OTTAWA – March 5, 2014 – Startup Canada (www.startupcan.ca) will recognize the movers and shakers of Canada’s entrepreneurship movement with a new awards program. The Startup Canada Awards will distinguish the individuals, communities, organizations and institutions in Canada that have demonstrated innovation, excellence, impact and outstanding achievement in advancing Canadian entrepreneurship.
“Starting a company is a difficult task; entrepreneurs need a variety of elements to be successful including mentorship, encouragement, talented people, funding and a network of contacts,” said Victoria Lennox, CEO of Startup Canada. “It is important to recognize and celebrate those working to advance entrepreneurship in Canada; increase awareness of the importance of strengthening Canada’s entrepreneurship ecosystem and culture; and, elevate the ambitions of the Canadian entrepreneurial community.”
Nominations and applications for the following awards will be accepted until April 12 at 5.00pm EST:
- Entrepreneurial Effect Award
- Startup Community Award
- Most Entrepreneurial Post-Secondary Institution
- Anchor Company of the Year
- Incubator of the Year
- Accelerator of the Year
- Professional Services Company of the Year
- Government Organization of the Year
- Non-Profit Support Organization of the Year
- Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Builder of the Year
- Entrepreneur Mentor of the Year
- Investor of the Year
- Entrepreneurship Educator of the Year
- Media Person of the Year
- Youngest Entrepreneur Award
- Third-Age Entrepreneur Award
- Lifetime Achievement Award
Regional semi-finalists will be announced in May at ceremonies in Vancouver, Calgary, London, Montreal and Halifax. Final awards will be presented on June 12 at the CN Tower in Toronto. All events will feature an awards ceremony, red carpet reception and a VIP Wolf Blass wine-tasting lounge.
Entrepreneurs and Enterprising Canadians are invited to submit nominations and applications until April 12. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to be part of the adjudication process by making comments and sharing their opinions the awards website. These comments will be taken into consideration by an adjudication panel of well-known Canadian entrepreneurs.
Please visit www.startupaward.ca for award descriptions and to submit your nomination or application today! Contact press@startupcan.ca for interviews and inquiries.
About Startup Canada
Startup Canada, as the voice of entrepreneurs, leads Canada’s grassroots effort to build a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem that will fuel economic prosperity from coast to coast.
Since 2012, Startup Canada has launched 20 Startup Communities, built a network of more than 60,000 Canadians, worked with 400 partner organizations and 300 volunteers, and has become a leading catalyst in the global entrepreneurship movement as the secretariat of the Startup Nations and the founding investor in Startup Generation. To find out more, visit www.startupcan.ca.