Empowering Women in Business | 2023 Award Winners:

This award category is dedicated to trailblazing companies empowering women by providing educational and professional development opportunities, funding opportunities such as grants and loans, and valuable networks. These companies enable women to achieve their entrepreneurial dreams by fostering a supportive environment.

BDC

They were honoured for their ongoing programs supporting women entrepreneurs to reach their full potential.

Sandra Odendahl, Senior Vice President of Sustainability and Diversity at BDC, graced the stage. BDC is recognized for their exceptional programs designed to support women entrepreneurs in reaching their full potential. Through educational and professional development opportunities and funding initiatives such as grants and loans, BDC has created a supportive environment that propels women toward their entrepreneurial dreams. The room reverberated with excitement as Odendahl accepted the well-deserved accolade, symbolizing BDC's dedication to empowering women in business.

DMZ

Honoured for their outstanding incubator programming that offers specialized support for women founders, helping to create a more inclusive ecosystem.

Emily Smiley, Director of Partnerships and Investor Relations at the DMZ took the stage. DMZ was honoured for their outstanding incubator programming, which provides specialized support for women founders. DMZ has created a nurturing environment where women can thrive by fostering an inclusive ecosystem and offering tailored resources.

Center for Women in Business

Honoured for stepping up and responding to the needs of women founders during the pandemic by creating specific programming to respond to ever-evolving challenges and opportunities.

Tanya Priske, Executive Director at the Center for Women in Business, stepped onto the stage to accept the award. The Center for Women in Business is recognized for its exceptional response to the needs of women founders during the pandemic. By creating specific programming to address evolving challenges and opportunities, they have empowered women to navigate these unprecedented times.

PARO Centre for Women's Enterprise

Honoured for their dedication to empowering women, supporting small businesses, and promoting economic development across Ontario.

Rosalind Lockyer, Founder and CEO of PARO Centre for Women's Enterprise, graced the stage. PARO Centre for Women's Enterprise was honoured for its remarkable dedication to empowering women, supporting small businesses, and promoting economic development across Ontario. Through their comprehensive initiatives and unwavering support, PARO has become a driving force for women's empowerment.

BDC, DMZ, the Center for Women in Business, and PARO Centre for Women's Enterprise stand out for their unwavering commitment to creating inclusive ecosystems and providing resources that drive women's success. Together, we can foster an environment where women thrive, breaking down barriers and embracing the limitless potential of female entrepreneurship.

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