WEYA + WBOM

WBOM is a non-profit membership association founded in 1986. WBOM has strived over its time to provide opportunities for women in business and local entrepreneurs to network, connect, grow and celebrate success.

WEYA Awards
(Women Entrepreneur of the Year)

Nominations are Open - Click Here

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 LIVE!

Click here to nominate a female identifying today.

Nominations are open until June 1, 2025

Nominate someone today!

Click here

2024 Winners

Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2024: Christa Guenther, Feast Cafe Bistro

BIPOC Nominee Award: Christa Guenther, Feast Cafe Bistro

Rural Award: Elizabeth Andree, Sunset Veterinary Care

Emerging Business Award: Denise Turanli & Fran Hiebert, Lullaland Sensory

Gig Economy Award: Lana Bakun, Kendrick’s Outdoor Adventures

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.

BIPOC Nominee Award

Rural Nominee Award

Gig-Economy Award

Emerging Business Award

Contribution to Community Award

Young Entrepreneur (18-25 years) Award

WEYA 2025

Nominations for WEYA 2025 are currently open.

Click here to nominate a female identifying today.

Nominations close June 1, 2025.

2024 WEYA Finalists

Congratulations to all WEYA 2024 finalists!

We received nominations for and applications from many women entrepreneurs with thriving business operations and meaningful contributions to the Manitoba business community. Your efforts and achievements are recognized. Take a moment to enjoy and reflect on the recognition!

Announcement of the 2024 award winners was held during the WEYA 2024 Gala dinner at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights on January 23rd, 2025.