How Does the Award Process Work?

Applying for the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards is a three-step process.

  1. Get Nominated: Entrepreneurs must be nominated by April 14, 2026. If you have received an email notifying you of your nomination, congratulations. Follow the links in the email to begin the next steps.
  2. Confirm Your Eligibility: All nominees must complete the Eligibility Confirmation Form before starting their formal application. This form confirms your eligibility as an official award applicant and is a required part of the complete application process. A link to the form will be included in your nomination confirmation email.
  3. Submit Your Formal Application: Nominees who successfully complete the Eligibility Confirmation Form will receive a link to the official Award Application. To help you create an award-winning application, please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions.

Am I Eligible to Apply?

To be eligible, nominees must meet the following requirements:

  1. Business or organization leadership: The nominee must be the leader of a non-profit or a business registered as a sole proprietorship or corporation for three full years as of April 30, 2026.*
  2. Financial performance or stability: The business must have been profitable in the last fiscal year. For registered charities, not-for-profits, and social enterprises, this means being financially stable and meeting all applicable spending quotas.
  3. Ownership: The nominee must currently own shares in the company.**
  4. Executive leadership: The nominee must hold the most senior executive title and/or be the chief decision maker.
  5. Founder or significant contributor: The nominee must be the founder of the business and/or have had a significant impact on the company if acquired. Nominees applying to the Social Change Award must demonstrate how they have had a significant impact as the leader of the organization.

* Not applicable to nominees applying for the Ones to Watch Award.
** Not applicable to nominees applying for the Social Change Award.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about nominations, eligibility, applications, and the awards process.

Why is profitability required?

To maintain the credibility and rigour of the Awards, applicants must demonstrate a well-rounded and financially sustainable business. For most categories, this includes profitability in the last fiscal year. For charities, non-profits, and social enterprises, this means financial stability and meeting applicable spending quotas.

What if my business has been operating for fewer than three years?

Most categories require businesses to have been operating for three full years as of April 30, 2026. This requirement does not apply to the Ones to Watch Award, which is open to eligible applicants who have been in business for more than one year but fewer than three years.

Are non-profits and social enterprises eligible?

Yes. Registered charities, non-profits, foundations, and social enterprises are eligible for the Social Change Award categories.

What if I am not the founder?

If you purchased or acquired the business, you may still qualify. Your application should clearly demonstrate how your leadership has significantly contributed to the company’s growth, success, or transformation.

Are franchises eligible?

Franchisors are eligible to apply. Franchisees are not eligible, as they are not considered founders of the original business concept or structure.

Can I nominate myself?

Yes. Entrepreneurs are welcome and encouraged to nominate themselves.

How many people can one person nominate?

A nominator may nominate multiple candidates. However, the same person should not be nominated more than once.

What happens after I am nominated?

Nominees will receive an email with instructions to complete the Eligibility Confirmation Form. Once eligibility is confirmed, eligible nominees will receive a link to the formal application.

Can I apply to more than one category?

No. Applicants may apply to one category only.

How do I choose the right award category?

Review the award category descriptions and select the category that best reflects your business stage, leadership, achievements, and area of strongest impact. Women of Influence is not able to recommend a category, in order to remain an unbiased supporter of the process.

Why is financial information required?

Financial information helps judges assess business performance and sustainability. All submitted information is treated confidentially and is only reviewed by authorized individuals involved in the evaluation process.

Who reviews the applications?

Applications are reviewed by independent judging committees made up of experienced business leaders and professionals. Judge names are not released until after judging is complete.

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