Entrepreneurial Leader
This entrepreneurial leader is defined as organizing and operating a business or group of companies, taking on financial risks. In this category, nominees must be actively involved in running the business. The business is showing strong growth or profitability with a sustainable business model.
There are two (2) categories for Entrepreneurial Leader
based on the number of years in business:
Emerging Entrepreneurial
has been in business for 3 to 10 years
Established Leader
has been in business for 11+ years
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for consideration for the Businesswoman of the Year, individuals must:
- Live and work within fifty-five (55) kilometers radius of Ottawa Centre
- Self-identify as a woman
Additionally:
- She must be active in a business registered as a sole proprietorship or corporation.
- Her business must have been financially stable in the last fiscal year. This means being profitable and expected to remain in operation into the foreseeable future. A minimum of 2 fiscal years must have been completed.
- She must currently own majority shares in the company.
- She must hold the most senior executive title and/or be the chief decision-maker.
- She must be the founder of the business and/or have had a significant impact on the company if acquired.
The criteria used to assess nominees in the Entrepreneurial Leader category are business acumen, leadership, product/service quality, corporate citizenship, biography, and overall presentation.
Nominations close April 10, 2026
Selection Committee
The Businesswoman of the Year Awards selects reputable members of the Ottawa business community to assess nominees. The Selection Committee members play an important role in selecting the recipient by applying a weighted point system that ensures fairness and consistency.
If you are interested in becoming a Selection Committee member, please fill out a contact form on our Committee page.
Nominate Your Colleague
Do you know a female innovator, leader and visionary who lives and works in the NCR?
Recognize her achievements by nominating her for a BYA award.
