Young Indigenous Entrepreneur

CCIB grants six annual awards recognizing Indigenous business success.

CCIB Awards Young Indigenous Entrepreneur

Young Indigenous Entrepreneur Award from CCIB
EY Logo

This award highlights the enterprising spirit of Indigenous entrepreneurs under the age of 35  who are driving the Indigenous economy forward. It recognizes their innovative spirit, business acumen, leadership, and positive impact on their communities. Individuals can self-nominate, and this prestigious award comes with a $10,000 cash prize to benefit their business.

2026 Nominations are now closed for this award.

The Award was presented in Toronto at the Central Business Forum & Awards Dinner on February 26, 2026.

Eligibility Criteria

Turtle symbol representing Turtle Island

Business Performance

  • Shows evidence of financial stability and measurable outcomes from their entrepreneurial efforts.
  • Demonstrates resilience in overcoming business challenges.
Star icon representing achievement

Potential for Growth

  • Demonstrates potential for business growth.
  • Has a clear vision for the future of their business.
Star symbol representing achievement or excellence

Leadership

  • Provides opportunities and inspires other Young Indigenous entrepreneurs or community members.
  • Is committed to being a change maker or innovator.
Forest symbol representing land and natural resources

Community Impact

  • Has actively engaged with and supported their community and demonstrated a commitment to giving back.

Current Recipient

Darion Ducharme - YIE Headshot

2026

Darion Ducharme

Founder, Teqare

More information →

Past Recipients

Keenan Beavis CCIB Business Award

2025

Keenan Beavis

Founder, Longhouse Branding & Marketing

More information →

Nyden pic

2024

Nyden Iron-Nighttraveller

Nyden Iron-Nighttraveller

More information →

LesleyHampton Headshot 2

2023

Lesley Hampton

Owner, Creative Director, Lesley Hampton

More information →

Dakota Brant Jesse Brant

2022

Dakota & Jesse Brant

Co-Founders of Sapling & Flint

More information →

Erica Daniels

2021

Erica Daniels

Founder & Owner, Kejic Productions

More information →

Shelley headshot

2020

Shelley Stewart

Owner, Bar S Ventures

More information →

Kylik photo 2 cropped

2019

Kylik Kisoun Taylor

Owner/Guide, Tundra North Tours

More information →

Jordan Jolicoeur

2018

Jordan Jolicoeur

President & CEO, Carvel Electric

More information →

TAWS Security logo

2017

Isabell Ringenoldus

Jacob_Pratt_2_cropped

2016

Jacob Pratt

KNetmaker

2015

Kendal Netmaker

Savannah Olsen - YIE Headshot

2014

Savannah Olsen

Frequently Asked Questions

Anyone may submit a nomination for an eligible individual or business.

Yes, self-nominations are permitted for all awards.

Please note: Nominees for all award categories must be Indigenous, with the exception of the Excellence in Indigenous Relations Award, which is open to all Canadians.

Acceptable documents include:
  • Indian Status Card,
  • Métis National Council Governing Membership,
  • Métis Nation British Columbia,
  • Manitoba Métis Federation,
  • Métis Nation Saskatchewan,
  • Inuit Beneficiary Card,
  • Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) Affiliate Membership,
  • Northwest Territories Land Claim Settlement Beneficiaries,
  • Confirmed Alberta Métis Settlement Members,
  • Northwest Territory Métis Nation Membership,
  • Membership in a historic First Nations,
  • Inuit or Métis community recognized as independent and rights-bearing by a provincial or Canadian federal government.
Please note that proof of Indigenous Heritage may be requested.

Nominations are reviewed by a selection committee made up of respected Indigenous and industry leaders. Each submission is evaluated based on the specific criteria listed under the award category.

Please note that CCIB keeps an arm’s length in the judging process.

The CCIB Events & Awards team selects committee members based on the following criteria: ensuring there is geographic representation with relevant business experience and expertise. CCIB staff and board members are not eligible to serve on the selection committee.

After the nomination deadline:
    1.  All submissions will be reviewed for eligibility.
    2. An external selection committee will evaluate all eligible nominations.
    3. Finalists may be contacted for additional information, if required.
    4. The recipient will be notified.
    5.  Nominators will be advised of the outcome once the selection process is complete.

If you have questions about the nomination process or eligibility requirements, please contact the CCIB Awards Team at awards@ccib.ca

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