2016 RBC CANADIAN WOMEN ENTREPRENEUR AWARD FINALISTS ANNOUNCED TODAY

TORONTO – Women of Influence today announced the finalists of the 2016 RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards program. A record breaking 5,000 women entrepreneurs from coast to coast were nominated for this year’s award, and 18 finalists have now been selected. These exceptional women were chosen for their accomplishments in industries as diverse as finance, technology, and health services.

The winners will be announced and celebrated at the 24th Annual Awards Gala, hosted by Diane Francis, editor at large for the Financial Post on Wednesday, November 16, 2016 at the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto.

The RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards recognizes female business owners from across Canada who make impressive and substantial contributions to the local, Canadian or global economy. Candidates share a strong entrepreneurial vision and a relentless passion in pursing their dreams. These awards recognize business women from three major regions across Canada: East, Central and West.

“These finalists have demonstrated incredible business acumen, leadership and passion—they are exceptional role models for all entrepreneurs,” says Neil McLaughlin, executive vice-president, Business Financial Services, RBC. “RBC is proud to see the record breaking number of nominations for this year’s awards and to celebrate women entrepreneurs and their contributions to business in Canada.”

All nominees are required to submit through applications, which are reviewed and judged by a panel of prominent business leaders and subject to a due diligence performed by Deloitte Private Client Services.

The 2016 RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Award Finalists are:

ADP Micro Business Award
West: Kim Hall, Physio2U
Central: Diana Goodwin, AquaMobile Inc.
East: Isabelle and Marie-Hélène Primeau, Premier Continuum Inc.

Deloitte Start-Up Award
West: Marlo Brausse, Barre Body Studio
Central : Angela Marotta & Melissa Paolicelli, Two Sisters Vineyards
East: Melanie Caines, Nova Yoga

RBC Momentum Award
West: Kate Ross LeBlanc, Saje Natural Wellness
Central: Alyssa Furtado, Ratehub
East: Sylvia MacVey, G. E. Barbour

Social Change Award
West: Dianne Fehr, Immigrant Access Fund
Central: Jennifer Flanagan, Actua
East: Patricia Pottie, Strongest Families Institute

TELUS Trailblazer Award
West: Eva Sun, The Rice People
Central: Nancy Simonot, NKS Health
East: Beth Hatt, Aquila Tours

PROFIT Award for Excellence in Entrepreneurship
West: Margot Micallef, Oliver Capital Partners
West: Michelle Gerrard, Neepawa Home Hardware
Central: Kathy Gregory, Paradigm Quest

The 2016 RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards are presented by RBC and sponsors ADP, Deloitte, TELUS and PROFIT Magazine.

“Canadian female entrepreneurs are an economic force, and as a community, their impact is growing,” said Alicia Skalin, Co-CEO, Women of Influence Worldwide Inc. “We’re honoured to be contributing to their future success by recognizing the achievements of this stellar group, not only offering increased exposure and a new source of credibility, but the opportunity to become an inspiring role model for future leaders.”

About the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards

The RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards are the pre-eminent national business awards recognizing the country’s leading female entrepreneurs. The awards are an initiative of Women of Influence, an award-winning organization dedicated to advancing Canadian women.

About Women of Influence Worldwide Inc.

Women of Influence, now in its 22nd year, is one of North America’s leading organization offering solutions to further women’s career advancement. With courses in executive leadership, global events, and print and digital content, Women of Influence annually reaches over 200,000 professional women and men across Canada and internationally. Signature events include the Women of Influence Luncheon Series and the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards. For more information, please visit www.womenofinfluence.com

For interview requests or further information please contact:

Madelaine Dean, Women of Influence, 416 629 9144, mdean@womenofinfluence.ca

Rob Merk, Corporate Communications, RBC, 416-955-6665, rob.merk@rbc.com