The Futurpreneur Canada 2017 Awards are presented to the entrepreneurs and mentors who have made a positive contribution to Canada’s entrepreneurial community. We are thrilled with the winning entrepreneurs who are truly moving and shaping Canada’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Here are this year’s Futurpreneur Canada Award recipients!

Entrepreneur of the Year, presented by Canada Post

Natasha Wilch, Symphony Rehabilitation
Nanaimo, British Colombia

The Entrepreneur of the Year Award, presented by Canada Post, goes to a young entrepreneur who has made a mark on the entrepreneurial landscape through their exemplary activities and leadership of their company, as well as their engagement in the entrepreneurship community.

Symphony Rehabilitation is a multi-disciplinary rehabilitation clinic that provides client-centered care, founded by physiotherapist Natasha Wilch. The clinic offers both in-clinic and mobile services, as well as a Telehealth option in BC, Alberta and the Northwest Territories. Natasha’s ability to lead and grow her business while innovating within her field is to be admired.

Disruption Award

Marie-Eve Lachance, Clinique de Soins Infirmiers de Lévis
Lévis, Quebec

The Disruption Award goes to a business that demonstrates innovation and industry disruption that benefits their community.

Marie-Eve Lachance is the owner of Clinique, a medical clinic entirely managed by registered nurses. Clinique offers faster health services in a relaxed atmosphere with hours of operation that are more in tune with the everyday person’s work schedule.

The facility deals with minor health issues, thus alleviating the pressure on urgent care facilities and reducing patient wait times. The clinic has become Lévis’ main support in regards to travel-related health services. Clinique challenges the status quo of the industry, and makes a positive impact on the local community.

Growing Strong Award

Sheena Brady, Tease Tea
Orleans, Ontario

The Growing Strong award goes to a business that has successfully expanded its operations to new locations outside of their original market, either nationally or internationally.

Tease Tea was built on a dream and vision to create modern tea blends while supporting women’s empowerment around the world. Over the past year, Tease has expanded its reach to customers in over 50 countries, while also opening two successful pop-ups in New York City.

Additionally, as it is a core part of Tease Tea’s DNA to celebrate modern feminism, successes and the achievements of women around the globe, Tease proudly donates a portion of the proceeds of every order to organizations dedicated to the empowerment of women through its Chari’tea program. Sheena’s successful efforts to grow a global tribe of Tease lovers and become a Canadian leader in tea e-commerce have been impressive.

Grit Award

Byanca Neveu, Byanca Neveu – Adjointe administrative virtuelle
Mascouche, Quebec

The Grit Award goes to a business that demonstrates overcoming failure while showing dedication, perseverance and finding success in spite of those challenges.

As the owner of Byanca Neveu – Adjointe administrative virtuelle, Byanca Neveu specializes in small business and independent worker administrative support. She takes care of all of her clients’ administrative duties so that they can focus more productively on developing their businesses. She also assists in the growth of their venture through her innovative services and structuring of operational and follow-up procedures.

A few weeks after Byanca launched her business, her mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer. That same week, her young nephew was also diagnosed with cancer; a rare and incurable type of brain tumor. Byanca put the care of her mother and nephew first, temporarily putting her business on hold before moving forward and operating full time.

Mentor of the Year

Donald Haché
Moncton, New Brunswick

The Mentor of the Year award goes to a mentor who demonstrates a sincere and empowering commitment to mentoring young entrepreneurs and helping build the small business community.

Donald Haché is the CEO of the Selltron Group, an executive management consulting group based in New Brunswick. As a testament to his ability as a mentor, Donald was nominated by his mentees who believe he is making a real difference for small businesses in the province. They praised his ability to help guide them entrepreneurs down the right path and move forward with their decisions comfortably.

Partner of the Year

Serge Lazure – CAE Haute-Montérégie
Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec
Futurpreneur CP for over four years

The Partner of the Year award goes to an organization or individual who works closely with Futurpreneur to go above and beyond in their support of young entrepreneurs in their community.

Serge Lazure is an entrepreneurship advisor with the Centre d’aide aux enterprises Haute-Montérégie. For over 20 years, he has met and supported hundreds of entrepreneurs in the growth and development of their businesses. He also organizes an annual marketplace for the entrepreneurs supported by his organization, including those who have received Futurpreneur support. Serge is a humble yet mighty force in the entrepreneurial community in the Montérégie region and a valued advocate for Futurpreneur.

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