1. Purpose
RPA Women Entrepreneur Awards
Nomination Policy and Process
The RPA Women Entrepreneur Awards (RPA-WEA) recognize and celebrate the outstanding
achievements of women entrepreneurs across Canada who demonstrate excellence, innovation, leadership, and meaningful impact in their respective industries.
The primary objective of the RPA-WEA is to economically empower women and promote their active participation in decision-making—personally, professionally, and in their business operations.
Additionally, the award aims to enhance the visibility of the entrepreneur’s products and services, increase brand awareness, and build trust and credibility within the business community.
This award will highlight the success stories of nominees and winners to inspire other women and girls to pursue entrepreneurship.
There are no fees required at any stage of the process—nominations, evaluations, or receiving the award. This award is granted entirely free of charge to the recipient in recognition of their accomplishments and success.
2. Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for nomination, candidates must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Business Ownership: The business must be at least 51% female-owned, incorporated, and with the nominee actively involved in day-to-day operations.
- Business Age: The business must have been in operation for a minimum of three full years as of January 1, 2025.
- Location: The business must be legally registered and operating within
- Compliance: The business must comply with all tax filing requirements and adhere to relevant laws, regulations, and ethical business practices.
- Business Size: The business must have at least one employee other than the owner-operator and annual sales of at least $250,000.
- Profitability: The business must be profitable and maintain a going concern
- Nominee’s Age: The nominee must be at least 21 years of
3. Excluded Business Categories
The following types of businesses are not eligible:
- Franchise businesses
- Non-profit and charitable organizations
- Businesses involved in illegal or unethical activities
4. Award Categories
Nominations are welcome in the following categories:
- Business Entrepreneur Award: For women entrepreneurs who have successfully launched and grown a promising venture, demonstrating notable innovation and business Three awards will be given in this category.
- Professional Entrepreneur Award: For a professional woman who has made outstanding
contributions to her field through innovative practices, leadership, or service excellence. Eligible professions include, but are not limited to, practicing accountants, lawyers, engineers, health professionals, insurance professionals, and real estate brokers. Two awards will be given in this category.
5. Nomination Process
- Submission: Nominations may be submitted by a third party or through self-nomination using the official form available HERE.
- Nomination Period: The nomination window is open from Wednesday, May 28, 2025, to Friday, August 1, 2025, at midnight. Late entries will not be accepted.
- Required Documentation:
- Completed nomination form
- Detailed biography of the nominee
- A summary of the nominee’s business story, including key achievements and challenges overcome in day-to-day operations
6. Selection Process
- Initial Screening: The RPA Women Entrepreneur Awards Selection Committee will conduct a preliminary review to verify the eligibility and completeness of each application.
- Application Review: The Selection Committee will thoroughly assess eligible applications, verify the information provided, and prepare a shortlist of candidates.
- Final Evaluation: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview with the President of RPA Winners will be selected based on the overall merit of the nomination and the
outcome of the interview.
7. Confidentiality
All submitted information will remain confidential and will be used solely for the purpose of award evaluation by the RPA-WEA Selection Committee.
8. Notification
Winners will be officially announced on Tuesday, September 30, 2025. The award presentation will take place during the Small Business Week Celebrations on Saturday, October 25, 2025.
Attendance at the Gala is mandatory; winners must be present in person to receive their award.
- Contact Information
For questions and further information regarding the nomination process, please contact:
Alejandro Velez, Office Manager
Tel: 416-350-8145Email: info@rpacanada.org
Disclaimer:
All nominations are accepted without discrimination based on religion, race, colour, or sexual orientation, provided they meet the minimum eligibility requirements outlined above.