Futurpreneur Canada and BG Canada Present Three Young Entrepreneurs With a Grand Prize of $10,000 at the ThriveNorth Business Challenge in Price Rupert B.C.

PRINCE RUPERT, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - March 30, 2015) - On Saturday, March 28^th, Futurpreneur Canada and BG Canada announced the winners of the inaugural ThriveNorth Business Challenge. The awards ceremony recognized the innovation and entrepreneurial talent of the 12 finalists selected from across British Columbia's Northwest region. The ThriveNorth Business Challenge provided the opportunity for young aspiring entrepreneurs to showcase their business ideas, receive expert coaching and compete for grand prizes of up to $10,000 to help launch and grow their business.

At the onset of 2015, the ThriveNorth Business Challenge opened to young entrepreneurs (ages 18 - 39) who were looking to launch a new business or grow an existing venture. From the pool of over 50 applicants, 12 finalists were chosen to represent three categories: Best New Business Idea, Best Business Expansion Opportunity, and Best Social Enterprise Idea. Each finalist participated in an exciting two-day challenge consisting of expert coaching sessions, networking events, a local business tour and a final pitch to a panel of judges. The challenge concluded with a celebratory awards ceremony that brought the community together to acknowledge the achievements of the 12 finalists, and awarded a grand-prize winner and runner up from each category.

The ceremony additionally recognized the next generation of young entrepreneurs in the ThriveNorth High School Challenge, as students from BC's Northwest region challenged their creativity in creating a new and innovative use for a common fishing net.

"We are so excited about the enthusiasm and entrepreneurial talent we have seen ignite in this region," says Julia Deans, CEO, Futurpreneur Canada. "This event is a true testament to the growing opportunities in the North, and the incredible community support available for young people aspiring to start and grow their own business."

"We are so proud to be part of the ThriveNorth Business Challenge and congratulate all the young entrepreneurs who participated in the event." says Simon Nish, VP Sustainability of BG Canada. "We are committed to doing what we can now to create business and employment opportunities, at this early stage of the project. Our partnership with Futurpreneur Canada, through ThriveNorth, supports young entrepreneurs to create new businesses and grow existing businesses. The Business Challenge finalists are contributing to their communities, and inspiring others to do the same."

"As Minister of State for Small Business and Tourism, I am pleased to support the Thrive North Business Challenge. British Columbia boasts many talented young entrepreneurs who thrive on creating innovative business ideas and seeing them succeed. The Government of Canada is working with Futurpreneur Canada to make sure that all young entrepreneurs have all the tools they need in order to build their businesses and create jobs and economic growth," says the Honourable Maxime Bernier, P.C., M.P.

ThriveNorth is a collaborative initiative made possible by the partnership between Futurpreneur Canada and BG Canada. Working off a shared belief that a mix of thriving local business and larger development projects is essential in building a stronger local economy, ThriveNorth strives to help young entrepreneurs start and grow their own businesses, and ultimately contribute to a more resilient local economy in British Columbia's Northwest region. Through the ThriveNorth initiative, the two partners work with local business networks to empower and enhance entrepreneurship opportunities for young people in British Columbia's Northwest region.

Congratulations to all of our Finalists

About Futurpreneur Canada

Futurpreneur Canada (formerly the Canadian Youth Business Foundation or CYBF) has been fuelling the entrepreneurial passions of Canada's young enterprise for nearly two decades. We are the only national, non-profit organization that provides financing, mentoring and support tools to aspiring business owners aged 18-39. Our internationally recognized mentoring program hand matches young entrepreneurs with a business expert from a network of more than 2,800 volunteer mentors. Futurpreneur Canada is a founding member of the G20 Young Entrepreneurs' Alliance, the Canadian member of The Prince's Youth Business International, and the Canadian host of Global Entrepreneurship Week. See more at: www.futurpreneur.ca. Facebook: Futurpreneur BC Twitter: @FuturpreneurBC

About BG Group

BG Group plc (LSE:BG.L) is a world leader in natural gas, with a broad portfolio of business interests focused on exploration and production and liquefied natural gas. Active in more than 20 countries on five continents, BG Group combines a deep understanding of gas markets with a proven track record in finding and commercialising reserves. For further information visit: www.bg-group.com