The award recognizes entrepreneurs who strive to make a meaningful impact in their communities.
news release
Georgian College
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Innovative entrepreneurs and startups were recognized at the 2024 Henry Bernick Awards recently held by Georgian College’s Henry Bernick Entrepreneurial Center (HBEC).
These prestigious awards recognize the most impactful entrepreneurs and startups that demonstrate outstanding performance and strive to make a meaningful impact in our community.
“We are incredibly proud of this year’s winners – their passion, ingenuity and hard work epitomize the entrepreneurial spirit we strive to foster at HBEC,” said Dr. Mira Ray, Georgian College’s executive director of research, innovation and entrepreneurship. “Not only are the nominees and winners all doing amazing things for themselves, they are also making a positive impact in our community and beyond.”
To a packed room, keynote speaker Justice Faith Betty, co-founder of Révolutionnaire, change maker and social entrepreneur, spoke about the importance and power of dreams.
“Dreams are the fuel of revolution,” she said, reflecting on her own experiences building youth-led movements to explore how we can all dream with greater purpose and combine inspiration and dreams to fuel revolution.
HBEC acts as a catalyst for entrepreneurial growth and development, providing support, resources and mentorship to both budding entrepreneurs and established businesses. This year’s awards ceremony, held on May 30th, recognised the incredible achievements of individuals and teams who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, creativity and dedication.
Congratulations to all of this year’s award winners and nominees.
Winner:
Student Entrepreneur of the Year: Carter DugganBig Influence Marketing
Big Influence Marketing helps businesses attract, engage and influence customers and stakeholders using digital content. Their specialized approach combines strategy consulting and content creation services to help clients optimize their messaging and identify key channels for their content.
Community Entrepreneur of the Year: Wesley O’LearyOwner/Operator, North Pro Home & Cottage Services
North Pro Home & Cottage Services was founded by Wes O’Leary in February 2022 with the goal of easing the hassle of dangerous ladder climbing and cleaning for homeowners and business owners in Oro-Medonte. O’Leary has assembled a team of pressure washers to match his passion for detailed work. After building a strong reputation for pressure washing in Oro-Medonte, North Pro Home & Cottage Services has expanded into Christmas light installation and more.
Entrepreneur Champion Award: Craig BushCEO of Bush Systems and Founder of the Sandbox Center
As a free thinker who leads through design, Bush is passionate about helping people do better, create better and think better in all aspects of life. Whether developing groundbreaking products or envisioning more progressive ways of doing business, Bush strives to generate ideas that inspire and enable meaningful change. Bush aims to make a difference with his entrepreneurial spirit. Additionally, eight companies founded by Bush have won Barrie Chamber of Commerce awards, demonstrating his commitment to promoting operational and cultural excellence.
Special Award – Recognition and Honor for Extraordinary Dedication and Unwavering Support of Newcomer, Refugee and Immigrant Entrepreneurs: Cecilia Doucette
The HBEC team lost a bright light this year. Cecilia Doucette passed away in February after a battle with breast cancer. Cecilia loved sharing her passion and her experiences with the hundreds of students and colleagues she met through her role as HBEC’s International and Newcomer Entrepreneurship Coordinator. She was passionate about her work and running the XcelerateNOW program, which helped connect, empower, and guide many newcomers to the region.
When Cecilia wasn’t helping newcomers learn and on their entrepreneurial journey, she was also an entrepreneur. As a professional photographer, Cecilia shared the beauty of the world through her eyes that only she could capture. Cecilia was the recipient of the 2021 Simcoe County Entrepreneur Newcomer Recognition Award. The award recognized her dedication and commitment to celebrating Latino culture and building community through her work in the community. This special award, received by Cecilia’s family, pays tribute to her and the tremendous impact she had on so many of us.
All nominees:
Student Entrepreneur Award:
- Mona Shore – Moralucci
- Carter Duggan – Big Influence Marketing (Winner)
- Yarvon Peters – ACADEMIS
- Harmandeep Kaur, Neha Sharma, Sachin Dankar – Career Connection
Community Entrepreneur Award:
- Wesley O’Leary – NorthPro Home & Cottage Services (Winner)
- Chad Solomon – Biscayne
- Miguel Abascal – Prosper Faster
- Ricardo Irivaren – Miski Brewing Company
- Carmen Bautista – Green Parenting
Entrepreneur Champion Award:
- Jesse Carr – Sandbox Center
- Theresa Snellgrove – Founder of 7 startups and co-founder of Timothy’s Coffee of the World
- Tim Newton – Manager, South Georgian Bay Small Business Enterprise Centre
- Craig Bush – CEO of Bush Systems, Founder of The Sandbox Barry (Winner)
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