100,000 to one young Canadian entrepreneur to carry out a specific innovation project. The Financial Post is the exclusive media partner of the BDC 2012 Young Entrepreneur Award.  The contest is sponsored by Les Affaires.

About BDC
Canada's business development bank, BDC, puts entrepreneurs first.  With almost 1,900 employees and more than 100 business centres across the country, BDC offers financing, subordinate financing, venture capital and consulting services to 29,000 small and medium-sized companies.  Their success is vital to Canada's economic prosperity.

Maria Constantinescu
Advisor, Public Relations, BDC
514 496-7146
[email protected]