Video contest invites entrepreneurs with disabilities to tell their stories
Entrepreneurs are the backbone of any economy. However, it takes a lot of hard work to start, and grow, your own business. Most of the time no one sees all that effort, which makes it difficult to appreciate how dedicated these people are. That’s where the Just Watch ME! Video contest comes in, providing a platform to showcase local, rural, entrepreneurs and tell their stories. This December 3, things kick off once more, as part of the annual International Day of Persons with Disabilities celebrations.
The Just Watch ME! Contest began in 2011 as an initiative of the Community Futures’ Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program to increase awareness of individuals with disabilities who are also selfemployed. To do this, they decided to invite business owners to tell their stories in their own words, asking for short, two-to-threeminute videos, which would then be part of a regional contest. “We wanted to build excitement and celebrate success while also encouraging other people with disabilities to consider self-employment,” says Susan Bater, Entrepreneurs with Disabilities program manager.
While the Just Watch Me! Program is part of a larger, national campaign, the local contest has its own unique flavour. Specifically, any individual within Manitoba or Saskatchewan who has a disability or health condition, and is operating a small rural business, is eligible to participate. Additionally, entrants are divided into two categories: Start Up (for businesses that have been in operation for less than a year), or Seasoned Entrepreneur (businesses that have been in operation for over a year).
Each video is viewed by a panel of judges representing the Saskatchewan and Manitoba business and disability community. Their job is to select two provincial winners from the Start Up entrants, and decide on four finalists in the Seasoned Category, with an open vote by the general pubic determining that winner. The top vote getter receives $1000 in cash and prizes, with descending dollar amounts for the second, third and fourth place finishers. Finally, each Start Up provincial winner is awarded $250 in cash and prizes.
No matter where they finish, the act of telling their story in their own words has an empowering affect on those who participate. “Not only does it give them a voice to be heard,” says Bater, “but it allows them to connect with other people and become part of a larger community.”
Perhaps the most striking feature of the contest is that wide variety of small businesses that exist across the prairie provinces. Whether it’s providing wireless internet in rural Manitoba (2012 winner Chris Gaulin, Wi-fi Country Inc.), recycling pick-up service (2013-14 winner Taylor Layton, Taylor’s Recycling Pick-up), photography (2015-16 winner Apryl Harel, Apryl Harel Photography), or animal-assisted therapies (2017 winner Lucy Fouasse, Lil’ Steps Miniature & Wellness Farm), there’s no limit to the creativity. This year, the top prize went to Lorena Mitchell, the owner of Evolvegreen.ca from Marchand, Manitoba. Her company has over 15 years experience in the field of alternative energy, building and designing solutions for clients.
As mentioned above, the 2019 contest kicks off on December 3 and videos can be submitted until 10:00 a.m. on January 22, 2019. The judges’ decisions will be announced on January 28, with public voting beginning February 1 and closing on February 11. The winner will be announced February 15.
All eligible small business owners are invited to create their video story and join in the fun. Contest details and entry instructions can be found at on the official contest website www.justwatchmecontest.ca. As well, for those who feel overwhelmed by the thought of making a video, or aren’t sure how to get started, there are also several helpful guidelines and suggestions available. Bater says the best advice is to just be yourself: “The most important thing is to explain why you choose this path, and what it has meant to you. Every story is unique and deserves to be heard.”
For more information visit
www.justwatchmecontest.ca. To follow the contest, check out the Edpvideocontest Facebook page, the edpjustwatchme Twitter account, or their Instagram account