Award for young entrepreneurs

Young Saskatchewan business owners are invited to apply for the second annual SYPE Volta Award. The award, presented by Enterprise Saskatchewan and Saskatchewan Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs (SYPE) includes a $5,000 cash prize and increased publicity for the winning business. Applications will be accepted from March 12 to April 8, and videos of the finalists will be presented for online public voting from May 14 to June 8, 2012.

The SYPE Volta Award was created to recognize an outstanding young entrepreneur in the province. The competition is presented through a social media campaign on Facebook designed to increase awareness and build interest in entrepreneurship among Saskatchewan's young adults.

"Our young entrepreneurs are integral to the economic growth of Saskatchewan," Enterprise Minister Jeremy Harrison said. "They inject new and exciting ideas and products into the marketplace and rejuvenate our business community. The goal of the Volta Award is to shine a spotlight on young business owners and show that there are opportunities for young entrepreneurs in our vibrant economy."

Rock Bridge Realty Ltd. is once again the sponsor of the $5,000 cash prize and Rawlco Radio is on board as the official media sponsor. The winner will be chosen by a combination of SYPE selection committee and online votes and will be announced at the SYPE Silver Spades Awards Gala on June 14, 2012.

"The local exposure and prize money not only opened a few doors for us, but gave us a new motivation to continue the battle to succeed in our industry," 22Fresh owner Kip Simon said. "Since winning the first Volta last year, we have successfully launched our retail sales model and signed three endorsement deals with high-profile athletes. Although happy with our growth, we are still hungry and determined to keep the momentum going and create something really special that we can proudly say started right here in Saskatchewan."

Full competition details are available online at www.facebook.com/SYPEVolta.

SYPE is a group of Saskatchewan youth that works to promote business and opportunities and retain young people in the province. Enterprise Saskatchewan's partnership in this award stems from a board recommendation from the Youth Economic Engagement Council.