Eligibility for NLOWE’s Entrepreneur of the Year Awards

Review the eligibility criteria below!

Eligibility & Information

NLOWE’s Entrepreneur of the Year Awards recognizes outstanding businesswomen for their achievements in private or public  companies. The award recipients are creating economic prosperity in the province and beyond. These women are using innovative technologies, expanding into new markets, and they are leaders in their fields and respected in their industries. In short, they are the best and the brightest businesswomen in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Eligibility

To be eligible for an Entrepreneur of the Year Award, a nominee must have owned and operated a viable business for a minimum of two full years. All women in business, except where noted below, are eligible for nomination.

A nominee must have ownership of her business(es) at least equal to any of the other majority shareholders. Those who do not own 100 percent of the business must provide detailed information on the remaining shareholders or partners in the business including the percentage owned by each individual and his/her role in the business. Nominee must be responsible for the business(es) day-to-day management and financial performance, and have operating control of the business to be considered for an award.

Nominees will be contacted to determine eligibility and provide additional information.

The following are eligible for awards:

  • Private companies
  • Partnerships
  • Franchisees
  • Previous winners of NLOWE’s Entrepreneur of the Year Awards

The following are NOT eligible for awards:

  • Non-profit organizations
  • Associations
  • Elected officials of municipal, provincial and federal governments
  • NLOWE board members
  • Public Companies
  • Board Companies (owners or managers of companies that are owned wholly or in part by current members of NLOWE’s Board of Directors)

All nominees must be residents of the province of Newfoundland and Labrador and their nominated businesses must be located and operated in the same.

All nominees and the business(es) for which they are nominated must be in good standing with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

    Nominees

    Nominees may be contacted to determine eligibility and to provide additional information.

    Selection

    Finalists will be chosen by a selection committee and contacted for further information and to determine eligibility. All decisions are final and are not subject to review.

    Award recipients will be notified and invited to accept their NLOWE Entrepreneur of the Year Awards Gala at the time of the event.

    Award Recipients

    The Entrepreneur of the Year Awards Gala is one of NLOWE’s highlights of the year! Recipients will be announced at the annual awards gala.

    Press releases will be distributed to local media outlets, and recipients will be the focus of extensive promotion. Past nominees, applicants and winners have found that the awards program has opened new doors for them while generating respect and approval from their peers and customers.

    NLOWE Entrepreneurial Award Categories

    Award recipients are chosen based on contributions to the provincial economy and communities—their use of innovative technology and expansion into new markets. In addition, they are respected for their promotion of diverse leadership and overall impact on the Newfoundland and Labrador business community. Each year the award recipients are profiled in the Winter issue of The Advisor and honoured at the awards gala.

     

    The Eight Categories Are:

    Changemaker

    The Changemaker Award honors an exceptional woman entrepreneur who has demonstrated visionary leadership, innovation, and a relentless drive to create meaningful change through her business and community. This award recognizes a woman, who not only builds a successful business, but also uses her platform to break barriers, inspire others, and drive positive change whether through social entrepreneurship, sustainability, diversity, or advocacy.

     

    Economic Impact

    This award celebrates a women entrepreneur who demonstrates exceptional innovation, leadership, and resilience in their businesses, all while making a remarkable contribution to the economic growth and sustainability of Newfoundland and Labrador. By creating local jobs, fostering innovation, and driving community development, this entrepreneur has significantly strengthened the economic foundation of the province while championing local resources and opportunities.

    Leadership

    This award recognizes a woman entrepreneur who goes beyond building a successful business. She is a dedicated advocate for gender equity and the advancement of women in entrepreneurship and leadership. This award honors a leader who actively supports, empowers, and inspires women in business through mentorship, advocacy, policy influence and community engagement. Eligibility for this award would be open to current or former women entrepreneurs.

    Momentum

    The Momentum Award recognizes a woman entrepreneur who has successfully built and grown a business within one-to-three-year timeframe, demonstrating significant growth, innovation, and leadership in her industry. This award celebrates a business that has achieved key milestones early in their journey, showing resilience, adaptability, and strong market impact. The recipient has effectively navigated challenges, seized opportunities, and positioned her business for long-term success.

    Rising Star (formerly Young Entrepreneur)

    The Rising Star Award recognizes a young entrepreneur, aged 35 years or younger as of March 31 of this year, and has owned and operated a profitable business for at least two years. This entrepreneur is making a significant impact through their business ventures, advocacy, or community involvement. This individual not only demonstrates entrepreneurial spirit but also serves as a role model for the next generation.

    Trailblazer

    The Trailblazer Award recognizes a pioneering business owner who has shattered barriers and set new standards of excellence in their industry. This bold innovator has forged new paths, transforming their field and inspiring others to push the boundaries of what’s possible. Her impact not only elevates her own success but also paves the way for future generations of entrepreneurs.

    Trendsetter

    The Trendsetter Award celebrates a woman entrepreneur whose business thrives on innovation and creativity, redefining industry standards through groundbreaking operations and marketing strategies. This visionary leader sets the pace, challenges conventions, and inspires others by shaping trends and driving change throughout the province.

    Entrepreneurial Excellence

    The Entrepreneurial Excellence Award honors a woman entrepreneur who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and vision by successfully owning and operating her business for a minimum of ten years as of March 31 of the award year. This award recognizes her significant contributions to the economy through consistent business growth, job creation, and industry leadership. This award celebrates a leader whose entrepreneurial spirit and accomplishments serve as an inspiration, reflecting the power of perseverance, creativity, and a commitment to making a meaningful difference.