2025 Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards
September 10, 2025
The call for nominations for the 2025 Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards is now open!
The City of Ottawa is pleased to announce the 13th Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards – an annual awards program that celebrates the remarkable achievements of Ottawa’s immigrant entrepreneurs. Hosted in partnership with TiEOttawa the awards acknowledge the business success of select individuals who were born outside of Canada and who now make Ottawa their home.
By highlighting the achievements of immigrant entrepreneurs, we aim to celebrate diversity, promote inclusivity, and showcase the value newcomers bring to our society and economy. The Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards serve as a platform to honor these leaders, providing them with recognition and inspiring future generations to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.
Do you know an immigrant to Canada who deserves to be recognized for their contributions? Nominate an entrepreneur today and join us in celebrating the accomplishments of immigrant entrepreneurs from all walks of life. Together, let's champion their achievements and inspire a new generation of success stories.
Categories for 2025
As the name of the award suggests, we are looking for nominees who embody the entrepreneurial spirit and have contributed to Ottawa’s economy and its entrepreneurial culture. Last year’s edition of the Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards brought two distinctive award categories, each honoring a unique entrepreneurial journey. We are pleased to announce that those categories are returning for 2025:
1. The Immigrant Entrepreneur Award:
This category pays tribute to those visionary individuals who have successfully established and grown their businesses through hard work, perseverance, and innovation. It recognizes the contributions of immigrants who have embraced the spirit of entrepreneurship and have made a significant impact in their respective industries.
Eligibility Criteria: Any entrepreneur born outside of Canada who now makes Ottawa their home, for their considerable contribution to the Ottawa economy and the city’s entrepreneurial culture.
2. The Youth Immigrant Entrepreneur Award:
This category shines a spotlight on promising young newcomers who have recently embarked on their entrepreneurial journey. It celebrates their passion, creativity, and potential to become future industry leaders. By acknowledging these rising stars, we aim to provide them with the encouragement needed to flourish in their chosen fields.
Eligibility Criteria: Any entrepreneur aged 15-25 (as of August 1, 2025) born outside of Canada who now makes Ottawa their home, for their considerable contribution to the Ottawa economy and the city’s entrepreneurial culture. Nominees must have a demonstrated record of accomplishment of success with a business that has been in operation for at least 18 months.
We invite you to nominate immigrant entrepreneurs who embody the spirit of these award categories. Whether they have established a successful business, are embarking on a promising venture, or have achieved sustained excellence, this is an opportunity to recognize their contributions and share their inspiring stories.
Using the form provided below, we would like to invite you to nominate individuals from the local community to be recognized for their business success and contribution to the Ottawa economy in one of the above categories.
The deadline for nominations is Wednesday, October 8. Please ensure that the information provided in the form is complete and accurate. To ensure fairness, only one nomination per nominee will be accepted. References may be contacted to verify information provided.
Winners of the 2025 Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards will be announced at a special event held in partnership with TiEOttawa on Friday, November 7. Check back for updates!
The City of Ottawa thanks all entrepreneurs for their nominations and contributions and looks forward to this year’s 2025 Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards.
For more information regarding the Ottawa Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards, email: entrepreneur@ottawa.ca