Desjardins Group is offering $200,000 in prizes to entrepreneurs in Quebec and Ontario, as part of an extensive program to recognize their work. The awards are intended to help entrepreneurs through all stages of their business development and to recognize the various facets of entrepreneurship.

There will be four $10,000 prizes given to recognize younger entrepreneurs and their creativity; four $10,000 prizes for outstanding social commitment and contribution to their community, as well as financial performance; one $20,000 prize, which will be given to a manufacturer to aid in the improvement of management practices and competitiveness; one $20,000 prize for a business serving or using foreign markets and one $15,000 prize for significantly improved productivity. The program in 2006 will include four more prizes to help in business transfers and successions.

Applications forms and more information can be found on the Desjardins website.