WEYA
First established by WBOM to elevate and showcase the great businesses in the province. WEYA (Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Awards) was established to highlight those businesses through the yearly awards gala.
WEYA continues to present the awards through the Winnipeg Women's Community to honor the many fantastic women in our province.
WEYA Awards
(Women Entrepreneur of the Year)
The 2025 WEYA Finalists:
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Amber Van den Broek - Amber van den Broek and Associates
Amy Cooper - Studio Q Designs Inc.
Andrea Katz - Best You Nutrition
Anita Ayame - AMDF Cleaning service inc.
Carmen Puente - Non-profit organization
Chantelle Dione - Chantelle Dione Photography
Dayna Zaharia - Zaharia Law
Deanna Langlois - Southwest Safety Consulting
Holly Doerksen Sobering Old Church Bakery
Julie Myers - The Floral Fixx
Kathy Tran-Riese - KayTran Eyewear
Jen Hiebert, Kristan Jones, and Kimberley Kiemeney - Homecare Solutions for Everyone
Laura La Palme - L2 Marketing Custom Marketing Solutions
Marnie Courage - Enabling Access
Megan Foster - Mosaic Engagement
Melissa McIntosh - Hello Play Therapy
Natasha Kauenhowen - Lashed by Tash
Patricia Gómez - 12 Grapes
Rachel Teichroew - Bungalow Interior Design
Shannon Dupont - Madeline's Closet
Shauna Jurczak - Maples Academy of Dance
Shauna Muldrew - Infinity Nutrition & Health Coaching
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​Help us celebrate the 2025 Finalists on January 29, 2026 at the Winnipeg Art Gallery.
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History
The Manitoba Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Awards (WEYA) celebrates women entrepreneurs from Manitoba. The Winnipeg Chapter of Women Business Owners of Manitoba (WBOM) is very proud of its history in hosting these awards. From the first award in September 1992, which was co-hosted with the Federal Business Development Bank (BDC), WBOM has taken pride in celebrating women entrepreneurs. The awards evening is an opportunity to recognize today’s pacesetters, who will stand as inspiring role models to tomorrow’s emerging business leaders. Each year this gala dinner honours the finalists and winners from across the province, whose energy and creativity represent the best of the entrepreneurial spirit.
2025
Nominations for WEYA 2025 are now closed.
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Nominations are open until June 30, 2025
​Stay tuned for 2026 nominations to open in the spring.​​​
2024 Winners
Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2024: Christa Guenther, Feast Cafe Bistro
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BIPOC Nominee Award: Christa Guenther, Feast Cafe Bistro
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Rural Award: Elizabeth Andree, Sunset Veterinary Care
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Emerging Business Award: Denise Turanli & Fran Hiebert, Lullaland Sensory
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Gig Economy Award: Lana Bakun, Kendrick’s Outdoor Adventures
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Contribution to the Community Award: Amanda Buhse, Coal and Canary
Award Categories
Recognizes a female business owner, who is equal partner or majority shareholder with a registered business in Manitoba operating for a minimum of two years as a fulltime operator.
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Women Entrepreneur of the Year Award (Overall Annual Award)
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BIPOC Nominee Award
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Rural Nominee Award
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LGBTQ+ Nominee Award
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Gig-Economy Award
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Emerging Business Award
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Contribution to Community Award
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Young Entrepreneur (18-35 years) Award
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Lifetime Achievement Award​
WEYA 2025
Nominations for WEYA 2025 are currently open.
Click here to nominate a female identifying today.
Nominations close June 30, 2025.