Nominations open for RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards

For more than three decades, the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards have recognized and celebrated the strides of Canada’s most accomplished, influential, and impactful women. It is the leading women’s awards program in the nation, elevating this group’s important contributions – from economic growth to social change across sectors and industries. They are thrilled to continue to highlight the success stories of the nation’s most impressive entrepreneurs, and to watch as the women in this community continue to unlock new heights of success. It is their honour to do their part to highlight their impact and celebrate their achievements.

Categories

• The Ones to Watch Award might be the best fit for you if the below describes you:
  • Your business has existed for more than one but fewer that three fiscal years
  • Your business projections demonstrate the potential for solid growth over the next 3 years
• The Micro-Business Award might be the best fit for you if the below describes you:
  • Your top line/gross revenue was less than $1 million in the last fiscal year
  • You’ve experienced gains in your business that indicate future potential
  • Access to media coverage, leading women entrepreneurs and business and professional experts would  substantially help your ability to grow
• The Start-Up Award might be the best fit for you if the below describes you:
  • Your business has existed longer than three but fewer than five years
  • You have experienced an above average rate of growth in the first 5 years of business
  • Your future plan for your business is realistic and achievable [ie. Do you have a sustainable business plan?]
• The RBC Momentum Award might be the best fit for you if the below describes you:
  • You have achieved over 10% yearly growth for the last three years [Applicants are required to provide financial statements]
  • You have positioned your business for extraordinary future growth
  • You have expanded or you plan to expand management, your team, and employee base to reflect your continued growth
• The Social Change Award: National Impact might be the best fit for you if the below describes you:
  • You are the leader of a Non-Profit, Non-Governmental Organization, Social Enterprise, Registered Charity or Foundation
  • Your organization’s reach spans across the country and/or internationally. (ie: your organization has national impact or global impact)
  • You have been influential in improving the quality of life your clients or people in the community you serve
  • You are a champion for philanthropy, volunteerism, and social change
• The Social Change Award: Regional Impact might be the best fit for you if the below describes you:
  • You are the leader of a Non-Profit, Non-Governmental Organization, Social Enterprise, Registered Charity or Foundation
  • Your organization’s reach has a local or regional focus (ie: your organization has local impact versus national or global)
  • You have been influential in improving the quality of life your clients or people in the community you serve
  • You are a champion for philanthropy, volunteerism, and social change
• The Innovation Award might be the best fit for you if the below describes you:
  • You have identified and pursued a new market
  • You have captured a niche market or set a new trend
  • You have you demonstrated innovation in growing your business
• The Excellence Award might be the best fit for you if the below describes you:
  • Your entrepreneurial endeavors have generated an uncommon degree of economic benefit [ie: Your business generates in excess of $25 million in revenue per year]
  • You have created multiple successful businesses or run your current business for more than 10 years
  • You have a track record of growth and profitability within your business(es)

Eligibility Criteria

• Basic Criteria:
  • Must be the leader of a non-profit or business registered as a sole proprietorship or corporation for three full years as of April 30, 2025.
  • Her business must have been profitable in the last fiscal year. For registered charities, not-for-profits and social enterprises, this means financially stable and meeting all spending quotas when applicable.
  • She must currently own shares in the company.
  • She must hold the most senior executive title and/or be the chief decision maker.
  • She must be the founder of the business and/or have had a significant impact on the company if acquired. (Nominees applying to the Social Change Award must demonstrate how they’ve had a significant impact as the leader of the organization.)

For more information, visit Women of Influence.