“Just Watch Me” Video Contest ~ Albertan Amongst Finalists

What do a video producer, fitness studio owner, digital signage designer, coffee house restaurateur and local internet provider all have in common? They are all Top 5 finalists in the Just Watch Me! video contest, and they need your vote to win.
The video contest is for entrepreneurs with self-identified disabilities or ongoing health conditions living in rural Western Canada, and is being run by the Community Futures Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program (EDP).
“Contest entrants had to submit short videos that express why self employment works for them and share stories of business success,” explains Paul Pelletier, General Manager of Community Futures St Paul – Smoky Lake Region. “Our hope is that these videos will inspire others to consider being their own bosses.”
This week, judges announced their top 5 picks, and kicked off a public voting part of the contest. Members of the public have until November 26th to go to the Just Watch Me contest website and vote for their favourite video: communityfuturespanwest.ca/contest
The entrepreneur with the most votes wins $1,000 and the winner will be announced on December 2nd, in recognition of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (December 3rd).
“Voting results are posted on the contest website just like election results, so each entrepreneur and their supporters can instantly see where they are in the standings,” says Pelletier. “This is creating a bit of friendly competition in many communities across Western Canada and has been the subject of some water cooler banter this week.”
The "Top 5" Entrepreneurs are:
Chris Gaulin, Wi-Fi Country Inc. - Russell, Manitoba
Lisa Gandier, Alexa Media - Morden, Manitoba
Jacki Azure-Townsend, Smart Health Dauphin - Dauphin, Manitoba,
Anthony (Toni) Albert Braun, Once Upon a Bean - Altona, Manitoba,
Jonathan R. Holeton, MindWave Studios - St. Paul, Alberta
Self-employment can be a great fit for people with disabilities or ongoing health conditions. Owning a small business means they can set their own hours, create a personalized work environment and – most importantly, gain a sense of control over their destiny.
The Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program (EDP) helps people with disabilities or ongoing health conditions start businesses in rural Western Canada. Community Futures offices deliver the EDP program and provide business advice, training, mentorship and access to repayable business loans for viable businesses.