Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards

The call for nominations for the 2023 Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards is now open!

The City of Ottawa is pleased to announce the 11th Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards – an annual awards program that celebrates the remarkable achievements of Ottawa’s immigrant entrepreneurs. Hosted in partnership with TiE Ottawa as part of its TiE Entrepreunership Summit, the awards acknowledge the business success of select individuals who were born outside of Canada and who now make Ottawa their home, for their considerable contribution to the Ottawa economy.

By highlighting the achievements of immigrant entrepreneurs, we aim to celebrate diversity, promote inclusivity, and showcase the immense value newcomers bring to our society and economy. The Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards serve as a platform to honor these leaders, providing them with well-deserved recognition and inspiring future generations to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.

Do you know an immigrant to Canada who deserves to be recognized for their contributions? Nominate an exceptional entrepreneur today and join us in celebrating the accomplishments of immigrant entrepreneurs from all walks of life. Together, let's champion their achievements and inspire a new generation of success stories.

New categories for 2023!

As the name of the award suggests, we are looking for nominees who embody the entrepreneurial spirit and have contributed to Ottawa’s economy and its entrepreneurial culture. In our latest edition for 2023, we are excited to introduce two distinctive award categories, each honoring a unique entrepreneurial journey:

1. The Immigrant Entrepreneur Award:

This category pays tribute to those visionary individuals who have successfully established and grown their businesses through hard work, perseverance and innovation. It recognizes the remarkable contributions of immigrants who have embraced the spirit of entrepreneurship and have made a significant impact in their respective industries.

Eligibility Criteria: Any entrepreneur born outside of Canada who now makes Ottawa their home, for their considerable contribution to the Ottawa economy and the city’s entrepreneurial culture.

2. The Youth Immigrant Entrepreneur Award:

This category shines a spotlight on promising young newcomers who have recently embarked on their entrepreneurial journey. It celebrates their passion, creativity, and potential to become future industry leaders. By acknowledging these rising stars, we aim to provide them with the encouragement needed to flourish in their chosen fields.

Eligibility Criteria: Any entrepreneur aged 15-24 (as of August 1, 2023) born outside of Canada who now makes Ottawa their home, for their considerable contribution to the Ottawa economy and the city’s entrepreneurial culture. Nominees must have a demonstrated track record of success with a business that has been in operation for at least 18 months.

We invite you to nominate exceptional immigrant entrepreneurs who embody the spirit of these award categories. Whether they have established a successful business, are embarking on a promising venture, or have achieved sustained excellence, this is an opportunity to recognize their contributions and share their inspiring stories.

Using the form provided below, we would like to invite you to nominate individuals from the local community to be recognized for their business success and contribution to the Ottawa economy in one of the two above categories.

Nomination form 

The deadline for nominations is October 20, 2023.

Winners of the 2023 Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards will be announced at a the TiE Entrepreneurship Summit in partnership with TiE Ottawa on November 10. Check back for updates! 

The City of Ottawa thanks all entrepreneurs for their nominations and contributions and looks forward to this year’s 2023 Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards.

For more information regarding the Ottawa Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards, email: entrepreneur@ottawa.ca

Each year, the City of Ottawa hosts the Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards program. These awards acknowledge the business success of select individuals who were born outside of Canada and who now make Ottawa their home, for their considerable contribution to the Ottawa economy and the city’s entrepreneurial culture.

The process commences with a nomination period – an open call for nominations – that requires the submission of an online questionnaire. All evaluations are reviewed by an evaluation panel who weigh each submission versus identified criteria. Winners are then selected and formally acknowledged at an Awards Ceremony each fall.

Since the inception of the awards in 2012, a total of forty (40) entrepreneurs have been acknowledged with this award.

The most recent edition of the Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards was held Friday, October 28, 2022. Check back in August 2023 for information on the 2023 Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards.

For more information regarding the Ottawa Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards, email: mailto:entrepreneur@ottawa.ca(link opens email application)