Indigenous Women Entrepreneur Award

Category Details

General Nomination Information
To be eligible for this category:

a) The nominee must have been nominated by an Indigenous Financial Institution.

b) Provide a complete description of the business activities and demonstrate how the nominee meets the full selection criteria.

c) Provide a description of ownership structure, business and website address, number of years in operation, and number of employees.

d) The business should demonstrate a commitment to Indigenous wealth creation and community values. Nominations are encouraged to provide a brief statement explaining how the business aligns with these values.

e) Provide financial information verified by the IFI that nominated the business that details total revenues, expenses, and profit/(loss).

f) Supporting documents must be provided where requested. This includes testimonials, award certificates, reference letters, media coverage, resumé, etc.

The deadline for nominations is February 20, 2026.

Proof of Indigeneity

Proof of Indigeneity is required in order to be considered an Indigenous business/organization/individual and verification process will be undertaken. Indigenous business owners, directors of Indigenous companies, and in the case of cooperatives – voting members, must provide evidence of Indigenous identity as demonstrated by one of the following:

First Nation Certificate of Indian Status, Secure Indian Status Card and First Nation Citizenship Cards issued by

• First Nation as listed on the official Government of Canada website

• Modern Treaty Holders and Self-Governing First Nations in Canada as listed on the official Government of Canada website

• Indigenous Services Canada

Inuit Beneficiary Cards issued by:

• Nunavut Land Claim Agreement (Nunavut)

• Inuvialuit Final Agreement (Northwest Territories)

• Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement (Nunatsiavut)

• James Bay Northern Quebec Agreement (Nunavik)

Métis Citizenship Cards issued by:

• Métis National Council affiliates (Métis Nation of Alberta, Métis Nation of British Columbia, Métis Nation of Ontario and Métis Nation of Saskatchewan)

• Manitoba Métis Federation

• Alberta Métis Settlement

• Northwest Territory Métis Nation

Non-Status Indians must be verified through:

• First Nation recognition of the individual under the First Nation's own Citizenship / Membership Code as verified by the First Nation Membership/Citizenship Clerk.

• Verification in writing of recognized biological lineage to the community from an elected leader of the First Nation along with the Membership/Citizenship Clerk of the First Nation.

Self-identification without proof of Indigeneity as listed above will not be accepted or recognized.

Nomination Form

Business Profile

Nominee Business Name

Nominee First and Last Name

Nominee Business Email

Nominee Business Phone

Nominee Business Website

Criteria

Please, identify the Indigenous heritage.

Age Group

I acknowledge that ALL the following criteria is met for this business:

This business is owned (51% or more) by a woman of Indigenous heritage.
This business owned by a woman that is 18 years of age or older
The woman entrepreneur has been substantially involved in the day-to-day management and operation of the business for a minimum of two (2) years.

Yes No

Legal Status

Sole-proprietorship

Partnership

Incorporated

Community

Years in operation

How many employees does this business employ?

See Appendix #1 for further information

Does this business owner have a reputation for integrity and a high level of customer service and have excellent relationships with employees and others in the Indigenous business community? (Please describe)

Does this business achieve consistent employment and profitability? (Please describe)

Does the business demonstrate excellence in a particular field? (ex: marketing, sales, promotion, technology, growth, customer satisfaction, product development, etc.) (Please describe)

Does the business demonstrate leadership though supporting the community or business-related activities? (Please describe)

Describe the business and why it should be selected for this award.

Each Indigenous business should demonstrate a commitment to Indigenous wealth creation and community values. Each nomination is encouraged to provide a brief statement explaining how the nominated business aligns with these values.

Include and attest to the validity of the financial information for the nominated business. Below fill in answers for the latest complete fiscal year:

1. Total Revenue
2. Total Expenses
3. Net Profit / Loss

I acknowledge the Financial Information submitted is a true and accurate reflection of the Nominee's financial position.

Yes No

List and attach any supporting documents that you feel will strengthen the submission. Ex: testimonial, reference letter, award's certificate, media story, résumé, photograph/video, etc.

100 MB per file. Accepted formats: pdf, doc, docx, xls, xlsx, jpg, jpeg, gif, png, webp, mp3, m4a, mov, mp4, mpg, mpeg, webm

Design Credit

Name the company or companies who assisted you in the presentation of your entry. (Separate by commas.)

IFI contact information

First name

Last name

Email address

Phone

Company

Company name

Address

City

Province/state

Postal Code