ACE’s 2009 National Student Entrepreneur Competition nomination deadline approaching quickly. A student entrepreneur’s chance to win $10,000!

TORONTO, ON (November 19, 2008) – Nominations for ACE’s 2009 National Student Entrepreneur Competition will be accepted until 5pm EST on Friday, December 12th, 2008. If you are a successful entrepreneur attending university or college, or you know someone who is, this is your last chance to submit a nomination.

This award celebrates the incredible commitment, determination and achievements of student entrepreneurs from across the country with a series of competitions taking place provincially, regionally and nationally. The award is open to full-time Canadian students attending universities or colleges who also operate their own businesses. Nomination forms are available at www.acecanada.ca. Eligible students are also encouraged to nominate themselves.

“We are impressed with the quality and number of nominations we have received so far this year,” comments Amy Harder, President of ACE. “With that said, we also know there are many other student entrepreneurs across Canada who have not yet applied or been nominated. These amazing student entrepreneurs deserve to be recognized for their hard work and dedication, so we strongly encourage everyone to nominate all qualified candidates!”

A panel of provincial judges will review written application forms before selecting the provincial champions. These champions will go on to compete in a regional competition where they will be given the opportunity to present their company live to a panel of judges. Regional champions will move on to the final round of competition at the 2009 ACE National Exposition, May 4 to 6, 2009 in Toronto. All finalists will have their travel expenses paid to each event and regional champions will each receive a $1,000 cash prize. The National Student Entrepreneur Champion will be named in May, will receive a $10,000 cash prize, and will be invited to represent Canada at the Global Student Entrepreneur Awards if he or she qualifies.

To be eligible for the award, students must meet the following criteria:

• Be a full-time undergraduate and/or graduate student at a Canadian university or college for the 2008-2009 academic year
• Be a founder and have at least 50 per cent ownership of the company and be principally responsible for its operation
• Have been in business for at least the past six months (as of September 9th, 2008)
• Have not competed in the final round of the National Student Entrepreneur competition in the past

About ACE

Founded in the mid-1980s, ACE is a national, not-for-profit organization that is teaching and igniting young Canadians to create brighter futures for themselves and their communities through enterprise. Working in partnership with business and higher education, ACE operates a team-based program, Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE) and an individual-based program, Student Entrepreneur. Through these two programs, ACE guides students along the path to becoming the champions that will define the enterprising mission of Canada and ultimately, the world.

Operated by ACE and proudly presented by CIBC, the Student Entrepreneur Program is the only national program to focus solely on full time post secondary student entrepreneurs. It is a program that strives to enrich participant’s lives through recognition, networking opportunities and unique educational tools.

For more information, please contact:

Andrea Louden
Coordinator, Communications and Events
ACE – Advancing Canadian Entrepreneurship
(P) 416.304.1566 x233
(P) 1.800.766.8169 x233
(C) 416.524.3798
(E) [email protected]
www.acecanada.ca

Rebecca Flood
Director, Program Operations
ACE – Advancing Canadian Entrepreneurship
(P) 416.304.1566 x223
(P) 1.800.766.8169 x223
(C) 416.529.4097
(E) [email protected]
www.acecanada.ca