The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) is looking for young Canadian entrepreneurs aged 19 to 35 for the 2009 Young Entrepreneur Awards (YEA). The YEA pay tribute to outstanding Canadian young entrepreneurs who have distinguished themselves not only by their success in business, but also by their creativity, innovative spirit and community involvement. There will be one YEA per province and territory.

The winners will be announced on October 20 during a gala that will take place in Ottawa, Ontario during Small Business Week(R).

The YEA winners will also be eligible for two special awards. The Export Development Canada Export Excellence Award will be presented to the company with the most outstanding export objectives, strategies and results. The Deloitte Corporate Social Responsibility Award will honour a company that stands out in terms of practices and policies promoting environmental protection, sound human resources management or community well being.

Every entrepreneur that applies for a YEA will receive a copy of the book entitled "Financing Toolkit for Small and Medium Businesses," published by the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants and sponsored by BDC. The toolkit is a valuable guide for businesses who are looking to tap into the many sources of financing that are available and who are looking for practical advice to navigate in today's challenging economic climate.

Entrepreneurs can nominate themselves or be nominated by an individual, association or organization, or by a representative of provincial or local government. Nomination forms can be downloaded from BDC's Web site at www.bdc.ca/yea. To obtain a printed version, entrepreneurs may visit any BDC branch or send an email to yea@bdc.ca. Nominations must be received by June 24, 2009. For additional information about the Young Entrepreneur Awards visit www.bdc.ca/yea.

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