WEYBURN - CF Sunrise has announced the winners for the 2023 YouthBiz entrepreneurship competition for students in southeast Saskatchewan.
A total of $4,300 in prize money was presented to young people for their efforts to develop a business idea and build financial literacy skills, while showcasing their creativity by designing websites and other digital materials.
The contest is open to students in Grades 6-12 who are enrolled in traditional classrooms, home school or other alternative school programs. This year, 286 students from 13 schools in the region participated in the contest, which was made possible by the support of several sponsors.
“Once again, we’ve had tremendous response to this long-running youth business contest," said CF Sunrise general manager Andria Brady. "These young people have worked very hard to build financial and digital literacy skills, develop their knowledge of the business world and explore entrepreneurship.
"Many have said that this experience has inspired them to start a real business, and that’s great news. We find that the teachers really support the students as participation does align with their curriculum outcomes as well.
"This is the 17th year for YouthBiz and over the years we’ve seen over 3,200 young people in southeast Saskatchewan discover the world of small business. Pretty incredible results.”
The YouthBiz contest encourages students to explore the business world by developing skills needed to be an entrepreneur. They write about a business idea that they’ve imagined or already operated, and evaluate the potential profitability of their venture. In recent years, the digital world has become an important part with website development being a requirement.
In the Grade 6-8 division, first place went to Fast Feet Studio from Carievale School. Xis Crafts from St. Michael School in Weyburn was second, and Picture Perfect Photography at Midale Central School was third. Kevin Butz's Grade 6 class at Weyburn's Assiniboia Park Elementary School won the Classroom Award.
For Grades 9-12, first place went to Top Shelf Sticks & Skates from Midale Central School. Two projects from the Carnduff Education Complex, Cactus Cut Vintage and the Book Nook, came in second and third, respectively.
The top business plan award went to Sweets & Treats Co., which is the Junior Achievement class at the Weyburn Comprehensive School.
Achievement awards were also given to students whose entries displayed outstanding qualities worthy of special recognition for websites, audio promotion, social responsibility, a brochure, social media, and marketing and a slogan.
YouthBiz is expected to return in the fall of 2024.
