The YMCA Youth for Entrepreneurship (Y4E) awards celebrated its 2025 winners on 26 February 2025 in Toronto, bringing together young entrepreneurs, newcomer-refugee participants, and YMCA supporters for an inspiring evening. Now in its third year, Y4E provides free workshops to young people aged 15-24, equipping them with practical knowledge and digital skills for entrepreneurship. The Media Contest, open to those aged 18-24, raises awareness about youth entrepreneurship and available resources.
This year, the YMCA’s partnership with Enhesa, announced in October 2024, was key in ensuring broader participation. Enhesa supported YMCA Newcomer Youth Leadership Development programme participants by funding 35 young people and staff advisors to attend the gala. Their support covered essential costs, including dinner, transportation, audio/visual needs and contest prizes, allowing more newcomer-refugee participants to participate in the celebration.
While Enhesa mentors could not attend in person, their impact was clear; interns and those mentored by Enhesa stepped into leadership roles at the event. Alex Shibu, a previous intern, served as emcee, while Jaheim Allwood, a current newcomer intern mentored by Enhesa, announced winners on stage. The event brought together over 150 participants, including young entrepreneurs, interns, families, and supporters from YMCA programs.
The contest’s results further underscored the value of this partnership. Despite being held across four provinces with external judges, four of the six top prizes were awarded to newcomers in the Greater Toronto Area (within the programme supported by Enhesa mentors).
The Enhesa-YMCA partnership continues to make a meaningful impact, ensuring young people have the confidence, skills and resources to succeed.
For more details on the gala and contest winners, click here.Â
