Overview
FYI is a part of the Youth Technopreneurship Program (YTP) in Northwest Alberta and is a collaborative effort between the Centre for Research and Innovation (CRI) and Community Futures Peace Country and Grande Prairie and Region in partnership with Alberta Advanced Education and Technology.
YTP is designed to encourage High School Graduate Track and Post-Secondary Track participants to pursue entrepreneurial endeavors in technology. It will drive individuals and teams to act on their business ideas, their talents and their energy to produce a generation of leading firms.
YTP will provide the customers for this program with information vital to successful entrepreneurship and innovation as well as mitigate the risk of failure inherent to new business start-ups. To accomplish these goals, the competition will provide:
- Education in specific business planning skills and general entrepreneurial insight
- Network of entrepreneurs, investors and potential partners
- Mentorship by successful professionals
- Content-rich feedback on participant business plans from successful entrepreneurs, advisors and professional service providers
- Guidance and support to develop innovation
- Team-building to strengthen program foundation
- Broad media exposure and public relations
We will prepare aspiring business owners by equipping them with the necessary tools and skills to face market realities and provide the economic growth to participate in the prosperity and vibrancy of our communities. We want to make a unique and significant contribution to the success of dynamic and innovative entrepreneurship in Canada. We can help provide solutions to today’s business challenges to help small businesses develop into tomorrow’s business leaders.
We recognize the value of innovation and technology as the cornerstone of Alberta’s future and know that there are ideas burgeoning from our young population.
Eligibility
- Currently residing in the Peace Region Economic Development Alliance’s (PREDA) region.
High school track – Regional high school graduates who have completed high school within the past two years and is under the age of 25.
College track – Students who have completed 2 years of study or are in their final year of study, or who have graduated within the past year from any eligible Alberta post-secondary institution and is under the age of 35.
Individuals or teams
Viable business plan with technological components must accompany application no later than June 11, 2010 (Program registration is open and commences on April 5, 2010)
Participants are required to complete a registration form, participant agreement and non-disclosure agreement.
Prizes
The winner of FYI/YTP High School Graduate Track receives a cash prize of $10,000 and up to one year of incubation and support services.
The winner of FYI/YTP 2010 College Track receives a cash prize of $20,000 and up to one year of incubation and support services.
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