Nominations Open May 13 — July 30

Canada's top ten young entrepreneurs

Awards Weekend

Sept 13–14, 2026

Location

Vancouver & Whistler

ABOUT

The YEY Awards return to the mountains. Two days that celebrate the founders rewriting what's possible — coast to coast. Nominate the builder everyone should know.

The YEY Awards return to the mountains. Two days that celebrate the founders rewriting what's possible — coast to coast. Nominate the builder everyone should know.

THE PROCESS

1

May 13

Nominations Open

Submit yours or nominate a founder you believe in. Coast-to-coast intake.

2

July 30

Nominations Close

Final call at 11:59 PM PT. Judging begins the next morning.

3

August 2026

Top 10 Notified

Winners are announced and invited to both Vancouver and Whistler.

4

Sept 13–14

Awards Weekend

Summit Day in Vancouver. Winners' Retreat in Whistler the next day.

THE EXPERIENCE

Two days, two altitudes,
one unforgettable week.

DAY 1

Sunday · Sep 13 · Vancouver

The Summit Day

A full-day gathering of Canada's most ambitious founders, investors, and operators. Talks, panels, and the moments you'll remember for years.

Keynotes from industry leaders

Founder-only breakout sessions

Curated networking with 500+ attendees

Evening awards ceremony & celebration

Day 2

Monday · Sep 14 · Whistler

The Winners' Retreat

The Top 10 head north. An intimate, invite-only day in the mountains — no stage, no agenda except deep conversation, real connection, and the kind of relationships that build companies.

Private mountain retreat

Closed-door founder roundtables

Backcountry adventures

Alumni network activation

NOMINATIONS

Two ways to put a founder
on the national stage.

Nominate Yourself

You've built something real. You've got the grit, the growth, and the receipts. Tell us your story — we're looking for Canada's next generation of category-defining founders.

Nominate Someone

Know a founder who deserves the spotlight? The best leaders are often too busy building to brag. Put them forward — we'll take it from there.

LAST YEAR'S WINNER

Founded in 2021, Puppy Sphere is now pulling in over $5M a year, running events in 14 cities across North America, and partnering with Google, TikTok, and The New York Times. Their community of 200,000+ fans and over $50,000 raised for mental health and animal welfare prove it’s more than cute content: it’s connection.

Francesca Albo

Puppy Sphere

COMMON QUESTIONS

  1. Who is eligible to be nominated?

  2. Who is eligible to be nominated?

  3. Is there a cost to nominate or apply?

  4. Is there a cost to nominate or apply?

  5. How are nominees selected for the Top 10?

  6. How are nominees selected for the Top 10?

  7. Do I need to attend both days in Vancouver and Whistler?

  8. Do I need to attend both days in Vancouver and Whistler?

  9. Is the Awards Weekend open to the public, or invite-only?

  10. Is the Awards Weekend open to the public, or invite-only?

An initiative by

The League of Innovators is a national Canadian charity that empowers youth to be their own bosses in life and career. We offer accessible programs and education for entrepreneurs aged 15-30, from discovery through acceleration.

Our goal? Amplify the impact of future innovators, and changemakers - and shorten their path to success. We find new ways to deliver game-changing tools and experiences to youth - regardless of their background, geography or socioeconomic situation.

© 2026 Young Entrepreneurs of the Year Awards. All Right Reserved

An initiative by

The League of Innovators is a national Canadian charity that empowers youth to be their own bosses in life and career. We offer accessible programs and education for entrepreneurs aged 15-30, from discovery through acceleration.

Our goal? Amplify the impact of future innovators, and changemakers - and shorten their path to success. We find new ways to deliver game-changing tools and experiences to youth - regardless of their background, geography or socioeconomic situation.

© 2026 Young Entrepreneurs of the Year Awards. All Right Reserved

An initiative by

The League of Innovators is a national Canadian charity that empowers youth to be their own bosses in life and career. We offer accessible programs and education for entrepreneurs aged 15-30, from discovery through acceleration.

Our goal? Amplify the impact of future innovators, and changemakers - and shorten their path to success. We find new ways to deliver game-changing tools and experiences to youth - regardless of their background, geography or socioeconomic situation.

© 2026 Young Entrepreneurs of the Year Awards. All Right Reserved