Applications for YEY 2025 are now closed.
Thanks to all that applied. Nominees will hear back from us on August 25th, 2025.
The Movement.
Canada isn't just a stepping stone.
It's where bold ideas are born, where they grow, and succeed.
Every year, we select 10 founders that prove Canada is a place to build.
We're looking for the builders who are turning their vision into reality. The ones who build with intention, create ripple effects, and multiply successes around them.
This isn't just about celebrating success, it's about changing the conversation.
When a young entrepreneur in Saskatoon sees a founder from Edmonton building a global company, they stop asking "Can I build this here?" and start asking "How fast can I do it?"
We're showcasing the real, diverse stories of Canadian entrepreneurship.
Because when we tell these stories well, we don't just inspire, we build a movement.
Award Categories
Canada's Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Celebrating a young founder that has made a significant impact in Canada’s startup ecosystem and embodies the values of the YEY Awards: Leadership, Entrepreneurial Spirit, Impact, and Innovation.
Black Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Celebrating a black young founder that embodies the values of the YEY Awards: Leadership, Entrepreneurial Spirit, Impact, and Innovation.
Indigenous Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Celebrating an indigenous young founder that embodies the values of the YEY Awards: Leadership, Entrepreneurial Spirit, Impact, and Innovation.
Female Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Celebrating a female young founder that embodies the values of the YEY Awards: Leadership, Entrepreneurial Spirit, Impact, and Innovation.
Emerging Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Recognizing a promising young founder whose venture has been incorporated within the last two years.
Emerging Tech Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Honouring a young tech visionary making remarkable strides with innovative technology solutions (including AI, Web3, VR, and other cutting-edge technologies).
Clean Tech Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Recognizing a young founder dedicated to sustainability and environmental innovation whose work is creating positive ecological impact.
Judging Process
Our two-stage selection process ensures thorough and fair evaluation of all candidates:
Round 1: Initial Application Review
All submissions are reviewed for eligibility according to the eligibility criteria
Applications are evaluated against our core values: Leadership, Entrepreneurial Spirit, Impact, and Innovation
Shortlisted candidates are selected to advance to the video submission round
Round 2: Video Submission & Final Judging
Shortlisted candidates submit a 3-minute video presentation of their journey and venture
External Judging Panel evaluate both the original application and video submission
Finalists and winners are selected based on comprehensive assessment of both components
The judging process prioritizes fairness, diversity, and recognition of exceptional entrepreneurial talent across Canada's startup ecosystem.
Timeline
August 1st, 11:59 PT: Applications close and tickets sales open
August 1st - August 15th: Round 1 of judging
August 15: First round of Shortlist notified for video submission
August 25: Second round of Shortlisted applicants notified for video submission
September 1st - September 14th: Round 2 of judging
September 15: Nominees selected and notified
October 22nd, 2025: Winners announced at YEY Awards Night
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be 30 years of age or younger as of their application date
Applicants must have a meaningful connection to Canada through one or more of the following:
Currently based in Canada
Venture founded or headquartered in Canada
Significant operations or impact within the Canadian ecosystem
Applicants must be a founder, co-founder, or CEO of a private, public, or non-profit entity
We believe in celebrating exceptional entrepreneurship in all its forms. If you have questions about eligibility, please contact our team at info@theleagueofinnovators.com.
Application Guidelines
When filling out the application, you will be asked to provide the following information and answer the questions below.
Nominator Info
Nominator’s First and Last name, and email address
Nominee Info
Nominee's First Name, Last Name, and Title
Nominee’s Birthdate, Gender Identification, Preferred Pronouns, and Racial and Ethnic group
Nominee's Email Address, LinkedIn URL
Nominee’s Province and City
Venture Info
Nominee’s Venture Name and incorporation date (if applicable)
Venture website and other relevant links (media coverage, social media, etc)
Journey
This section is your opportunity to showcase the founder’s story and how they reflect our core values of Leadership, Entrepreneurial Spirit, Impact, and Innovation.
Why does this nominee belong on the YEY List?
Describe the Applicant’s current venture/previous ventures
Describe the nominee’s founder journey (where they started to where they are today)