Youth For Entrepreneurship (Y4E)

Overview
The Youth for Youth for Entrepreneurship Media Contest is designed to educate and empower young people to raise awareness on youth entrepreneurship.
The contest encourages young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 to develop:

1. A 60 second video OR
2. A poster

Contestants are welcome to submit a poster and video for the contest. However, contestants should be aware that the poster and video processes are independent of one another. This document will expand upon the rules and requirements for contestants who are submitting a poster for the contest. (To read about the Video Submission rules, please go to the section titled: Video Submission Rules.) After registering for the contest, contestants will be provided with the necessary digital resources to participate. Therefore, contestants do not require any prior knowledge on entrepreneurship to participate in the contest. However, it is expected that contestants conduct their own research to further their understanding on their chosen topic. Poster submissions are to be in English. Submissions will first be screened by the Program Coordinator. Following this, a jury of contest organizers will evaluate the video submissions.

Contest Objectives

The objective of the Youth for Entrepreneurship Digital Media Contest is to raise youth awareness on entrepreneurship. The contest also aims to increase awareness on available resources related to entrepreneurship in Canada. The contest objectives must be reflected in contestants’ submissions.

Topics Chosen for the Contest

The theme of the contest focuses on entrepreneurship. All participants must select and answer one of the following questions in their poster:

1. How can entrepreneurship affect climate change?
2. How is entrepreneurship changing the employment landscape?
3. How does starting a business at a young age help young entrepreneurs grow personally and professionally?
4. What impact does youth entrepreneurship have on encouraging diverse ideas and solutions to societal challenges?

To be eligible to participate in the contest, contestants must:

• Be between the ages of 18–24 at the time of entry submission.
• Live in the province of Ontario, and Newfoundland and Labrador at the time of participation
• Be a Canadian resident at the time of registration.
• Complete at least one Y4E workshop

Submissions must not contain, illustrate, comment or target, without exception, any of the following:

• Images of minors (younger than 18);
• Any individual who is identifiable in any way, other than the participant or the people who agreed to be included, in accordance with the official rules;
• Any reference to personal information concerning other people, including their names or information that could be used to identify or locate another person or otherwise considered as an infringement of privacy of another person;
• Language or content that is malicious, threatening, offensive, degrading, sexually explicit or containing nudity, racist, insulting, hateful, violent or obscene, or has acts of explicit violence or discriminatory language or content;
• Content that encourages prejudices, hatred or prejudices towards a group or a person, or encouraging discrimination or exploitation based on race, gender, religion, disability or age;
• Any illegal claims or content;
• Defamation, libel or slander;
• Dangerous stunts;
• The use of any type of real weapons;
• Illicit drugs;
• Any other content deemed offensive or impermissible by Contest Organizers or the jury, at their sole discretion; and
• Contest Organizer reserves the right to determine, at its sole discretion, if the content of a submission contravenes the video-related requirements.

IMPORTANT DATES

• The poster must answer one of the above topics and a relevant resource for support or more information.
• All images or graphics used on the poster must be copyright-free.
• The poster requires 300 DPI and must be in CMYK colour format
• The format of the poster must be vertical and have the dimensions of 27” width and 39” length.
• The original file used to create the poster must be submitted (i.e. Photoshop PSD file, InDesign INDD, etc.)

Content:
All poster submissions should emphasize and encourage peers:

• The poster must answer only one of the four questions above in entirety.
• The poster must include at least one resource that the audience can access for more information or support. The resource must be relevant to the topic of the poster.
• The poster must be static
• Only copyright-free visual materials can be used in the poster submissions or necessary authorizations to use copyrighted materials must be obtained. Submissions that include copyrighted materials without authorization will be deemed ineligible and will be eliminated from the contest. Please see the Copyright Information section below to learn more about copyright requirements.
• The poster must not contain coarse language, offensive, racist or inappropriate comments, violence. Contest organizers reserve the right to refuse, modify or delete a poster that is deemed inappropriate.
• Each participant irrevocably and in perpetuity grants the contest organizers, without compensation, the right to use the poster submission, in whole or in part, in any way, to reproduce, make derivatives, modify, translate, distribute, transmit, publish, license and broadcast the poster submission worldwide, by any means.
• Any actors/models in the poster submission must participate voluntarily and be over the age of 18.
• The poster must be saved as a JPEG or PDF file.
• The format of the poster must be vertical and have the dimensions of 27” width and 39” length.
• The poster must be 300 DPI and in CMYK colour.
• The graphics used on the poster must support or enhance the overall messaging of the poster.

In addition to answering one of the above questions, all submissions must include the following:
- At least one relevant strategy to increase entrepreneurship
- A support resource that is relevant to the entrepreneurship has to be included in your poster.

Criteria Used for Poster Submission:

Below are the criteria that the contest organizer will use to evaluate Poster Submissions:

• One of four questions answered
• One relevant resource for support or more information
• Vertical orientation and correct dimensions
• 300 DPI and CMYK Format
• Copyright Requirements
• Accuracy of Information
• Clarity of Information
• Effective and Relevant Use of Graphics

Below are the criteria that jury members will use to evaluate Poster Submissions:

• Quality of Submission
• Design Quality and Visual Appeal
• Impact of Submission

Contest Jury: This jury is comprised of contest organizers who have knowledge of the entrepreneurship field. This jury will view eligible submissions and will select the top posters.

• The video must answer one of the four topics and a relevant resource for support or more information.
• The maximum length for a video is 60 seconds.
• All audio and visual materials must be copyright-free or the necessary authorizations must be acquired before using copyrighted materials.
• All actors in the video must have provided consent to participating in the video prior to submission of your video and be over the age of 18.
• The format of the video must be .MP4 or .MOV and have a resolution of 720p or 1080p.
• The video must include Closed Captioning

In addition to answering one of the above questions, all video submissions must include the following:

• At least one relevant strategy to increase entrepreneurship awareness
• A support resource that is relevant to the entrepreneurship has to be included in your video
• The Youth for Entrepreneurship Digital Media Contest end page
• Closed captioning

The resources provided to contestants after registration will clearly explain the above topics and review possible resources.

Content:
All video submissions should emphasize and encourage youth:

• The video must answer only one of the four questions above in entirety.
• The video must include at least one resource that viewers can access for more information or support that is relevant to the content discussed in the video.
• The video must include Closed Captioning. More information on how to add Closed Captioning to submissions can be found below.
• The video must be 60 seconds or less in length. (Videos that are longer than 60 seconds will be deemed ineligible and eliminated from the contest).
• Only copyright-free audio and visual materials can be used in submissions or necessary authorizations to use the materials must be obtained. Submissions that include copyrighted materials without permission will be deemed ineligible and will be eliminated from the contest. Please see the Copyright Information section below to learn more about copyright requirements.
• The video must not contain coarse language, offensive, racist or inappropriate comments, violence, or promote use of drugs via the production or on clothing worn in the making of the video. Contest organizers reserve the right to refuse, modify or delete a video that is deemed inappropriate.
• Each participant irrevocably and in perpetuity grants the contest organizers, without compensation, the right to use the video submission, in whole or in part, in any way, to reproduce, make derivatives, modify, translate, distribute, transmit, publish, license and broadcast the video submission worldwide, by any means.
• The format for the video must be in .MP4 or .MOV.
• The video resolution should be 720p or 1080p.
• All actors in the video submission must participate voluntarily in the video and must be over the age of 18.

Criteria Used for Video Submission:
Below are the criteria that the contest organizer will use to evaluate video submissions:

• Eligibility requirements
• One of four questions answered
• One relevant resource for support or more information
• Y4E end page at end of video
• Copyright requirements
• Accuracy of information
• Clarity of information
• Effective use of graphics

Below are the criteria that jury members will use to evaluate Video Submissions:

• Quality of submission
• Design quality and visual appeal
• Impact of submission

Contest Jury: This jury is comprised of contest organizers who have knowledge of the entrepreneurship field. This jury will view eligible submissions and will select the top videos.
There are several ways to add closed captioning to video submissions, and all methods are suitable for the contest. For example, text can be added within the video editing platform as subtitles. Alternatively, the YouTube platform can be used to add subtitles. To use this method, upload your video to YouTube. Then, click on the drop-down menu next to the Edit button on the Video tab of your Video Manager. Select “Subtitles/CC”, then “Add new Subtitles or CC”. For more information, please go to YouTube’s page to learn more: https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2734796?hl=en.10001
When submitting the video for evaluation, please include the text file as well. If you have questions, please contact the Contest Organizer at YouthforEntrepreneurship@YMCAGTA.ORG

Instructions for Registration Process

• Contestants can register for the Youth for Entrepreneurship Digital Media Contest until January 2024
• To register, visit the Y4E Website: https://ymcagta.org/youth-programs/y4e#signup
• To submit a video for consideration, contestants must register for the contest prior to the Registration Deadline of January 2024.
• Once registered, you will receive an email that confirms registration and includes necessary materials and resources. If you do not receive this email, contact the Contest Organizer at YouthforEntrepreneurship@ymcagta.org as soon as possible.
• If you are registering as a team, please:
• Select and provide an appropriate team name
• Assign a team leader for your team
• Ensure that all team members register individually using the same team name and team leader name
• Ensure the team leader is responsible for submitting the video submission before the Submission Deadline
• Note: When registering as a team, the prize money will be divided among all teammates evenly
• After reviewing contest materials and resources, contestants are welcome to email the Contest Organizer to ask any further questions.
• Contest Organizer Email: YouthforEntrepreneurship@ymcagta.org

• All content included in the poster or video submission must be original. The submission must not infringe upon or violate any laws or any third-party rights. This includes but is not limited to: copyright, patent, trademark, trade secret or other proprietary rights. Submissions must not lead to any cause of action including libel, defamation, privacy violation, contract breach or tort. The participant must obtain all necessary permissions, licenses, clearances, releases, waivers of moral rights and other approvals from third parties necessary to use the submission, in whole or in part (including but not limited to: all copyright holders and all individuals appearing in the video or poster submission), without limitation, to reproduce, make derivatives, edit, modify, translate, distribute, transmit, publish, license and broadcast the video submission worldwide, by any means. Any and all such permissions, licenses, clearances, releases, waivers of moral rights and approvals must be attached to the submission.
• Submissions from contestants who have previously participated in YMCA Youth for Youth Digital Media Contest are permitted (if they become participants of the Y4E program).

• The Contest Organizer reserves the right, in its absolute discretion, to disqualify a poster or video it believes does not respect or potentially not respect one or several of the Contest’s official rules.
• The Contest Organizer reserves the right to modify, suspend or cancel the Contest for any reason, without any prior notice.
• The Contest Organizer reserves the right to refuse, modify or delete a submission that is deemed inappropriate or that does not comply with these rules. All posters and videos submitted for the Contest will become the property of the YMCA of Greater Toronto. However, the creator of the submission will always be credited.
• These rules may be changed without notice or reason including, if necessary, to comply with any applicable law. By entering this Contest, participants agree to abide by these rules and acknowledge that the Contest Organizer shall not be responsible for any damages, costs, demands, claims or losses of any kind, incurred by any contestant as a result of participation in this Contest.

Registration for the contest will begin on September 2025. All contestants must register online prior to submitting their video or poster. If you are registering as a team, ALL TEAM MEMBERS must complete a registration form. After registering, contestants will be invited to attend Y4E workshops to learn more about the topic. The Contest Organizer will also reach out to each contestant after registration to provide support and answer any questions.
Registration will be done via email YouthforEntrepreneurship@ymcagta.org (a registration form will be send to each interested participant).

Your personal safety and that of your actors, camera crew and other individuals involved in the making of the video or poster must be maintained. Do not put anyone at risk during the making of the video or poster. If you show dangerous tasks in your video or video, you must follow all safety regulations and take all necessary precautions to prevent any injuries. Each participant agrees to defend, indemnify and save harmless the YMCA of Greater Toronto, its employees, officers, directors and agents as well as the jurors from any and all lawsuits, claims, losses, injuries, death, damages and expenses (including where permitted, any reasonable legal costs) arising out of the participant’s video or poster, or in connection with the latter in any way, and to release the YMCA of Greater Toronto, its employees, officers, directors and agents as well as the jurors from any liability in connection with the Contest (including the awarding of a prize).

By participating in the Contest and by submitting a video or poster, each participant:

• Grants the Contest Organizer all right, title and interest, including intellectual property and publicity rights, in the submission. Without limiting the previous sentence, Contest Organizer may copy, modify, reproduce, broadcast, display, publish, show in public, expose, encode, stock, adapt, transmit and use or present, in whole or in part, the submissions through any current or future means of communication (including any future promotional or educational project and school presentations), and including, but not limited to, the perpetual distribution over the Internet starting on the date of participation, including, but not limited to, in connection with the administration and promotion of the Contest;
• Waives, in favour of the Contest Organizer, all public image and privacy rights, moral rights or any other right recognized by the law that he/she may have acquired for the video or poster, or its features, if applicable, which may prohibit the Contest Organizer from using the video or poster;
• Waives and releases the Contest Organizer, its employees, officers, directors and agents as well as the jury of any claim based on public image rights, defamation, invasion of privacy, copyright, trademark infringement or any other legal action concerning the video intellectual property rights;
• Grants these rights, free of charge, to the Contest Organizer and accepts that no other permission or further copyright payment to the participant or other party be required.

Participants of the Y4E Digital Media Contest will be recognized at an Awards Ceremony in Toronto (date TBC). The Awards Ceremony not only celebrates the accomplishments and hard work of the contestants, but also acknowledges the efforts made by community partners, contest organizers and jury members. It is an opportunity to bring together and celebrate youth from across Canada.

• The top three video and poster contestants will be invited to the Awards Ceremony, where the order of the three winning video and poster contestants will be announced.
• At the Awards Ceremony, contestants will be awarded with their prize.
• All attendees of the Awards Ceremony will be asked for written consent to photographs that will be taken by the Contest Organizers, without further compensation.
• All attendees must also complete a Participant Consent Form prior to attending the ceremony.

Each participant irrevocably and in perpetuity grants the contest organizers, without compensation, the right to use the video and poster submission, in whole or in part, in any way, to reproduce, make derivatives, modify, translate, distribute, transmit, publish, license and broadcast the poster submission.