Young Lee
Market and Growth Leader, GoDaddy Canada
Young Lee
Market and Growth Leader, GoDaddy Canada
Stephan Sigaud
EVP of Marketing - Phase 5
Stephan Sigaud
EVP of Marketing - Phase 5
Ritu Kohli-Sethi
Managing Partner at Greater Toronto Executive Centre (GTEC)
Ritu Kohli-Sethi
Managing Partner at Greater Toronto Executive Centre (GTEC)
Ritu Kohli-Sethi oversees operations at the Greater Toronto Executive Centre (GTEC), a provider of fully furnished offices, meeting rooms and virtual services. Ritu manages the day to day operations of both locations and her extensive experience includes client relations, staff management, development as well as the implementation of procedures and processes to ensure both locations run with consistent practice and level of service.
In addition, Ritu is also the co-founder of a South Asian inspired e-commerce platform, MKYK.ca (www.mkyk.ca). A platform created so that everyday consumers can directly list, buy and sell their South Asian inspired, new or once worn attire, costume jewelry, accessories, etc. Ritu holds an undergraduate degree from York University in addition to her Executive MBA from the Ivey School of Business (2015). In additional Ritu has received several certifications in various areas of further education. is a firm believer in continuing education for both professional and personal development.
While her career and professional endeavours are important, Ritu holds most sacred her personal priorities which include a loving family and continued development. She is married and a mother to two young daughters. Ritu and her husband strive to support one another in individual goals, mentor their daughters both academically and in their personal growth, and maintain a balanced environment between family and friends. Ritu is also very actively involved within the community in both social and charitable causes.
Ritu’s hobbies include travelling, spending time with family and friends, golf and landscape photography. Recently Ritu took her passion for photography one step further and created her own social media page on Instagram and Facebook (@ritukspics) to share her vision.
David Smith
CEO – Logia Consulting Inc
David Smith
CEO – Logia Consulting Inc
David has an extensive background in ‘greenfield’ business launches and change processes to align with new visions and strategies. He’s also been very active in new product development and training projects ranging from insurance products and delivery channels, to credit card products, to the Interac Direct Payment Service launch in Canada. He has led in large corporate enterprises and worked alongside many organizations in a range of industries as a chief executive in corporate financial services.
In 2009, David co-founded Logia Consulting Inc., a leadership consulting company, serving clients in human capital consulting, coaching and training. Logia serves clients in; manufacturing, professional services, financial services, private companies (incl family-enterprises), communications, government & crown organizations, health care, construction, economic development, education, law enforcement and not-for-profit (NFP) organizations. Some are part of larger provincial, regional & global corporations operating in Saskatchewan so he has solid experience in coaching/mentoring people from a number of other world cultures.
David is a Certified Management Consultant and certified coach/facilitator in multiple systems, including ICF. He has a Commerce degree from the University of Saskatchewan and has studied leadership at Harvard Business School, Banff Centre for Management, University of Colorado; Boulder, The Pacific Institute and adult education through St. Francis Xavier University. He is an experienced speaker and facilitator having spoken at a number of national and international conferences on leadership, finance, marketing and human capital topics. David has extensive board governance and volunteer experience; Chair of a credit union, national pension plan delegate, Agri-Food Equity Fund Investment Review Board member and Vice-Chair at St. Paul’s Hospital as well as a few NFP Boards.
Dave, his wife and family reside in Saskatoon where he is a committed community supporter through various roles including a national service club where he served for 7 years as an executive of the TeleMiracle telethon, which has raised over $111 million for charitable work. He and his family make time for their passions for travel, music, golf, soccer, fitness and service to various communities.
Faye Pang
Canada Country Manager for Xero
Faye Pang
Canada Country Manager for Xero
Michelle Eaton
Vice President, Public Affairs, Ontario Chamber of Commerce
Michelle Eaton
Vice President, Public Affairs, Ontario Chamber of Commerce
Michelle brings extensive leadership experience from both the public and private sectors. She has provided strategic direction, vision, and advice on communications and public affairs strategies to executives in multinational Fortune 500 Companies as well as senior federal cabinet ministers. Michelle is also the Chair of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation.
Michelle has a BA (Hons) in Political Science and French from Western University as well as an Executive Master of Business Administration from Ivey Business School.
Born and raised on a farm in Southwestern Ontario, she is also intimately familiar with the needs and issues of rural and small-town Ontario. Michelle currently resides in Toronto with her husband, Thor.
Miki Velemirovich
Senior Executive, Consultant, Strategic Advisor and Speaker in the exciting space of B2B Marketing
Miki Velemirovich
Senior Executive, Consultant, Strategic Advisor and Speaker in the exciting space of B2B Marketing
He is an active member of the Canadian Marketing Association, currently serves on their B2B Council, and is a judge in the annual CMA Awards.
When not immersed in the world of B2B, he is an avid classic car collector and guitarist.
A.J. Stewart
Operations Manager For Supplier Diversity at Canada's 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC)
A.J. Stewart
Operations Manager For Supplier Diversity at Canada's 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC)
David Nagy
Founder at eCommerce Canada
David Nagy
Founder at eCommerce Canada
Nancy Wilson
Founder & CEO of the Canadian Women’s Chamber of Commerce
Nancy Wilson
Founder & CEO of the Canadian Women’s Chamber of Commerce
Cheryl Mitchell
Director, Longo Centre for Entrepreneurship
Cheryl Mitchell
Director, Longo Centre for Entrepreneurship
Kree Govender
Senior Leader at Microsoft Canada
Kree Govender
Senior Leader at Microsoft Canada
Chantal Mackenzie
Regional Vice President at Canada Protection Plan, a Foresters Financial Company
Chantal Mackenzie
Regional Vice President at Canada Protection Plan, a Foresters Financial Company
Laura Williams
Founder and Principle of Williams HR Law
Laura Williams
Founder and Principle of Williams HR Law
Matthew Foss
Vice President of Research and Public Policy at CCAB
Matthew Foss
Vice President of Research and Public Policy at CCAB
Felipe Zariquiey
Marketing Manager of Small Business, UPS Canada
Felipe Zariquiey
Marketing Manager of Small Business, UPS Canada
Brianna Solberg
CFIB Director of Legislative Affairs for the Prairies and Northern Canada
Brianna Solberg
CFIB Director of Legislative Affairs for the Prairies and Northern Canada
Brianna holds a Master of Public Policy Degree from the University of Calgary’s School of Public Policy as well as a Bachelor of Arts Degree with Honours in Sustainable Development from the University of Calgary.
Teresa Noble
Manager, National Credit Compliance at Futurpreneur
Teresa Noble
Manager, National Credit Compliance at Futurpreneur
Shannon Lewis
President, Canadian Media Directors Council
Shannon Lewis
President, Canadian Media Directors Council
Her mission is to shape the new direction of CMDC. Shannon's operating mandate is to bolster trust by delivering greater – and lasting – value to CMDC members and partners. Currently, CMDC member media agencies account for 80% of the total annual advertising investment in Canada. CMDC actively operates to ensure a fair & progressive marketplace on behalf of their clients, agencies, and media partners.
Armed with a relentless entreprenial spirit, Shannon created and operated a bespoke communications business for five years – following senior international positions in media, communications, and advertising in London, Sydney, and Toronto.
Over nearly two decades, she has contributed to the success of global brands and executives including BBC, Microsoft, Unilever, Diageo – plus media brands MindShare UK, MediaCom, AMVBBDO, BBH London, JWT, Cossette, and PHD Canada.
These partnerships have resulted in an extensive portfolio, from new business wins to award-winning creative communications. As well, Shannon has established an impressive network of strong, global relationships with the broader creative and business communities.
Shannon is a proud mother, avid skier, tennis player, arts advocate & has been known to hike a few mountains, Patagonia to Kilimanjaro.
Shannon Lewis | 416-414-1788 | [email protected] | cmdc.ca
James Arndt
Head of Enterprise Business Division, Samsung Electronics Canada
James Arndt
Head of Enterprise Business Division, Samsung Electronics Canada
Grace Moores
Founding Partner | Director Of Partnerships at RevolutionHER™
Grace Moores
Founding Partner | Director Of Partnerships at RevolutionHER™
Grace is responsible for collaborations with RevolutionHER™ partners and sponsors across North America, supporting over 60,000 women with events, activities and a retail store. With over 20 years Marketing experience and an entrepreneur at heart, Grace has always found collaborating with others to be the most rewarding.
Grace is also the Chairperson for Sunny Mount Community Garden, providing space for over 80 families to garden and donating fresh produce to local residents in the community.
Rick Moore
CEO and Veteran C-suite Executive
Rick Moore
CEO and Veteran C-suite Executive
Silvia Pencak
President of WBE Canada
Silvia Pencak
President of WBE Canada
Christelle Francois
Founder & CEO of Untold & Co Agency
Christelle Francois
Founder & CEO of Untold & Co Agency
Christelle is the Founder of a firm titled; Untold & Co Agency, where she and her team service an array of clients in securing corporate and government partnerships, curating digital strategies and executing 360 integrated PR campaigns. Her passion for civic engagement led her to assist in leading the 2019 and 2020 Lobby Day initiative with our current Prime Minister. In January of 2021, she was appointed as the President of the Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce, where she led a strategy that successfully secured over $5M in funding in less than six months. Ms.Francois was most recently appointed as the VP of Operations at the Federations of African Canadian Economics. Christelle is also passionate about her community and has volunteered and sat on the board of numerous organizations, such as Apathy is Boring and Head & Hands and is an inaugural fellow of the Black Wealth Club.
Leigh Smout
President of World Trade Centre Toronto
Leigh Smout
President of World Trade Centre Toronto
At Business Sherpa Group, we are honoured and thrilled to have been recognized as winners of a CanadianSME National Business Awards. This achievement is a testament to our commitment to excellence, innovation, and delivering exceptional value to our SME clients. We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the CanadianSME National Business Awards for this recognition, as well as to our team and partners, and our clients who have entrusted us with their business needs. It is their trust and collaboration that continually drives us to excel and provide tailored solutions that make a positive impact.
Leanne Bell Marketing Manager , Business Sherpa GroupBeing awarded the Technopreneur of the Year award by CanadianSME is truly a humbling honour. Being a Founder is both difficult and lonely, but awards from great organizations like CanadianSME are huge validators that we're on the right track - building great software to solve for real customer problems. Both I and our team take this award as a huge motivator to strive to do more to scale our business and make more of an impact globally.
Mark Bania Contractor ComplianceThe staff at Canadian SME were wonderful and we are thankful and appreciative of the award we received. Our team is motivated and encouraged. Canadian SME brought together an impressive group of thought leaders, sponsors and dignitaries from all across the country that made this award prestigious and coveted. Thank you again for all your hard work.
Leslie Babel President, Digital FireThank you again for the opportunity to receive the Immigrant Entrepreneur of the Year Award. It is a significant symbol of the hard work of immigrant entrepreneurs within Canada. As a South Asian descent immigrant, we face many adversities navigating life in a new country and fighting to create a name for ourselves. I advise all young entrepreneurs to never allow others to decide the type of person you are. Instead, let your actions speak for themselves, continue to put yourself in positions where you are the minority, create room for yourself at the table, and never stop working hard
Brad Bhatti Fast Track AppliancesIf we move forward in our chosen fields, in a good way, with good intentions and with big heart, we can light the way for our children to walk with ease through the two worlds they will come to know.
Mallory Yawnghwe SCMP, Indigenous Box Inc.I am thrilled and honored to share that GDA Capital has been awarded the title of "Fastest Growing Company of the Year for 2022" by your prestigious organization. This recognition is a testament to the unwavering commitment and dedication of our incredible team, as well as the invaluable support from our partners and clients. At GDA Capital, we have always strived to push the boundaries of innovation and excellence in our industry. This award serves as a validation of our relentless pursuit of growth and success. It reinforces our belief that by embracing disruptive technologies and fostering meaningful relationships, we can make a significant impact on the financial landscape.
Michael Gord GDA Capital CorporationThe spirit of the CanadianSME Small Business Awards is to celebrate the power of dreams, layered with the personal determination and ambition that turns those dreams into reality. As a 2022 judge for The Young Entrepreneur of the Year award, I was inspired by the incredible new ideas and initiatives put forward by small business owners across Canada. In celebrating these ideas and success stories, we support and encourage resilience and creativity among Canadian small businesses, and GoDaddy is proud to support entrepreneurs with the tools and resources to help them feel confident at every step of their journey.
Young Lee Country Manager of GoDaddyI was privileged with the opportunity to participate as a judge for the SME Awards for 2022. It was such an empowering opportunity to learn about all of the fantastic entrepreneurs and some of their journeys. I am humbled to have been asked to help select winners from amongst this group of outstanding contributors to Canada. The stories I encountered have created so much optimism that our future is bright.
Matthew Foss Vice President Research & Public Policy, Canadian Council for Aboriginal BusinessCanadian SME Magazine is a must read for all Canadian business owners. I am honored to be able to learn about so many great businesses as a judge for the Canadian SME Business awards, and I encourage all businesses to both subscribe to the magazine and to apply for the awards every year.
Rick Moore Business and Executive CoachThe CanadianSME National Business Awards is such an important event where entrepreneurs, innovators and small business owners alike are recognized and celebrated for their contributions to Canada’s economy. I was fortunate to be a judge this year and it was such an amazing experience to be able to witness the passion and dedication of many Canadian entrepreneurs. It’s very important to support entrepreneurs as they have such a positive impact in their communities while fueling the Canadian economy through their determination and innovative ideas and I’m honoured to be involved with this event.
Felipe Zariquiey Manager, Marketing, Small Business Segment at UPSIt’s an honour to have been recognized and named Inspirational Leader of the Year by the esteemed judges for the 2022 CanadianSME Small Business Awards. I’m so grateful and humbled by this experience.
Antoinette King Founder & Managing Partner, Options Consulting SolutionsThe Experience as a judge was so insightful and learning about the amazing entrepreneurs which make up our current Canadian landscape was inspiring. I was amazed at the innovative solutions that were implemented by many of the competitors and how so many creative thinkers were showcased as participants. The winners did have their work cut out for them! It was tough competition the winners can certainly be proud of their accomplishments.
Chantal Mackenzie Regional Vice President – AB South, NWT/YTAt Xero, we’re passionate about technology that makes the lives of small businesses easier and their operations more efficient. We were honoured to sponsor the Technopreneur of the Year category in this year’s awards. Being the judge of this category allowed me to see the innovative ways small businesses are embracing technology to drive growth and it was truly impressive. I’m really excited by each and every business that entered and encourage those that are contemplating entering to submit next year as it’s a brilliant way to build awareness about your business and meet peers in the industry. Congratulations again to all the winners and nominees.
Faye Pang Canada Country Manager, XeroAs a judge in the Annual CanadianSME Small Business Awards, I was deeply moved and inspired by the ingenuity, creativity, and impact displayed by Canada’s small businesses. The innovative ideas and courageous spirit of not only the winners, but all the participants, have not only transformed their own businesses but also left a profound mark on the Canadian economy. These businesses embody the essence of entrepreneurship, inspiring us all to dream bigger and make a positive difference in our communities. I am in awe of their unwavering dedication and applaud their exceptional achievements in shaping a brighter future for Canada. I am honoured to have been part of this experience and I hope to get the pleasure to do it again.
Miki Velemirovich Head of Product, Alexa Translations AIAs a judge, I was honored and humbled to have the opportunity to learn about so many incredible business ventures, start ups, business leaders across Canada. Also, the Canadian SME team was so helpful and responsive with any questions or clarifications I needed to ensure I could do the best job. My most memorable moment was meet my fellow judges and meeting the nominees at the awards ceremony.
Ritu Kohli-Sethi Managing PartnerAs a returning judge for the CanadianSME Small Business Awards 2022, I was again inspired by the remarkable experience. The event brought together a diverse range of SMEs, each presenting their innovative ideas and solutions. Witnessing the dedication and passion of these entrepreneurs left an indelible mark on me. The positive effects of supporting these businesses were evident, not only in their growth but also in the wider communities they operate within. One standout moment was witnessing the transformative power of a leader whose ideas gained such commanding traction in their market, they had to promptly scale up by investing in relationships with trusted advisors to help shape their future. It was an honor to be part of such an impactful event for small businesses in Canada.
David W. Smith, BCOMM, CMC, ACC, RPM Executive Leadership Coach & Mentor, Logia Consulting Inc.
My name is Michelle Cameron. I was born in May 1977 and was raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba in a single mother household and am the middle child of two siblings. With strong pride, I am a treaty status woman, a band member of Peguis First Nation, Manitoba and a mother of five beautiful children. As a child, I recognized how hard my Mom was working and I really wanted to help bring more money in the household. Because I am an entrepreneur by nature, I decided to bake cookies, cakes and had my Mom sell the baking to her colleagues at work.
Michelle Cameron CEO, Owner , Dreamcatcher Promotions