eBay Canada announced the launch of the eBay Canadian Entrepreneur of the Year Awards, an annual program developed to recognize the more than 430,000 people in North America selling full-time or part-time on eBay, and to honor the best of eBay's Canadian entrepreneurs. eBay Canada launched in 2000.

"Every day in Canada, people from all walks of life are using eBay to sell products all over the world," says Gary Briggs, vice president and country manager, eBay Canada. "eBay has enabled thousands of individuals to start, grow, and expand their businesses in a safe and convenient online marketplace. We established the annual eBay Canadian Entrepreneur of the Year Awards to recognize the sellers who continue to set the standard for owning and operating a successful online business in Canada, using eBay as the platform to conduct business and trade internationally."

The awards process is divided into two periods: an eligibility period and an entry period. During the Eligibility Period, which runs from February 1 to June 30, 2005, Canadian eBay sellers must meet the following requirements: Achieve a minimum of $1,000 CDN in sales per month on eBay.ca/eBay.com or the sites combined; Post a minimum of 10 listings per month on eBay.ca/eBay.com or the sites combined; Have at least 96 per cent positive feedback.

The Entry Period runs from July 1 to July 30, 2005. Canadian eBay sellers who meet the eligibility requirements can enter the eBay Canadian Entrepreneur of the Year Awards by visiting http://pages.ebay.ca/entrepreneurs. Entrants will be asked to describe how their business on the eBay site has evolved, how eBay has contributed to their success, how they demonstrate eBay's community values and the positive impact these values have had on their business. Winners will be announced during Canadian Small Business Week in October 2005.

First prize is $10,000 CDN worth of eBay Anything Points; Second Prize is $5,000 CDN worth of eBay Anything Points; Third Prize is $2,000 CDN worth of eBay Anything Points.

http://pages.ebay.ca/entrepreneurs