Empowering Tomorrow’s Founders: Meet Our 2023 Awards Recipients
After an extensive review of applications from across Canada, we are thrilled to introduce you to the recipients of the RBC Rock My Business Start-Up Awards for 2023. These passionate founders stood out among the rest, and we are excited to support them in their entrepreneurial ventures with a $10,000 prize each, thanks to the support of RBC Future Launch.
The following prizes of $10,000 each were awarded to eight aspiring entrepreneurs across Canada:
- One Emerging Entrepreneur Award for an entrepreneur aged 30 – 39
- One Emerging Black Entrepreneur Award for a Black entrepreneur aged 18 – 39
- One Emerging Indigenous Entrepreneur Award for an Indigenous entrepreneur aged 18 – 39
- Five Youth Entrepreneur Awards for entrepreneurs aged 18 – 29
Are you next? Get $10,000 for your business!
Imagine what $10K could mean for your start-up? It could help you develop a website, order supplies, activate your marketing plan, purchase inventory… and take it to the next level!
Ready to rock your business? Register now for our upcoming workshops for a chance to apply for the RBC Rock My Business Start-Up Awards 2024! (Eligibility criteria apply)
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Congratulations to our 2023 RBC Rock My Business Start-Up Award Recipients!
Meet Our 2023 Awards Recipients
Tommy Aird
Emerging Entrepreneur Award
Tommy's Whole Grain - British Columbia
Tommys’ Whole Grain’s mission is to get people excited about whole grains. The company aims to bring to market breads and pastries of outstanding flavour, with high nutrient content and a positive impact on the community and the environment. They firmly believe that whole grains are an important piece of the puzzle to a healthier future.
Corine Sobela
Emerging Black Entrepreneur Award
AFI Epicerie - Quebec
AFI Épicerie is a grocery store specializing in the sale of African and island food products, located in Longueuil. Their mission is to become a benchmark for quality exotic groceries, offering authentic products, exceptional customer service, and a rewarding shopping experience in a modern and welcoming setting. Their aim is to inspire and satisfy their customers by providing them with a unique culinary journey through the delights of home and abroad.
Vanessa Gillespie
Emerging Indigenous Entrepreneur Award
Stellar contours by Nurse V - Alberta
Stellar Contours’ mission is to empower individuals to embrace their unique beauty by enhancing their natural features. The company strives to provide the highest quality and innovative cosmetic solutions that inspire self-confidence, self-expression, and self-love. Through their expertly crafted contouring techniques and personalized approach, Stellar Contours aims to celebrate individuality and help clients feel like the best version of themselves with a commitment to delivering exceptional results, fostering positive experiences, and building long-lasting relationships with their clients.
Oluwaseyi Adaghe
Youth Entrepreneur Award
ROUN Beauty Inc. - Ontario
RÓUN Beauty Inc. is an early-stage bio-cleantech company that is creating Canada's first plant-based braiding hair extensions for Black and Afro-textured hair women. Established in January 2023, RÓUN Beauty was born out of frustration with the hidden costs of synthetic braiding hair, particularly scalp irritation from exposure to harsh chemicals, and plastic waste, as these products end up in landfills after use. RÓUN Beauty is on a mission to provide women with the gift they deserve: biodegradable and non-toxic hair extensions that help them look great, increase comfort, and eliminate environmental harm.
Camren Chamberlain
Youth Entrepreneur Award
The House Fairy Cleaning Services - Prince Edward Island
The House Fairy Cleaning Services provides residential, commercial, and Airbnb cleaning services in Prince Edward Island, Canada. The owner of The House Fairy Cleaning Services, Camren, is an openly transgender man who aims to be visible in the business world to provide representation for the transgender community. As a part of the LGBTQ+ community and a business owner, Camren knows how important it is to create a space that is inclusive and welcoming for other members of the LGBTQ+ community, both among his clients and his staff.
Timothy Cho
Youth Entrepreneur Award
Oven Theory - Ontario
Oven Theory is a ghost-kitchen bakery that specializes in Asian-inspired cupcakes that are light, fluffy, and not overly sweet. Departing from the traditional overly rich counterparts, there is a delicate focus on upholding the subtle sweetness often found in Asian baking. Their mission is to create premium cupcakes that are perfect for sharing, providing opportunities for people to come together and celebrate many of life's achievements and special occasions.
Wendy Parng
Youth Entrepreneur Award
Double Wishes Lifestyle Ltd. - British Columbia
Double Wishes is a wellness lifestyle brand specializing in premium herbal teas, soup mixes, and vegan milk blends. In collaboration with wellness experts, the brand meticulously crafts its collections, ensuring products are 100% natural, authentic, and free from additives. Drawing inspiration from the art of Food Therapy, Double Wishes elevates the wellness journey, making it enjoyable and convenient. Each collection embodies the brand's commitment to enriching daily rituals with natural benefits, turning every day into a step toward better health.
Célia Talbot
Youth Entrepreneur Award
Citron par Celia - Quebec
Citron par Célia is a creative company offering in-home chef services, cocktails, and cakes for small and large events in the Quebec City area. The company promotes responsible consumption by creating dishes around local and seasonal products and using quality tableware to reduce waste at events. The uniqueness of each individual is at the heart of Citron's creations. Through culinary ideation, they can tell a story, communicate emotions, and create memorable moments around food. Whether it's a cake inspired by a memorable trip, a bite of nostalgic childhood flavors, or a festive cocktail to kick off a birthday party, Citron makes celebrations unique, inspired by their clients.
