Nouvelles

BIGGEST INCREASE IN CONTEST HISTORY

Past studies conducted by the organization show that new businesses that participate in the Québec Entrepreneurship Context increase their chances for success. “In the current economy, several factors can discourage entrepreneurs from taking action. An invitation like the one extended by the Contest helps to showcase the dynamism of new entrepreneurs as a value in itself. There are so few opportunities available to entrepreneurs, whether at the local, regional or provincial level, to make themselves known when they first start out on this adventure. Over the years, many entrepreneurs have said that their participation in the Contest was key at a time when everything still had to be done and everything was unknown,” added Jean. Winning businesses will share upwards of $500 000 in prizes.

An exceptional participation rate among new entrepreneurs
The Business Transition Award - Fonds de solidarité FTQ also proved to be a real object of interest among entrepreneurs. Sixty-four businesses, representing 106 entrepreneurs who are in the process of purchasing an existing business or are assuming ownership of the family business, will vie for this $10 000 provincial prize, which is available thanks to support from Québec’s Ministère du Développement économique, de l’Innovation et de l’Exportation and the Fonds de solidarité FTQ.

A Herculean effort
During the next few weeks, selection juries at the local and regional levels will determine which projects will be presented to the provincial jury in May. The crowning moment for the 2010 provincial winners will take place on June 17, 2010. Hundreds of people throughout Québec are once again needed as judges: This year, 1 162 businesses are participating in the Business Creation Division and 2 729 projects were submitted by almost 70 000 young people to the Student Entrepreneurship Division.

The 2010 edition of the Québec Entrepreneurship Contest owes these impressive results largely to the network of resource persons and partners on whom it has relied since the Contest began. More than 400 of these people, based in Québec’s 17 administrative regions, are involved in the Contest on a personal level and promote it on site. “Moreover, Local Development Centres, which are present all over Québec, have once again this year proven themselves to be an exceptional resource for the Business Creation Division,” concluded Jean.