Newcomer Entrepreneurs

Newcomers to Canada face multiple barriers when settling into life in a new community. Those who choose to start businesses experience even more challenges in their entrepreneurial journeys. If you’re a newcomer entrepreneur looking to start or grow your own business please contact our office to help you on the road to success.

Kingston Newcomer Entrepreneurs of the Year Awards Criteria

To celebrate the contributions made by exceptional and visionary newcomer entrepreneurs, the Kingston Economic Development Corporation has worked with Kingston Immigration Partnership to establish the Kingston Newcomer Entrepreneurs Award.

Three awards will be distributed under the Newcomer Entrepreneurs Award:

Community Builder Award – for entrepreneurs who have demonstrated strong commitment and contribution in community service.

Start-up Award – for entrepreneurs whose businesses were established within the past five (5) years.

Inspirational Entrepreneur Award – for entrepreneurs who have demonstrated great success and vision.

You can either nominate yourself or nominate a newcomer entrepreneur through this form. Nominations are open for 2025!

To be considered for the Award, the newcomer entrepreneur must have:
· Been born outside of Canada
· Established and operate their business in Kingston

Save the date for April 10, 2025! If you would like to nominate someone for 2025, you can do so below.

2024 Newcomer Entrepreneur Awards Winners:

// Start-up of the Year: Isabelle & Pierre Tardiveau, Sens Café

// Community Builder:  Tarek Hussein, Weller Pharmacy and MedaKi

// Inspirational Newcomer: Rathi Perumal, Uyir Engineering

2023 Newcomer Entrepreneur Awards Winners:

// Start-up of the Year: Hakeem Subair and Rizma Butt, 1 Million Teachers

// Community Builder:  Brian Dodo, BMDodo Strategic Designs

// Inspirational Newcomer: Gõkhan Cifci, Tango Nuevo and Mayla Concept

// Inclusive Community Builder: St. Lawrence College