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SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN – The Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority (SREDA) is pleased to announce a brand new event: the Newcomer Entrepreneur of the Year Awards (NEYA). This annual event will showcase small business owners who have journeyed through immigrating to Canada and have successfully launched and grown their business in the Saskatoon region. The finalists will be honoured at the NEYA Gala on June 6, 2016 in Saskatoon, SK.
In 2015, Statistics Canada reported that over 21 percent of small and medium sized businesses were owned by an entrepreneur born outside of Canada, with Saskatchewan having the fourth largest amount of newcomer entrepreneurs in the country. With over 27,500 immigrants in the Saskatoon region, it is important to recognize the contributions of these entrepreneurs to our local economy.
Through its Square One program, SREDA helps entrepreneurs across the region to establish and grow their business.
“At Square One, we work with a variety of entrepreneurs and see first-hand the drive and determination it takes to be successful,” said DonnaLyn Thorsteinson, Senior Director of SREDA’s Square One program. “NEYA is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate newcomer entrepreneurs who have successfully started their business in the Saskatoon region.”
NEYA nominees must demonstrate entrepreneurial excellence and can be nominated in one of four award categories:
Startup Award – For entrepreneurs operating a business for less than 3 years.
Growth Award – For entrepreneurs that can demonstrate business growth.
U39 Award – For entrepreneurs between 18-39 years old.
Connect Award – For entrepreneurs operating a business for over 5 years.
“Immigration is a key component to the Saskatoon region’s diverse and sustainable economy,” said Alex Fallon, President and CEO of SREDA. “NEYA is an opportunity for businesses, organizations and individuals to come together and celebrate the successes of newcomer entrepreneurs in the Saskatoon region.
Nominations are now being accepted. The deadline for nominations is April 29, 2016. Award nomination forms and sponsorship information can be found at: squareonesask.ca/NEYA.
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About SREDA
The Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority (SREDA) helps grow the local economy by providing programs and services in the areas of business attraction, retention and expansion; entrepreneurship support; regional planning; and marketing the Saskatoon region. For more information, visit SREDA.com.
About Square One
Saskatchewan’s Business Resource Centre assists Saskatchewan entrepreneurs in preparing for the first steps of starting or growing their business. Services include customized market research, business registration assistance, pathfinding, seminars and sample business plans. Square One is managed by SREDA, is a member of the Canada Business Network and is funded by Western Economic Diversification Canada. For more information, visit squareonesask.ca.
For more information, please contact:
Erin Lawson, Marketing and Communications Manager, SREDA
P: (306) 664-0708 E: elawson@sreda.com
