It was fourth time lucky for Devon Fiddler at the Aboriginal Youth Idea Challenge (AYIC) business plan competition. This was Fiddlers fourth entrance into the highly competitive event and took first place this year and a $6000 cheque from PotashCorp to invest in her business SheNative design company.

“It really means a-lot to win this competition since I’ve participated in it since 2012 when I first started off with a little of inspiration from Neechie Gear and an Idea,” said a grateful Fiddler after the event. “This competition has helped push me forward each year. I’ve been persistent in trying for the prize money each year to kick-start my idea. This past year, I’ve had major breakthroughs! I’ve gotten grants, won my first competition a year ago, small loans, and crowd funded over $20,000! This money will sure help a lot with cash flow and in developing my sales team.”

AYIC is hosted by the University of Saskatchewan’s non-profit organization Enactus. The student-run group creates outreach programs to address social, economic and environmental issues. Business plans entered this year included a workout supplement, Cree designed men’s ties and socks, panties with a message, personal trainer services, baby clothes and personal protection for women.

“It was so good to see Devon win the competition this year,” said PotashCorp Director of Aboriginal Strategy Leanne Bellegarde. “We support this program because it gives direct mentoring and skills to the participants. Entrepreneurs like Devon and the other young business people we have here today are going to drive the economy of Saskatchewan in the future and that is something important to invest in.”

Second place went to Mary-Lou Mintram and Candace Linklater for their fashion line Little Bow-tihk. “Entering in the Challenge was an amazing experience. The workshops helped us immensely in the formation of our business plan and being a part of this process helped us take a leap of faith in developing our first clothing line together,” said mary-Lou Mintram of her and her cousins business. “We have conducted research and improved on our sewing skills, it has been a dream of ours to enter into the fashion world for several years. Our next step is to review our plan and use the funds we generously received from PotashCorp to secure equipment.”