Participant Eligibility:

1) Individual or team

2) Graduates from the 2008/09 or 2009/10 academic years (September 1 to August 31) – who were registered as full-time students and graduated from one of the following SAIT government-approved and credit programs:

a) Applied Degree

b) Diploma

c) Certificate

d) Certificate of Achievement

e) Pre-Employment

f)  Apprenticeships

*Part-time Continuing Education and/or Distance Education graduates are not eligible to apply for a LAUNCH prize package; however, are invited to participate in the LAUNCH seminar series.

3) Not studying full-time as of July 1, 2010

4) Between the ages of 18 and 35

5) At least 50% of the business team meets requirements 2, 3 and 4. (Individual applicants must meet all eligibility requirements). That same 50% who meets requirements 2, 3 and 4 also hold at least 51% ownership of the business venture

6) Live or plan to live in Calgary Region

7) Legally eligible to work in Canada

Venture Eligibility:

1) New business

a) In full-time operation less than 24 months, as of July 1, 2010

b) It should be a realistic, marketable idea for a profit-making venture that fills an unmet need that currently exists or a need not well satisfied in the Calgary Region.  Consequently an eligible venture must be an original idea or one that significantly improves an existing venture.

2) Technology, science or knowledge-based

a) Venture makes primary use of some form of technology

b) Use of technology is apparent in goods and/or services offered

c) New ventures developing products, processes, or services using science, information technology, or design are eligible

3) Operated within the Calgary region

Furthermore, the top three ventures will automatically be recommended for $30,000 in financing from the Canadian Youth Business Foundation (CYBF) and the Business Development Bank of Canada. To view CYBF eligibility requirements, please visit http://www.cybf.ca/entrepreneurs/cybfstartuploan.php