At the beautiful Granite Club in Toronto, the city’s most accomplished and inspiring entrepreneurs gathered for the Toronto Business Development Centre’s (TBDC) second annual Essence of Entrepreneurship Awards Gala. With success stories and rousing speeches, the evening was abound with a motivational spirit that would inspire even the most weary young entrepreneur.

Notable host Julian Brass chatted with Paul Rosen, Canada’s paralympic sledge hockey team goaltender and the event’s keynote speaker, about turning obstacles into opportunities. Rosen said that just because they amputated his leg, they didn’t take away his mind, his heart, or his personality. Everyone can achieve greatness, he said, and should never settle for mediocrity.

Suhana Merharchand of CBC emceed the evening, and told Julian that the unifying characteristic all good entrepreneurs have is perseverance. That sentiment was echoed by Jason van Tassel, founder of Mouth Media, who won an award this year after missing his chance last year.

The 2010 TBDC Awards of Excellence were presented in five categories:

Excellence in Community Impact: Anthony Stanberry, Freeze DNA
Excellence in Youth Entrepreneurship: Jeff Mann, Method Creative Studios
Excellence in Perseverance: Sunny Gervan, Design Revolution
Excellence in Innovation: Axle Davids, Distility Branding
Excellence in Entrepreneurship: Jason Van Tassel, Mouth Media

All are young professionals pursuing their dreams.

The TBDC was established in 1990 as an initiative of the Toronto Economic Development Corporation (TEDCO) and the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Trade. They have been recognized at home and internationally for achievements in the field of business development and as a role model for business incubation. They have helped more than 4000 businesses since opening their doors.

It was truly an inspiring evening that every young professional can appreciate. Find out what it was like to be there!