LOCAL NEWSContest Recognizes Disabled Entrepreneurs

Since 2011, the Saskatchewan and Manitoba Community Futures Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Programs (EDP) have run an annual contest to recognize and celebrate the many success stories of rural businesspeople who live with disabilities and ongoing health challenges. This year’s Just Watch ME! video contest is currently accepting entries.

“If you are an entrepreneur with a disability or a health condition and have a business success story to share, you could win up to $1000 and great prizes,” says Susan Bater, the EDP manager for rural Manitoba.

To enter, people need to shoot a short video about their business, 2 or 3 minutes long, and upload it to the contest website. Entries will be accepted until January 20, 2016. A public voting process, alongside a panel of 5 judges, will select winners in two categories: seasoned entrepreneurs and start-ups.

Last year’s winner, 17-year-old Sydney Deneka of Beausejour, saw increased exposure. “It helped spread the word about my blanket business,” says Deneka, who has Coffin-Siris syndrome, a severe developmental disability. “I have a new work room thanks to the $1,000 prize money I won and a new website!”

According to estimates, 1.3 billion people around the world self-identify as living with a disability, and those numbers are growing. The number in Canada is 16 percent of the population.

“This is such a great opportunity for people living with disabilities to showcase their talents and passions,” says Lorraine Nickel, Evening News anchor for Global Winnipeg and this year’s contest ambassador. “I can’t wait to see who’s next.”