eBay Canada has named a Toronto business owner who sells premium, used golf balls its Entrepreneur of the Year. The online marketplace said Shaun Shienfield (eBay ID: Knetgolfcanada) is one of the largest Internet golf retailers in the world, selling 20 million golf balls to more than 250,000 golfers every year.
Also recognized is Mike Winkelmann of Surrey, British Columbia (eBay ID: west_coast_food_machines), who eBay Canada named Comeback of the Year. After being forced to close his retail butcher shop and deli and file for bankruptcy, Mike turned to eBay to liquidate his store's equipment. He was so successful that he created an entirely new career selling used restaurant equipment on eBay, achieving PowerSeller status in 10 months.
The fifth annual eBay Canada Entrepreneur of the Year awards program recognizes Canadians who run successful online businesses. Understanding that 2009 has been a challenging year for Canadians, this year eBay Canada added the Comeback of Year category, awarded to an entrepreneur who has overcome a recent personal or professional challenge.
"eBay Canada loves to recognize the success of our users, especially in challenging economic times," said Andrea Stairs, Country Manager for eBay Canada. "We're excited to reward the hard work and ambition of our two winning entrepreneurs with capital, training and tools to help their business grow even more."
Along with the bragging rights, the top two Canadian entrepreneurs receive a boost for their business. This year's Entrepreneur of the Year Shaun Shienfield is awarded $2,000 cash, $500 towards a business-related course and $500 eBay AdCommerce advertising credits. Mike Winkelmann, the Comeback of the Year winner receives $1,000 cash, $500 towards a business-related course and $500 eBay AdCommerce advertising credits.
Almost 300 eBay business owners across Canada entered the annual competition - more than double the number of entries of 2008.
Finalists include Tiffany Lemay of Victoria, British Columbia (eBay User ID: hopeinvictoria) and Betty Crompton of Penetanguishene, Ontario (eBay ID: sellit!onlinedepot).
