The RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards is the premier national awards program celebrating the achievements of the most successful in this inspiring group. Over the last 26 years, thousands of women have been nominated and recognized for demonstrating excellence — from economic growth to social change, from local to global reach, across multiple sectors.
The collective impact of our country’s female entrepreneurs cannot be overstated. We are honoured to shine a spotlight on them.
How Does the Award Process Work?
The award process for the 26th annual RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards is completed in three straightforward steps.
1. Get Nominated
Entrepreneurs must be nominated by March 22, 2018. If you have received an email notifying you of your nomination – congratulations! You can follow the links within the email to take you to the next steps.
If you have not been nominated yet, why not nominate yourself?
Nominations closed
2. Confirm Your Eligibility by Completing Your Intent to Apply Form
All nominees must complete the Intent to Apply form prior to starting their application. This form confirms your eligibility as an official Award Applicant and the information gathered here is a required component of your complete application.
All nominees who successfully complete their Intent to Apply will be emailed a link to the official 2018 Award Application. Remember – we have resources to help you! Be sure to check out our Frequently Asked Questions and Video Tutorials to help you create an award-winning application.
Applications now open.
Are you Eligible to Apply?
Nominees must meet all eligibility criteria in order to apply for the 26th annual RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards. To see if you qualify, please visit our Eligibility Page or email us at [email protected] for more information.
2018 Award Categories
The seven award categories are designed to recognize women entrepreneurs at all levels of growth. Three finalists will be selected for each award category from across the country, each individually representing a region: West, Central, East.
This award recognizes five entrepreneurs who may not meet the criteria for the other awards but who demonstrate incredible potential through their innovative ideas, keen business sense and solid plans for future profitable growth. The award is open to those who have been in business more than 1 but fewer than 3 years.
This award honors entrepreneurs who own and operate small businesses that generate annual revenues of under $1 million. The applicant’s business is in any industry, at any stage and in any region, and must demonstrate a successful growth rate on the micro level.
This award celebrates the achievements of an entrepreneur who, in a minimum of three years and a maximum of five years, has developed her business into one that’s ready for the next level of growth. The recipient has been successful in building a profitable business since its inception, and can share a comprehensive and sustainable business plan.
This entrepreneur has successfully capitalized on opportunities to deliver 10% or more growth, year-over-year for three years or more. Through expanded management, empowered employees, and demonstrated excellence, she has created a flexible and responsive business that is able to adapt to changing market environments and leverage opportunities for continued growth.
Awarding an exceptional leader of a registered charity or not-for-profit that is dedicated to social change. Applicants have garnered extraordinary support from the community by being champions for philanthropy and volunteerism in Canada.
This entrepreneur is a true trendsetter. She has recognized a new market, product, service, technological advancement or opportunity and led the way. She has demonstrated outstanding leadership within her company and her market and she has set standards for originality, quality and successful management.
Through timely innovation, strategic thinking and smart execution, the recipient of this award has built and managed one or more successful businesses over a period of 10 years. With a proven track record of growth, profitability, and industry leadership, this entrepreneur’s exploits have generated an uncommon degree of economic growth, and she has shown to possess the drive, managerial acumen and leadership traits that others aspire to have.
Call for Nominations: CLOSED Nomination Deadline: March 22, 2018 Application Deadline: May 18, 2018 Finalist Announcement: September 19, 2018 Awards Gala: November 21, 2018
“My mandate is to redefine the collar, blue. I want to change the answer to “what do you want to be when you grow up?” and make the skilled trades industry sexy. Being recognized by the incredible Women of Influence community will take me one big step closer to realizing this vision.”
“Being a finalist has been amazing exposure for me and My Little Chickpea Gourmet Foods, shining a light on our mission and successes, as well as becoming part of an go-getter network of other female entrepreneurs. It is such an honour to be recognized.”
“When I reflect back to when I first started my business, I was just a girl with a dream trying to fill an unmet need in a time starved society. Being recognized as a finalist by the Women of Influence has provided me with a new level of motivation & inspiration that will allow me to propel my business to the next level.”
Saje Natural Wellness was born when Kate decided to combine her passion for retail with her mission to alleviate the chronic pain symptoms experienced by her husband. She’s now inspiring global wellness with over 50 stores throughout Canada and the United States, offering 100%-natural products that help the body detoxify and recover from the elements’ harmful effects.
Jean Blacklock grew up in Saskatchewan, where she graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with degrees in Commerce and in Law. She then became a partner at a major law firm in Calgary and later joined BMO Financial Group as an executive in wealth management. Her last role at BMO was managing wealth services for BMO Harris Private Banking and as COO of BMO Trust Company. What’s she up to today? Running one of Toronto’s most popular cupcakeries, Prairie Girl Bakery.
