Alberta Women Entrepreneurs Announces Finalists for the 2023 AWE Awards

Recognizing Exceptional Women Entrepreneurs in Alberta

Edmonton, AB – We at Alberta Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) are thrilled to recognize the finalists for our 2023 AWE Awards and celebrate their achievements with our partners and fellow entrepreneurs.This annual event showcases the strength, innovation, and resilience of women who are driving economic growth and making a significant impact on the community.

We are pleased to announce our Awards Celebration on September 26th will be emceed by Nancy Carlson, CBC Edmonton’s News at 6 anchor. Our Red Carpet Nominee Reception begins at 5:30, and acknowledges all the women entrepreneurs who were nominated by their community and peers. This will be an opportunity for partners to connect with business owners before we enter the main room to commence the Awards Celebration where we will acknowledge our finalists, unveil the Award Recipients, and award this year’s Celebration of Achievement Recipient, Milena Radakovic, Owner and President of Nexus Exhibits LTD.

“Since 2012, our awards have celebrated the remarkable achievements of women entrepreneurs in Alberta. With the support of AWE, women entrepreneurs have been provided with the capital, connections, and capacity they need to achieve their goals. We applaud not just the accomplishments, but the resilience that fuels innovation and economic diversity.”

- Marcela Mandeville, CEO Alberta Women Entrepreneurs

The finalists have been selected in three distinct categories:

Emerging Entrepreneur:

Jennifer Keith, JustCook Kitchens Inc. o/a EPIC
Tiffany & Melissa Petite, Virtuous Circle Counselling LTD.
Jamie Minshull, LandCo Earthworks & Consulting

Upsurge Entrepreneur:

Katie Phillips, Tricon Solutions Inc.
Tara Proskiw, Towne & Countree Kitchens
Katie Ekroth, Walsh Real Estate 2010 LTD. o/a 20|20 Management

Indigenous Entrepreneur:

Tanis Simpson, Qiviut Inc.
Kristina Botelho, kb&co
Beatrice Floch, Spirit Employment & Training Edmonton Inc.

The selection process was highly competitive, with a panel of esteemed judges evaluating each nominee based on their business acumen, innovation, growth potential, and commitment to community development. The caliber of nominations received reflects the remarkable diversity and depth of talent among women entrepreneurs in Alberta.

"W by ATB is thrilled to partner and celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of women business owners and leaders. Everyday, we work with tremendous women business leaders who contribute significantly to Alberta's economy, and we celebrate all of the finalists. Your work is inspirational to the community and we wish you continued success. "

- Nikki Briggs, Head of W by ATB

The winners in each category will be announced at the 2023 AWE Awards Celebration, scheduled to take place on September 26th. This event will bring together industry leaders, government representatives, fellow entrepreneurs, and supporters to honour the finalists and celebrate their contributions to Alberta's business landscape.

We would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to this year’s event sponsors:

ATB Financial, Presenting Sponsor
Bow Valley College Chiu School of Business, Emerging Entrepreneur Award Sponsor
Canadian Western Bank (CWB), Upsurge Entrepreneur Award Sponsor
Edmonton Unlimited, Red Carpet Sponsor
Business Link, Red Carpet Sponsor
Conseil de Développement Economique d’Alberta (CDEA), Red Carpet Sponsor

Alberta Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) is committed to fostering an environment where women entrepreneurs can thrive by providing them with the capital, connections, and capacity needed to grow their businesses. Through initiatives like the AWE Awards, AWE continues to highlight and champion the achievements of women who are making a significant impact on Alberta's economy.

For more information about the 2023 AWE Awards and to stay updated on the event, please visit awebusiness.com or contact external.relations@awebusiness.com..

About Alberta Women Entrepreneurs (AWE): Alberta Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) is a leading organization dedicated to supporting women entrepreneurs in Alberta, providing them with the capital, connections, and capacity they need to build successful businesses. AWE offers a wide range of programs, loans, mentorship opportunities, and events aimed at supporting women entrepreneurs at every stage of their business journey from startup to scale up.

Media Contact:

Catherine Larose

Marketing Lead

catherine.larose@awebusiness.com