WBE Canada’s 2026 Awards Of Excellence - Nominations Close Sept 18th

The countdown is on. With the September 18 deadline fast approaching, now is the moment to shine a spotlight on the women leaders, corporate champions, and dedicated supporters who are transforming Canada’s supply chains. The 2026 WBE Canada Excellence Awards celebrate the trailblazers advancing inclusive procurement and elevating women-owned businesses across the country — and beyond.

Earning a WBE Canada Award isn’t just a recognition; it’s a powerful endorsement of leadership, impact, and influence. Award recipients gain heightened visibility, strengthened credibility, and new opportunities to build meaningful business relationships while inspiring the entire WBE Canada community.

As we settle back into September routines, take a fresh look at this year’s award categories. Nominate yourself, your team, or your organization — finalists will be selected by committee and announced October 5th. Then join us November 18 at this year's WBE Canada National Conference & Tradeshow  for the Spotlight of Excellence Awards Reception, where we celebrate the outstanding achievements shaping Canada’s inclusive supplier landscape.

Here are this year’s Award Categories. For complete information and how to submit your nominations: 2026 Awards of Excellence Nomination Form 

WBE CANADA’S 2026 AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE

WBE Innovation and Impact

2026 WBE Rising Star

Awarded to a Certified WBE who, within their first 3 years of certification, has demonstrated significant achievements and  progress. This company shows quick implementation combined with business acumen and active involvement in the WBE Canada community.

Criteria: 

• Certified WBE Company within first 3 years of certification
• Actively engaged and participating in WBE Canada events
• Successful in landing corporate/government contracts and/or B2B opportunities
  

2026 WBE Leadership - Presented by TELUS

This award recognizes certified women-owned businesses that are actively engaged with the WBE Canada Community or our partner organizations

Criteria: 

• Actively engaged and participating in WBE Canada events
• An individual who is a champion of WBE Canada programs and initiatives

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2026 Top WBE Exporter

This award recognizes the efforts and success of a certified women-owned businesses in expanding their business globally with a strategic export plan. The recipient of this award achieved global business growth, impacted the trade economy, and leveraged supplier innovation to grow.

Criteria: 

• The Nominee must be a Certified WBE
• Currently exporting products or services to at least one international market
• Has a strategic export plan for continued growth and market diversification, which includes leveraging supplier innovation as an entry strategy to a new market

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2026 Top WBE Supplier

This award recognizes a Certified WBE who has demonstrated excellence in their business. The recipient of this award has achieved business growth and shown dedication to supporting other women-owned businesses.

Criteria: 

• The Nominee must be a Certified WBE who incorporates best practices in business operations
• Is current on industry trends and incorporates best practices in business operations
• Offers exemplary customer service
• Conducts business with other women owned businesses

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Acknowledging Corporate Commitment

2026 Top Corporation

This award recognizes a WBE Canada Corporate Member who has made a distinct and describable difference in their Supplier Innovation Strategy. The recipient of this award is an organization that demonstrates measurable improvements benefiting diverse suppliers within procurement processes and outcomes.

Criteria: 

• The Nominee is a Corporate Member with WBE Canada
• The Nominee will demonstrate measurable qualitative and/or quantitative improvement of its supplier innovation strategy.

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2026 Inclusive Procurement Leader

This award recognizes a procurement professional within WBE Canada’s Corporate Membership who is an advocate and leader among peers. This individual shows tremendous leadership while leveraging innovation to advance supplier innovation. A role model internally with colleagues and externally with vendor partners. This individual is a visible champion in the supplier innovation community as well as their respective industry.

Criteria: 

• An individual who works for a WBE Canada Corporate Member
• Demonstrates extraordinary leadership in promoting Canadian women-owned businesses
• A role model internally and externally to champion supplier innovation

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Celebrating our Community

2026 WBE Canada Award of Distinction - Presented by WBE Canada

This award recognizes a special individual for their successful achievement and passionate commitment to supplier innovation.

Criteria: 

• Proof of Certification or Corporate Membership