Junior Chamber's business creation awards go to finance and electric vehicle rental start-ups.

On Tuesday evening the Jeune Chambre Economique de Monaco (JCEM) and BNP Paribas invited business leaders and Government representatives to the 15th Concours Creation d'Entreprise, to see which of 7 new projects would receive 2 large cash prizes.

Winners in 2009 were in the IT, marketing, and nutrition businesses, but this year's jury leaned towards finance and electric vehicle projects.

The Government Prize of 40,000 euros went to Atlas Capital's private equity business, which helps investment funds to find new cash through institutional investors. It was presented by the Advisor for Finances and Economy Sophie Thevenoux.

Patrick Gherara of BNP Paribas handed over the JCEM prize of 21,000 euros to MC Eco Rental, which allows drivers to hire electric vehicles for a year.

The 5 other projects that got through to the finals were:

• Econostra, accessories made from recycled products
• Last drop of Gasoline, Monegasque store selling eco-friendly clothing
• Markuspoon, educational toy tableware
• Pontons Mobiles, mooring optimization in Monaco's port
• Toujours un chemin, European guides for disabled and senior citizens

Pontons Mobiles received a special mention as the jury's coup de coeur.

The evening, which took place in the Fairmont Hotel, was also the occasion for announcing that Alexandre Amara is the new competition director, and for launching the JCEM's EntreEntrepreneurs' club, which is to offer mentoring to young people who want to start a business.

15th enterprise creation competition: finance and green attitude are winners