top of page
Copy of IYIC2019 (21 of 43).jpg

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

​

​

The Final Gala, on February 25th, 2021 at 6pm, will be hosted using the online platform Hopin. For the first time in many years, tickets to the Final Gall will be free. More information about the Final Gala will be posted soon.
IYIClogo(no sponsor).png
Affinity-Logo-with-Chevron transparent.p
IYIC%20(37%20of%2093)_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

February 5th at 11:59pm

​

Top 5 Finalists Announcement

February 10th

​

2021 Virtual Final Gala Date

February 25th, 6pm - 9pm

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.
​
​
Any other questions or concerns? Please email Leon at vpproject@enactussask.com
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. 
IYIC (27 of 93).jpg

2020 TOP FINALISTS

IYIC%231%20(16%20of%2016)_edited.jpg

1st Place

Stephanie Gamble

(C Lysias Design Fashion Studio)

 
2nd Place

Chevez Ezaneh

(FN KEYS)


3rd Place

Aleah Tait & Shanice Beauchene

(Redwaters Bagging)

​

Under 19 Category

Muskoday Youth Business Club

(3R Innovative Imaging)

IYIC FINAL GALA 2020 PHOTO GALLERY

Want to know more about IYIC? Check out what others have to say about it!

Since the projects inception, we have...

Clock

Invested 283 hours from 21 members

Team Building

Donated personal crayon kits to 3 classes and 

1 crisis shelter

Black Recycling Symbol (U+267B).png

108 lbs of plastic waste diverted from landfills

Created over 1430 repurposed crayons

recolour website2.png
bottom of page