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SASKATOON – An awards gala was held at the University Club Saturday. The 2015 Aboriginal Youth Idea Challenge (AYIC) gives young people aged 16 to 35 a chance to build their business ideas into reality.

AYIC has provided participants with mentorship over the last two months. Entrepreneurs came together with their final business models to compete for $10,000 of start‐up capital at the gala sponsored by PotashCorp.

Organizers say this year’s panel participants are bringing their ‘A’ game.

“They’ve been with us at all the workshops we’ve had throughout the semester, I’ve spent multiple hours working with these individuals one-on-one to help them take their business plans to the next step,” said AYIC project leader Preston Thomson.

Each entrepreneur gave a live pitch to a panel of judges Saturday.

First place went to Devon Fiddler and her business, SheNative. Fiddler received a cheque for $6,000 to put towards her handbag and accessory brand that aims to empower Indigenous women.

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Marylou Mintram and Candace Linklater got $4,000 for second place. Their business, Little Bow-tihk, intends to connect women with clothing that reflect northern Cree inspired designs.

AYIC is hosted by the University of Saskatchewan’s non-profit organization Enactus. The student-run group creates outreach programs to address social, economic and environmental issues.