ABOUT IYIC
The Indigenous Youth Idea Challenge (IYIC) provides Saskatchewan Indigenous Youth ages 14-30 the tools necessary to make their entrepreneurial interests a reality. The participants engage in workshops starting in November to develop a self-sustaining business plan. Topics covered at the workshops include business planning, accounting, finances, marketing, and more. The top five participants then present their business plan at the annual Final Gala to judges to compete for start-up capital.
For the 2020-2021 year, IYIC has gone virtual. Both the workshops and the Final Gala will have an adapted format, but will still be informative.
The awards for this year are as follows:
First place - $6,000
Second place - $3,000
Third place - $1,000
Under 18 category - $1,000
To participate in this year's challenge, please fill out this form to receive email updates about the upcoming workshops.
_edited.jpg)
IYIC 2020 - 2021 INFORMATION & FAQ
Workshops Dates & Times
(tentative and subject to change)
Saturday, Nov 14th, 9am - 10am
Workshop 1 - Intro to business plans
Saturday, Nov 21st, 10am - 11:30am
Workshop 2 - Intro to business
Saturday, Nov 28th, 10am - 11:30am
Workshop 3 - Accounting
Saturday, Dec 5th, 10am - 11:30am
Workshop 4 - Human Resources
Saturday, Dec 12th, 9am - 11am
Workshop 5 - Finance
Saturday, Jan 9th, 1pm - 3pm
Workshop 6 - Legal
Saturday, Jan 16th, 10am - 11:30am
Workshop 7 - Marketing
Saturday, Jan 23rd, 10am - 11:30am
Workshop 8 - How to Pitch
Deadline to Submit a Business Plan
To be determined
2021 Virtual Final Gala Date
To be determined
Can I participate?
Yes! If you are an Indigenous resident in Saskatchewan between the ages of 14-30, then you are eligible to participate in the challenge.
How can I participate in the workshops?
During the listed dates and times, click on Webex link to join us in the call. The link to the meeting room is as follows:
https://usask-students.webex.com/meet/leon.zhu
or input meeting code: 804 764 545
Whats Webex?
Webex is a free online meeting program. Video is not mandatory, but you may wish to unmute yourself to ask questions. Please join the meeting room a few minutes ahead of schedule to sort out any technical difficulties.
Can I access the Workshops from only my phone?
Yes! Webex is available for both phones and laptops. If you choose to join the meeting using your phone, make sure you download the Webex app from the app store ahead of time.
How many workshops do I need to participate in
to be eligible for an award?
You must participate in a minimum of 4 out of 8 workshops to be eligible to win an award. Workshop dates and times are listed, so please schedule yourself for the workshops ahead of time.
What if I can't make it to the scheduled workshop times?
If you cannot attend the workshops given a reasonable explanation, please let us know 24 hours ahead of time if possible. Attendance will be taken to ensure that all participants have attended at least four of the workshops as outlined on our website.
What do I have to do in the workshop?
You don't have to do anything in particular, but we recommend taking notes of the presenter! With things being online, the formatting may be different, but they will try their best to make things engaging and ask the audience questions.
Any other questions or concerns? Please email Leon at
or message our Facebook page to let us know!
IYIC 2020 FINAL GALA
The 2020 Indigenous Youth Idea Challenge Gala presented by Affinity Credit Union was a celebration of Indigenous entrepreneurship; it brought together Challenge participants, workshop presenters, and sponsors in a night of business pitches and a keynote speech on Indigenous entrepreneurship in Saskatchewan.
The IYIC Final Gala 2020 was held at the Holiday Inn Express - University on February 13th.
.jpg)
2020 TOP FINALISTS
_edited.jpg)
