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How does the award process work?

  1. Nominations process
    Applicants must be nominated to be considered. You can self-nominate or nominate a deserving woman you know. If you’ve been notified of a nomination, you’re eligible to proceed and will be prompted to submit an application. The application will have detailed questions about your accomplishments to help us determine the most deserving winner.
  2. Judging process
    Your application will be reviewed in detail by our esteemed panel of judges. It will also be subject to a due diligence process. During this time, you may be contacted by our team with any necessary questions and/or clarifications regarding your application.
  3. Award notification process
    Top 25 Women of Influence selected applicants will be notified of success directly by a member of our team.
  4. Celebrate your win
    All winners will be celebrated on social media as well as at an annual awards event.

*Please note that due to the volume of submissions, only successful applicants will be notified of their status.

What makes an ideal nominee and applicant?

  • Applicants from any industry or sector are eligible to apply for the Top 25 Women of Influence Awards.

  • Applicants must be a Canadian resident, whose work is based in Canada.

  • Eligible applicants are changemakers who stand out through their remarkable accomplishments and approach to overcoming challenges.

  • Applicants have contributed to groundbreaking initiatives in the last calendar year.

FAQs

What are the differences between the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards CWEA and the Top 25 Women of Influence Awards?

The two awards programs run by Women of Influence are very different. The Top 25 Women of Influence Awards is open to any self-identified woman from any sector and in any position. She must demonstrate that she has made a significant impact in the past 12 months. The RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards is specific to business owners and heads of non-profit organizations. There are several categories of awards. To find out more, please visit our awards homepage here.

Are there any benefits or downsides to applying to both RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards and the Top 25 Women of Influence Awards?

There are no benefits or downsides to applying to both awards. We have had several Top 25 Recipients who were also finalists or winners for the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards.

If I am selected, do I need to attend the luncheon in person?

Attendance at the awards luncheon is not mandatory, though it is highly encouraged. The Top 25 Women of Influence Awards is a unique opportunity to celebrate your accomplishments, connect with other incredible leaders, and expand your network. If you are not able to attend in person, we will ensure you are still recognized during the event. Successful recipients will receive a complimentary ticket to the luncheon.

How many people can one person nominate?

A nominator can nominate an unlimited number of candidates to the Awards program. Nominators cannot nominate the same person twice.

Do nominees go through a screening process?

Yes, all nominations are carefully reviewed and screened to ensure they meet our eligibility criteria.

Can I nominate myself?

Yes! Applicants are welcome (and encouraged) to nominate themselves.

Can I find out who nominated me?

We do not share the names of nominators to maintain confidentiality.

When will nominees receive their confirmation email and letter of congratulations?

Successful applicants will be notified of their status in late 2026.