Businesswoman of
the Year Awards
About the BYAs
The Businesswoman of the Year Awards (BYAs) celebrate the business achievements, professional expertise & leadership of outstanding women in the National Capital Region and are presented to recipients in the categories of Entrepreneurial Leader, Enterprise Leader, Lifetime Achievement Award, and Community Impact Award.
For more information about the BYA's visit thebyas.ca
There is no limit to what women can accomplish
Our Awards
ENTREPRENEURIAL LEADER
Presented to women who organize and operate a business or group of companies, and who take on financial risks.
ENTERPRISE LEADER
Awarded to women working for for-profit, not-for-profit, non-governmental organizations, social enterprises, charity, or a foundation.
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Presented to women who have earned recognition and respect, and who have had a significant, positive impact on their field and community.
COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD
Awarded to women who volunteer their time to effect positive change in their organization and/or community.
ENTERPRENEURIAL LEADER
OVERVIEW
For women who organize and operate a business or group of companies, taking on financial risks. There are three (3) categories for Entrepreneurial Leader based on the number of years in business: 1. Start-up (greater than 1 year but less than 3 years); 2. Emerging Entrepreneur (greater than 3 years but less than 7 years); 3. Established Entrepreneur (7+ years).
OVERVIEW
To be eligible for consideration for the Businesswoman of the Year, individuals must:
- Live or work within fifty-five (55) kilometres of Ottawa Centre as the crow flies
- Self-identify as a woman
- be a founder of her business or be a significant* equity stakeholder in her business and actively involved in running the business
ENTERPRISE LEADER
OVERVIEW
This enterprise leader 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 based on the length of time in their profession: 1. Rising Star (within the profession for 1–5 years); 2. Innovation Champion (within the profession for 5–10 years); 3. Accomplished leader (within the profession for more than ten years).
Criteria
To be eligible for consideration for the Businesswoman of the Year, individuals must:
- Live or work within fifty-five (55) kilometres radius of Ottawa Centre
- Self-identify as a woman
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
OVERVIEW
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.
Criteria
To be eligible for consideration for the Businesswoman of the Year, individuals must:
- Live or work within fifty-five (55) kilometres of Ottawa Centre as the crow flies
- Self-identify as a woman
COMMUNITY IMPACT
OVERVIEW
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.
Criteria
To be eligible for consideration for the Businesswoman of the Year, individuals must:
- Live or work within fifty-five (55) kilometres of Ottawa Centre as the crow flies
- Self-identify as a woman
Join the BYA Committees
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.
* Significant equity stakeholder is a businesswoman with a majority of the control over the business and/or the majority contributor to the business.
2022 recipients
Heidi Hauver
VP, People Experience, Shinydocs
Lisa Flanders
Co-Founder, Bloom Integrative Health & Movement Centre Inc.
Shannon Ferguson
Co-Founder and CEO, FanSaves Inc.
Roxanne Whiting
Co-Owner, Sign Language Interpreting Associates Ottawa Inc.
Piriya Yoganathan
Biotherapeutics Manufacturing Centre, The Ottawa Hospital
Solange Tuyishime
President, Elevate International
Louise Summers
Regional Vice President Ottawa Central, RBC Royal Bank
Lorraine McKay
Co-Founder and Chief of Talent Solutions, Human Resource Systems Group
Our Gala
The BYAs Gala shines the spotlight on incredibly accomplished and inspiring women from Ottawa’s business community. Join us Thursday, September 21, 2023 at the Infinity Convention Centre (2901 Gibford Drive, Ottawa). Dress code is formal.
BYA Nomination Process
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.
All questions can be directed to the BYA's Nominations Committee at: byanominations@womensbusinessnetwork.ca
2023 BYA Sponsors
Become a sponsor here