Congratulations to the winners of the Youth for Entrepreneurship Media Contest 2026
On February 26, 2026, the YMCA of Greater Toronto hosted a special awards gala to celebrate the participants and winners of the Youth for Entrepreneurship (Y4E) Media Contest.
Since April 1 of 2025, over 7,184 young people participated in virtual and in-person workshops and webinars leading up to the contest, culminating in the awards night. From the program launch in 2022 until now, 13,589 youth have built entrepreneurship awareness and skills, while encouraging their peers to consider this path.
Special guests included dedicated program donor, The Barrett Family Foundation, and many youth contestants and their peers.
What is Y4E?
The fourth annual Y4E program for youth ages 15–24 consists of a series of free workshops to empower young people with the practical knowledge and digital skills they need to start their business journey.
This year, the program ran in Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador. Over the years, participants and winners have also been celebrated from Alberta, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick.
An integral part of the program is the Y4E Media Contest in which youth aged 18–24 participate to raise awareness of youth entrepreneurship and the resources available to support entrepreneurs in Canada.
This year, with a chance to win one of six prizes between $200 and $1,000, a remarkable pool of contestants developed visionary videos and powerful posters encouraging young people to start their own businesses and consider innovations for climate change.
The emcee, Solomon Adetoro, said, "I believe that entrepreneurial skills and values have played a big role in where I am today. In the last few years, I've learned that waiting for opportunities isn't enough. I actually have to take initiative and sometimes even create them for myself.
Johannes Teckle, speaking on behalf of the YMCA Board of Directors, highlighted the competencies and character that can be built from entrepreneurship. He shared, “In today's world, where tech is always changing and jobs are shifting, these human qualities — being able to communicate, think critically, collaborate, and stay cool under pressure — are super important. They help you deal with the unknown, form real relationships, and spot chances that others miss.”
Keynote speaker, Brandi Leifso, shared her inspiring journey as the founder and CEO of Evio Beauty, a purpose-driven skincare brand known for linking wellness, social impact, and entrepreneurship.
She spoke candidly about launching Evio at 21 while living in a women’s shelter, and how that experience shaped her approach to business and community impact.
One of Brandi's core messages to the youth was to "begin with what you have now and take pride in small beginnings."
She reflected on building a nationally recognized brand while staying committed to supporting survivors of domestic violence. She also described using entrepreneurship as a tool for resilience, leadership, and change.
Brandi’s success includes being named Chatelaine Magazine’s Women of the Year (2018) and the Retail Council of Canada’s Independent Retail Ambassador of the Year (2021), speaking on global stages such as the Forbes Under 30 Global Women Summit, and being celebrated as one of Canada’s Top 25 Women of Influence (2020).
Today, Brandi leads a multi-million-dollar business with heart and just published her first book, Fearless Choices: How to Reclaim Your Power One Decision at a Time.
We're thrilled to introduce the outstanding winners of the 2026 Y4E Media Contest and their purpose-driven projects.
Check out the winning videos and posters on our website.
Winning videos 
First prize | $1,000 | Team name: Akai & Caikiru
Bill Xu: "Youth entrepreneurship programs help young people translate ambition into action. By encouraging initiative, resilience, and collaboration, they build skills that strengthen careers and communities."
Caitlin Chu: "Thank you for the opportunity to create something and inspire future entrepreneurs."
Second prize | $700 | Eleonora Levytska
Third prize | $400 | Allen Shibu
Winning posters
First prize | $500 | Muhammad Javed
"Participating in the Y4E Digital Media Contest reminded me that entrepreneurship is not just about starting businesses. It is about building confidence, resilience, and a mindset of possibility. This opportunity allowed me to share how starting young can shape the way we think, communicate, and create impact in our communities.”
Second prize | $300 | Dinh Trung Pham
Third prize | $200 | Team name: Eco Visionaries. Members: Nehemiah Khokhar and Isaiah Khokhar
Youth entrepreneur vendors
The evening featured youth entrepreneurs who showcased their products and services. From handmade goods and creative services to emerging brands and fresh ideas, our youth vendors demonstrated their innovation and ambition.
Special thanks to all event speakers and contest final judges.
Lead program donor:
The Barrett Family Foundation
Final round contest judges:
Prasad Jayasekera
Associate Director, Corporate Training & Global Business Development, Seneca Polytechnic
Baljit Sidhu
President and Founder, Farm Fairy Foundation and Tulip: Women, Health & Innovation
Usha Srinivasan, PhD
Founder and CEO, BReady Talent Platform
Julia Morgan
Senior Manager, Philanthropy, YMCA of Greater Toronto
