Businesswoman of
the Year Awards

Women's Business Network

The Women's Business Network (WBN) is a volunteer-run organization that empowers businesswomen to achieve success on their own terms by providing development opportunities, fostering valuable connections, and facilitating member success through business and career growth. WBN's membership includes entrepreneurs, professionals, and corporate executives within the private and public sectors. The Women's Business Network organizes the largest women award celebrations of the capital region, The Businesswoman of the Year Awards (BYAs).

Businesswoman of the Year Awards

Since 1983, the Businesswoman of the Year Awards (BYAs) has recognized outstanding women's achievements, professional expertise, and leadership in the National Capital Region. As women increase their presence in the workplace and play more diverse roles in our community, the BYAs continue to evolve. The BYAs celebrate eight categories of winners such as Entrepreneur Leader, Enterprise Leader, Community Impact Award and Lifetime Achievement Award. This aligns with WBN's core purpose to support and promote women's business success in Ottawa.

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 winner by applying a weighted point system that ensures fairness and consistency. If you are interested in becoming a Selection Committee member, please contact us at info@womensbusinessnetwork.ca.

Call out for Nominations

The BYA's Nominations Committee will contact the nominee to confirm their nomination acceptance. If you are unsure of the category best suited for the nominee, please select the best representation category. The nominee will have the opportunity to adjust the category selection at the next phase.

The deadline for nominations is May 29th, 2023

All questions can be directed to the BYA's Nominations Committee at: byanominations@womensbusinessnetwork.ca

The Awards

Entrepreneurial Leader Award

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 three (3) categories for Entrepreneurial Leader based on the number of years in business

• Start-up (greater than 1 year but less than 3 years)
• Emerging Entrepreneur (greater than 3 years but less than 7 years)
• Established Entrepreneur (7+ years)

To be eligible for consideration for the Businesswoman of the Year, individuals must:

1. Live or work within fifty-five (55) kilometres of Ottawa Centre as the crow flies
2. Self-identify as a woman
3. Must be a founder of her business or be a significant* equity stakeholder in her business and actively involved in running the business

The criteria used to assess nominees in the Entrepreneurial Leader category are business acumen, leadership, product/service quality, corporate citizenship, bio, and overall presentation.

* Significant equity stakeholder is a businesswoman with a majority of the control over the business and/or the majority contributor to the business.

Enterprise Leader Award

This enterprise leader is a person that works for-profit organization, not-for-profit organization, non-governmental organization, social enterprise, registered charity, or foundation. They display exceptional leadership attributes and positively impact their environment. Their vision and leadership impact the organization financially, in organizational strategy, productivity, motivation of staff, business development, customer/client care and leadership. This person is driving innovation in the industry, making significant contributions to the community, or making a substantial difference in their field.

There are three (3) categories for Enterprise Leader based on the length of time in their profession:

• Drive Leader (within the profession for 1 - 7 years)
• Accomplished leader (within the profession for more than 7 years)

To be eligible for consideration for the Businesswoman of the Year, individuals must:

1. Live or work within a fifty-five (55) kilometres radius of Ottawa Centre
2. Self-identify as a woman

The criteria used to assess nominees in the Enterprise Leader category are business acumen, leadership, mentorship and community

Lifetime Achievement Award

This winner has earned the recognition and respect of their peers in their field and the

community. They are an extraordinary person who leads by example and inspires others to become better versions of themselves. Through their courage, confidence, commitment, and integrity, they significantly impact their field and community.

To be eligible for consideration for the Businesswoman of the Year, individuals must:

1. Live or work within fifty-five (55) kilometres of Ottawa Centre as the crow flies
2. Self-identify as a woman

The criteria used to assess nominees for the Lifetime Achievement Award are service and mentorship, community involvement, leadership, program development, publications, professionalism, bio, and overall presentation.

Community Impact Award

This is defined as someone who volunteers their time to effect positive change in their organization and/or community. They recognize the importance of diversity, strive to increase equity to create a level playing field for under-represented groups, and create an atmosphere where all people can be their authentic selves. This could include active fundraising efforts, regularly mentoring or teaching others on a volunteer basis, leading, creating one or more social initiatives, or spending a significant amount of time making a positive impact through social programs.

To be eligible for consideration for the Businesswoman of the Year, individuals must:

1. Live or work within fifty-five (55) kilometres of Ottawa Centre as the crow flies
2. Self-identify as a woman

The criteria used to assess nominees for the Community Impact Award are community participation, community contributions, leadership, bio, and overall presentation.