QUÉBEC CITY, April 10, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - It is with great pride that Contest organizers announce the results for participation in the 16th Québec Entrepreneurship Contest that ended on March 17. This year, 4099 projects were submitted, for a total of 56 923 participants, with 2665 projects carried out by 54 696 young people from elementary school to university in the Student Entrepreneurship division and by 1434 businesses led by 2227 entrepreneurs in the Business Creation division.
Manon Théberge, President and Director General of the Contest, highlights the creativity and talent of these thousands of Quebecers. "I salute the initiative of the students and the people who support them in carrying out their entrepreneurial projects. Their choices will have a huge impact on their lives. And what about the entrepreneurs of all ages who are enterprising enough to take the risk of starting a new business? I congratulate them for their boldness."
Entrepreneurship in the schools: 2665 projects involving 54 696 young people from elementary school to university
Based on the comments gathered over the years, it is clear that teachers believe an entrepreneurial culture has its place in schools. Entrepreneurial projects carried out in the classroom help increase students' perseverance, motivation and sense of belonging in their school. Among the projects entered in the Contest, 725 of them were carried out as part of the Valoris initiative created to promote entrepreneurial projects in schools in disadvantaged areas. This means that, for 2014, 13 741 young people will receive Valoris tokens of recognition autographed by Étienne Boulay, former professional football player, television host and spokesperson for Valoris.
This year, a discussion forum was added to the Contest's Web site to provide answers for the numerous questions received from school staff to help them guide students in carrying out their projects, to demystify entrepreneurship and to make the Contest accessible to all.
A more entrepreneurial Québec: 1991 entrepreneurs reach their dreams!
Again this year, new business owners are preparing for the future! Some 1300 businesses participated in the 16th edition of the Contest. We are impressed by the immense creativity of Québec entrepreneurs. We recognize the passion, authenticity and value of their actions and ideas. The recognition they receive by participating in the Contest gives them visibility and credibility, essential elements for pursuing their dreams. Among the projects submitted, 56 involve business transitions, an increasingly important challenge to preserve assets and our collective wealth.
134 inspiring examples!
This year, the Contest, in partnership with the Québec government, will award its very first Prix Réussite inc. This prize is intended for businesses that have participated in the Contest previously and that have been in operation for at least five years. As part of the 16th edition of the Contest, $195 000 in prizes will be awarded, consisting of $10 000 in each of the 17 regions of Québec and $25 000 to the grand prize winner selected from among the regional winners. The Contest received 134 application packages, and is very proud to celebrate the success of these businesses.
A network of inspiring and inspired partners
The Contest wishes to salute the exceptional work of the hundreds of people at the local level and the 17 organizations that coordinate the activities in each of the regions of Québec. This commitment and energy allows for encouraging results year after year. These dedicated individuals work for entrepreneurship organizations, school boards, colleges, universities and private schools throughout Québec. We sincerely thank them, as well as their collaborators and partners across the province for their support and commitment.
16th Desjardins Grand Prize Gala
The selection process to determine the winning projects is under way. At the local and regional levels, hundreds of people will work with those in charge of the Contest to choose the projects that will advance to the final step of the selection process that will take place in May 2014. The big winners will be revealed on June 18, 2014, at the Desjardins Grand Prize Gala, which will be presided by Honorary President Caroline Néron, president and owner of Groupe Néron.
About the Contest
The Québec Entrepreneurship Contest promotes entrepreneurship in Québec by rewarding concrete initiatives throughout the province, through the Student Entrepreneurship division and the Business Creation division.
The 16th edition of the Contest is also supported by many partners who assist in the development of entrepreneurship in Québec. These include the Mouvement Desjardins (presenting partner), the Québec government (chief partner) through the involvement of the Secrétariat à la jeunesse, the Ministère de l'Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport and the Ministère des Finances et de l'Économie, Les Affaires magazine, Vidéotron Business Solutions, the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, Gaz Métro, the CPA Foundation of Québec, Saputo, Ingenio, filiale de Loto-Québec, the Association des centre locaux de développement Québec, Entrepreneuriat Québec and the Réseau des SADC et CAE du Québec.
SOURCE: Québec Entrepreneurship Contest
Éric Darveau, Assistant Director General, Québec Entrepreneurship Contest, 418-644-4255 ext. 2546 or 581-307-2917 (cell)
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