THE 2022 CANIE AWARDS
The Canada Innovation & Entrepreneurship Awards—the CANIE Awards—is the Innovators & Entrepreneurs Foundation’s flagship program recognizing excellence in Canadian innovation and entrepreneurship throughout every province and territory across the country.
The CANIE Awards is an incredible opportunity to have your business celebrated! Our Award winners receive $10,000 business grant support in cash, 4 semi-finalists per award category will receive a professionally produced business promotional video, and their businesses will be marketed locally, regionally, and nationally. If you are, or you know a business owner who is deserving of this recognition, we encourage you to apply for one of the awards and this funding opportunity today.
And this year we are thrilled to be planning 3 in-person events as well as a national, virtual gala as part of our celebrations of the diverse and inspiring businesses across this great land.
Note: We accept applicants and nominations for business owners from all recognized Canadian marginalized or underrepresented groups.
The Grand Finale
November 16th, 7 pm ET
2022 CANIE Awards
WINNERs
28 Semi-Finalists
Award 1 – Seniorpreneur Award for Leadership & Innovation
Presented by Arthur J E Child Foundation
Awarded to a business owner who is 55+ and using their experience to succeed in their mission while contributing to their community.
Semi-Finalists
Award 2 – Climate-Related Product Innovator of the Year
Presented by UPS
Awarded for products creating innovative solutions to a real-world problem.
Semi-Finalists
Award 3 – Global Impact Business Owner of the Year
Presented by UPS
Awarded to organizations that have demonstrated outstanding achievement and social impact while scaling international markets.
Semi-Finalists
Award 4 – The 2022 Entrepreneur of the Year
Presented by OWNR
For exceptional leadership and ongoing impact in Canadian entrepreneurship.
Semi-Finalists
Award 5 – Veteran Entrepreneur of the Year
Presented by Prince’s Trust Canada
A celebration of excellence and outstanding achievement in entrepreneurship.
Semi-Finalists
Award 6 – Indigenous Entrepreneur of the Year
Sponsored By Intuit Canada
Celebrating visionary entrepreneurship and innovation.
Semi-Finalists
🏆 Mallory Yawnghwe
Bobbie Racette
Award 7 – Black Entrepreneur of the Year
Presented by Innovators & Entrepreneurs Foundation
For distinction in innovation and business stewardship
Semi-Finalists
Janét Aizenstros
Schedule
Phase 1: Mar 25, 2022 – Jun 13, 2022 (Closed)
- Award 1 – Seniorpreneur Award for Leadership & Innovation
- Award 2 – Climate-Related Product Innovator of the Year
- Award 3 – Global Impact Business Owner of the Year
- Award 4 – The 2022 Entrepreneur of the Year
Phase 2: Jun 13, 2022 – Jul 25, 2022 (Closed)
- Award 5 – Veteran Entrepreneur of the Year
- Award 6 – Indigenous Entrepreneur of the Year
- Award 7 – Black Entrepreneur of the Year
Announcing Semi-Finalists of Phase 1 Categories: Jul 6, 2022
Check out each of our semi-finalists and their businesses Here.
Announcing Semi-Finalists of Phase 2 Categories: August 18, 2022
Check out each of our semi-finalists and their businesses Here.
Does My Business Qualify to Apply?Â
The CANIE Awards are specifically for Canadian entrepreneurs and innovators from racialized communities.
These groups include (but are not exclusive to):
- Immigrants
- Indigenous Peoples
- LGBTQ2S+ communities
- Members of racialized communities
- Canadian Armed Forces Veterans
- Women
- Youth (age 18 to 29)
- Age 55+ New EntrepreneursÂ
*Applicants must have been officially running their business for at least 1 full year.Â
NOTE: The Foundation is committed to extending our work to additional marginalized communities as we continue to grow and scale.
PRESENTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
PRESENTED & SPONSORED BY
EVENT SPONSORS & COMMUNITY ACTIVATORS
Last Year’s Celebrations – 2021 CANIE Awards
The 2021 CANIE Awards celebrated 5 semi-finalists from each of the 7 award categories across Canada. All 35 businesses were awarded a commercial quality video promoting their win, their business, and their entrepreneurial spirit. And at a Grand Finale in November of 2021 we awarded $10,000 to each of the 7 winners to invest in their businesses in whatever way would have the most impact.Â
To watch the semi-finalist and winner’s videos or the grand finale – click here
The 2021 Awards were presented by UPS Canada and the Canada Foundation for Innovation, in partnership with Scotiabank, The Arthur J.E. Child Foundation, NACCA, Startup Canada, CABC, and R+D Creative.
Promoting Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Canada
- Nearly 70% of jobs in Canada are attributable to small businesses. However, half of the owners of enterprises from this segment will retire in the next decade.
- This presents a unique opportunity to encourage Canadian entrepreneurs to build innovative and highly productive enterprises that create new jobs and wealth.
- To maintain and increase prosperity, Canada needs more startups—ambitious, scalable, sustainable businesses that foster economic growth and social development.
- By sharing award recipients’ stories of resilience and success, the CANIE Awards will inspire present and future generations to become leading entrepreneurs with an innovative and global mindset.
Objectives
- Recognize excellence in innovation and entrepreneurship across Canada by celebrating the impressive journeys and achievements of disruptors that contribute every day to the country’s entrepreneurial landscape.
- Build a network of individuals and organizations that share our passion for supporting the Canadian entrepreneurial ecosystem and want to contribute to its future.
- Inspire Canada’s present and future generations to be entrepreneurial innovators by sharing stories of leadership, resilience, disruption, and success in entrepreneurship.
- Promote entrepreneurial mindsets among Canadian youth with workshops on innovation, ideation, and execution.
- Increase awareness of Canada’s entrepreneurship ecosystem and the importance of strengthening our culture of innovation.
- Inspire others to make an impact by telling your story of resilience and legacy.