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History of the RBC Canadian Woman Entrepreneur Awards
Since 1992, the RBC Canadian Woman Entrepreneur Awards (CWEA) have paid tribute to Canada's most successful female entrepreneurs for their important contributions to the Canadian and global economies as well as to their communities. Each year, a team of 16 national judges, all of whom are successful businesswomen themselves, review the applications and select the winners. In addition, a rigorous due diligence process takes place, including a review of financial statements, site visits and reference checks, before winners are confirmed.
"Judging the applications for this prestigious award offers a glimpse into the exciting variety, overall successes, accomplishments, diversity and ingenuity of Canadian women across the country," says Andrina Lever, Awards Selection Committee representative. "We have the best women entrepreneurs capable of competing anywhere in the world."
One of the most exciting developments over the years has been the growth in size and scope of the businesses these women are operating. Initially, most of the businesses applying for an award were small, but today revenues range from $250,000 to over $500 million. There has also been an increase in the number of female entrepreneurs succeeding in 'non-traditional' industries such as finance, film, construction, oil and gas, and transportation.
To date, over 5,300 women ranging from their early 20's to their mid-80's - from every sector of the economy - have been nominated for these awards, of which 88 have been presented. Last year saw a record 875 nominations. The 2007 awards and winners included:
- Momentum: Connie Clerici, Closing the Gap Healthcare Group, Mississauga, ON
- Start-Up: Kim Shannon, Sionna Investment Managers, Toronto, ON
- Innovation: Cherry Tabb, Herzig Eye Institute, Toronto, ON
- Trailblazer: Nina Gupta, Greenlite Lighting Corporation, Pointe Claire, QC
- Lifetime Achievement: Rita Tsang, Tour East Holidays, Toronto, ON
“Since RBC has had a long-term commitment to help women start and grow their businesses, it is a wonderful opportunity to support these prestigious and always much-anticipated awards once again,” says Rina Pillitteri, Director, Small Business Client Strategy, RBC Financial Group. “We were delighted with the record-high participation of so many women across Canada and look forward to a growing pool of nominees.”
Why RBC Financial Group Sponsors the Awards
- To honour and showcase successful women entrepreneurs across Canadam
- To advance women's business and personal networks
- To provide significant profile and visibility for women and their businesses
- To create additional opportunities for women business owners to actively participate on for-profit and non-profit boards, government committees and/or industry associations
- To increase the number of role models and mentors for all entrepreneurs, both male and female
“We believe that, as Canadians, we have an obligation to support women who are working to achieve their dreams and to improve their communities by helping them to start and run successful businesses,” says Joanne Gordon, Vice President of Media and Entertainment, RBC Royal Bank.
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