Newcomer Entrepreneur Award of Distinction

2026 Alberta Business Awards of Distinction | Alberta Chambers of Commerce

Description

Recognizes a newcomer who has overcome unique challenges to build a successful business/organization in Alberta and make meaningful contributions to the Alberta economy. This award honours the entrepreneurial successes and efforts of individuals who were born outside of Canada and now call Alberta home.

Requirements

Specific Eligibility:

To be a valid entry in the Newcomer Entrepreneur Award of Distinction, your business must:

  • Be a newcomer to Canada within the last 10 years
  • Have operated in Alberta for a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 5 fiscal years
  • Demonstrate success in overcoming the challenges of being a newcomer to Canada/Alberta
  • Have been living in Alberta for the majority of the time within the past 5 years

General Eligibility:

Judging is complete anonymously, so your submission must also be completed anonymously to support the judging process. Companies must NOT use their company name when responding to short answer questions.

To be a valid entry in the Alberta Business Awards of Distinction, your business must(at the time of both nomination and awards presentation):

  • Be operational in Alberta for a minimum of 3 fiscal years unless otherwise stated
  • Be actively operating in Alberta
  • Employ Albertans to produce goods and/or provide services
  • Must be a member in good standing of a local chamber of commerce in Alberta (proof of membership required)
    Contact your local chamber to become a member.
  • Must submit annual financial statements as part of the application.
    Financial statements are not shared with the judging committee; financial information is assessed solely during adjudication.
  • Not have won in the same category in the last three award cycles (e.g. a 2022 winner is eligible again in 2026)
  • Not have anyone in your management, on your board, or in your employ serving on the Alberta Business Awards of Distinction judging committee for the category
  • If you are a non-profit organization, no more than 30% of annual revenue can be directly funded by Government envelopes. This does not apply to regular procurement (non-profits must forward financials to sknorr@abchamber.ca to complete their application).