We’re incredibly proud to announce a BRAND NEW initiative set for Spring 2020 – a passion project of ours that’s been in the works for over a year!

An opportunity to celebrate and honor the achievements of the inspirational women, change makers, and youth of Kelowna. Let us present to you the First Annual Kelowna Women in Business Rise Awards ~ officially launching November 18th, with awards banquet slated to occur March 18th, 2020!

Recognizing the need to shine a spotlight on the amazing women and people in our community, the inaugural Rise Awards will debut two new awards up for grabs:  1) Woman of The Year, and 2) Change Maker

BDC Woman of The Year Award

Eligibility – Open to any female business owner or corporate professional, living and working in the immediate Kelowna area; any industry. 

Criteria – An individual who represents KWIB values and mission, demonstrates inclusivity, is a champion for women in the workforce, leader and role-model within her industry, is actively involved in the community. Must be of good-standing within the community; candidates are eligible for consideration once every 5 years.

Online Nominations open November 18th, 2019
Nominations close Feb 7th, 2020 – Finalists notified by February 14th, 2020
Winner announced during March 18th, 2020 Banquet Event

Title Sponsor – Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)
Nominations Closed

Crowe MacKay LLP Change Maker Award

Eligibility – Open to any person: youth/student 15+, corporate professional, or business owner – living and working in the immediate Kelowna area; any industry.

Criteria – An individual – male or female – who represents KWIB values and mission, demonstrates inclusivity, is an advocate for change and role-model, socially conscious and community-oriented, and someone who – by personal and/or professional example – helps to make kelowna a better place to live, Candidates are eligible for consideration once every 5 years.

Online Nominations open November 18th, 2019
Nominations close Feb 7th, 2020 – Finalists notified by February 14th, 2020
Winner announced during March 18th, 2020 Banquet Event

Title Sponsor – Crowe MacKay LLP
Now Closed

Crowe MacKay LLP Change Maker Award

Eligibility – Open to any person: youth/student 15+, corporate professional, or business owner – living and working in the immediate Kelowna area; any industry.

Criteria – An individual – male or female – who represents KWIB values and mission, demonstrates inclusivity, is an advocate for change and role-model, socially conscious and community-oriented, and someone who – by personal and/or professional example – helps to make Kelowna a better place to live, Candidates are eligible for consideration once every 5 years.

Online Nominations open November 18th, 2019
Nominations close Feb 7th, 2020 – Finalists notified February 14th, 2020
Winner announced during March 18th, 2020 Banquet Event

Nominations Closed

Nominations Now Closed for 2020

Terms And Conditions

  • Nominations for the Rise Awards are open to the public, living/working in the immediate Kelowna area
  • Self-nominations welcome!
  • Standing KWIB Board Members ineligible for consideration
  • Nominations CLOSE on Friday, February 7th @ 5pm – *you may be notified of your general nomination prior to February 7th
  • All Shortlisted Finalists will be notified via email by February 14th, 2020
  • All Finalists will be required to:
      • Submit a Letter of Good Standing from their Accountant (business owners), or Letter of Reference from an Employer, Professor, or Teacher by March 1st, 2020
      • Register and purchase ticket(s) online to attend the awards event by March 1st, 2020

    *Failure to do any of the above will forfeit eligibility for judging consideration

  • The Kelowna Women in Business Board of Directors reserves the right to shortlist Finalists
  • Judging panel will consist of representatives from KWIB Board of Directors, Women’s Enterprise Centre, Dress For Success Kelowna, BDC Kelowna, and Crowe MacKay LLP