WEYBURN – The winners of this year’s YouthBiz competition have been announced, and $2,200 in prize money was awarded to students in southeast Saskatchewan for their efforts in describing their business ideas and developing business plans.
This year, 275 students from 12 schools registered to compete in the youth contest. YouthBiz is a program offered by Community Futures (CF) Sunrise.
In the Grades 6-8 category, first place and $500 in prize money was awarded to Kamryn Doud of Radville for her jewelry business, Dzigns. Second place and $300 went to Brooke Dzeryk and Kate Dalziel of Estevan for their lunch delivery service, Bistro 2 Go. Third place and $150 was awarded to Ember Sims of Weyburn for her rock jewelry and gifts business, Embers Alley.
In the Grades 9-12 category, first place and $500 went to Brianna Macfarlane from the Carnduff Education Complex for her RV restoration business, Redemption Roads Custom Van Builds. Ella Leko from Weyburn Comprehensive School earned second place and a prize of $300 for her bakery, Cookie Co. Third place and $150 was awarded to Connor McIndoe from Midale School for his hunting supply store, Gunners.
“This is the 15th year for YouthBiz and over the years we’ve seen approximately 2,825 young people in southeast Saskatchewan discover the world of small business. YouthBiz allows students to explore the business world by developing skills needed to be an entrepreneur,” said Verna O’Neill of CF Sunrise.
“They write about a business idea that they’ve dreamed up or already operated, and evaluate the potential profitability of their venture. Students work hard to develop their business plans, and they connect with the small business community as they research their ideas. Teachers and students agree that they learn so much from their participation in YouthBiz.”
Achievement Awards were given to students whose entries displayed outstanding qualities, worthy of special recognition. Students from Assiniboia Park Elementary School and Carnduff Education Complex earned awards for the Income Calculations they showcased in their entries.
The award for Big, Bold Commercials went to four students at St. Michael School in Weyburn: Kyde Schwindt, Mulugeta Kesete, Mira Bourassa and Sophie Walkeden. The Grade 6 class at Carievale School won an award for the audio commercials they submitted to support their YouthBiz submissions.
YouthBiz winners and samples of their entry materials are featured on the CF Sunrise website: www.cfsask.ca/sunrise. Special thanks to the mentorship provided by schools in the region, and the support of sponsors, Information Services Corp., Weyburn Credit Union and SaskTel.
