[1]Women of Influence Inc. [2] has selected finalists for the 2011 RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards [1] (CWEA). All finalists will be honoured at the 19thAnnual Awards Gala – hosted by Diane Francis, editor-at-large for the National Post – on November 28, 2011 at the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto.
The RBC CWEA recognizes women entrepreneurs from across Canada who make impressive contributions to the local, Canadian or global economy. Nominees share a strong entrepreneurial vision and a relentless passion in pursing their dreams. The award series will recognize business women from three major regions across Canada: east, central and west.
“RBC is proud to honour this group of extraordinary women who have shown passion, discipline and perseverance in their quest for business excellence,” says Andrea Bolger, head, Business Financial Services, RBC. “The number of female entrepreneurs now represents more than half of all small business owners in Canada – it is inspiring to see this growth.”
The 2011 RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Award Finalists are:
The Deloitte Start-Up Award
West: Tara Kelly, Splice Software Incorporated
Central: Jenny Munford – Creative Bube Tube
East: Melanie Lang – Nakai
HKMB Hub Impact Award
West: Shannon Bowen-Smed – Bowen Workforce Solutions Inc.
Central: Kim Rudd- Willis College – Cobourg
RBC Momentum Award
West: Munira Jivraj – Millennium Dental
Central: Gloria Rajkumar – SIMAC Canada Inc.
East: Michele Leduc – ZIP Communication
TPH Sustainability Award
West: Susanna Carson – BSI Biodegradable Solutions
Central: Kristen Ma & Jean Eng – Pure + Simple
East: Earlene Busch – Chantrelle Country Inn.
Bell Trailblazer Award
West: Diane Johnson – Descriptive Video Works Inc.
Central: Gabrielle Chevalier – Solutions 2 Go Inc.
East: Christine Lagace – L2i Solutions Financiers
PROFIT Award for Excellence in Entrepreneurship
West: Betty Anne Latrace – Henderson Airline Hotels
Central: Ellen Kral – Kenilworth Publishing Inc. & Kenilworth Media Inc.
East: Lisa Bourdreau – Caper Gas
Over 3,000 women entrepreneurs were nominated for the Awards, the highest number of nominations since the creation of the program. Candidates were required to complete a thorough application; a prominent Canadian judging panel of business leaders reviewed all qualifying applications. Following the due diligence process completed by Deloitte’s Private Client Services, the winners will be selected by the judges.
“We are proud to celebrate the most inspiring women entrepreneurs in Canada,” said Carolyn Lawrence, president and CEO, Women of Influence Inc. “By recognizing them at the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Award Gala, we hope to build their success, provide exposure for Canada’s diverse array of entrepreneurial talent, and provide more female role models for future leaders.”