TORONTO — Women of Influence gathered together from across the country for the annual RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards held at the iconic Fairmont Royal York, last week.
“RBC is honoured to partner with women entrepreneurs—the creators, innovators and problem solvers that drive business success in Canada,” says Greg Grice, executive vice-president, Business Financial Services, RBC. “These awards are one way we are able to place a spotlight on the passion, dedication and contributions of these exceptional business women. It demonstrates the leadership role they have in the business community and how they inspire the next generation of Canadian entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams.”
An independent panel of judges comprised of Canada’s top business leaders participated in the selection process that garnered more than 6,400 applications. After rigorous review, the Award of Excellence winners was announced at the gala reception on November 22.
During the event, Toronto restaurateur and CEO of Gusto 54 Restaurant Group, Janet Zuccarini, was presented with the TEC Award for Excellence in Entrepreneurship.
“I am absolutely thrilled to be recognized by this esteemed group of judges and view this award as a true honour, as well as a great responsibility,” says Zuccarini. “Being recognized for this award puts the Gusto 54 team in a position to lead by example and to continue to inspire positive change throughout the hospitality sector.”
Additional award winners included:
• Geneviève Lévesque, Artêria Gallery, Bromont, Que. — Micro-Business Award
• Trina Bailey, Bailey Veterinary Surgical Specialty Ltd., Mount Pearl, N.L. — Staples Start-Up Award
• Mandy Rennehan, Freschco, Oakville, Ont. — RBC Momentum Award
• Melissa Sariffodeen, Ladies Learning Code, Toronto — Social Change Award
• Claudia Sjoberg, The Pedalheads Group, Vancouver — TELUS Trailblazer Award
The RBC Award of Excellence celebrates entrepreneurial excellence by recognizing those whose ingenuity, spirit of innovation, and discipline have propelled their respective companies to huge success and have positively impacted their industries and communities.
Read more about Janet Zuccarini in the December issue of F&H.
