The Honourable Tony Wakeham, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, celebrated the achievements of women entrepreneurs and business leaders while speaking at the Newfoundland and Labrador Organization of Women Entrepreneurs (NLOWE) Awards.
The annual event brings together hundreds of entrepreneurs, business leaders, community partners and supporters from throughout the province to recognize excellence, innovation and leadership in business.
The Provincial Government is committed to fostering economic growth and creating new opportunities for women entrepreneurs and business owners throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.
2026 Award Recipients:
- Changemaker Award: Emily Martin – Shine Music, St. John’s
- Economic Impact Award: Natasha Canning – Slippers n Things, Happy Valley-Goose Bay
- Leadership Award: Johanna Brown – Rivet, St. John’s
- Momentum Award: Courtney Howell – 7 Fathoms, Grates Cove
- Rising Star Award: Kayla Williams – Big Land Designs, Happy Valley-Goose Bay
- Trailblazer Award: Dr. Sarah Hutchens – The Vision Development Centre, St. John’s
- Trendsetter Award: Michelle Alexander – Angel Paws Pet Crematorium, Conception Bay South
- Entrepreneurial Excellence Award: Karen Oram – Oram Group of Companies, Glovertown
Through investments in workforce development, population growth initiatives and inclusive economic participation, government continues to support women in starting, growing and sustaining successful businesses, particularly in rural and regional communities.
As part of its broader support for entrepreneurship and business development, the Provincial Government provides $568,206 annually to NLOWE to deliver the Self-Employment Assistance Program, helping women entrepreneurs start and grow businesses throughout the province. Funding for the Self-Employment Assistance Program is provided through the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Market Development Agreement. The Provincial Government also provides $100,000 annually in core funding through the Partnership Funding in the Regional Development Program.
Additional investments include $215,000 in NLOWE’s Origin to Opportunity (O2O) Lab, which supported newcomer women and gender-diverse entrepreneurs through business training, mentorship and networking opportunities.
Quotes
“Women entrepreneurs are helping build a stronger, more innovative and prosperous Newfoundland and Labrador. Through organizations like NLOWE, women in every region of our province can access the guidance, resources and connections they need to turn ideas into successful businesses. Congratulations to all of this year’s award winners and nominees. Your leadership, determination and achievements are creating opportunities, strengthening communities and inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs.”
Honourable Tony Wakeham
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“Supporting women entrepreneurs is an important part of our government’s efforts to grow the economy, strengthen the workforce and create opportunities in every region of Newfoundland and Labrador. NLOWE plays a vital role in helping women turn ideas into successful businesses and supporting entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey. I congratulate all of this year’s award winners and nominees on their well-deserved recognition and ongoing contributions to our province.”
Honourable Lin Paddock
Minister of Jobs, Growth and Rural Development
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