Nomination Deadline: Sunday, February 26, 2023, 11:59pm, Eastern
The NADF Awards are an annual awards program that recognizes individuals and businesses that demonstrate leadership, innovation, sustainability, employee engagement, and customer satisfaction in six (6) award categories.
Award recipients will be recognized for overall business management, performance and growth, products and services offered, community involvement, and highlighting excellence in leadership.
Nominations are an opportunity for the family, friends, employees, co-workers, and the public to nominate an individual or business that they think is deserving of receiving recognition for their hard work and dedication. This is your chance to show your appreciation by nominating them for the NADF Awards.
Nominations are open to businesses and individuals residing and operating in Northern Ontario, which we define as the boundaries of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation, Treaty #3, and Robinson-Superior 1850 territories.
Self-Nominations Accepted!
The NADF Awards is the perfect stage for you to stand out and shine with your accomplishments in the business world. It is a place where all your hard work, passion, dedication, and determination are recognized and celebrated.
Questions? Please email us at events@nadf.org if you need clarification on eligibility or the nomination process.
Nomination Process
- Review the eligibility and criteria for each award category to ensure the nominee meets the award criteria.
- Select the best award category for the nominee.
- When you are ready to submit your nomination, complete the online nomination form below before the deadline of Sunday, February 26, 2023.
Nomination Criteria
At minimum, the nominee must satisfy the following criteria. See specific award category for any additional criteria.
Nominee must be:
- in Northern Ontario, which we define as the territories of Nishnawbe Aski Nation, Treaty #3, and Robinson-Superior 1850.
- a wholly-owned or majority-owned Aboriginal (Status, Inuit, or Métis) business, OR
- an Aboriginal person (Status, Inuit, or Métis), 18 years and older.
- able to demonstrate the business’ financial performance.
- able to demonstrate high ethical and professional standards.
- able to demonstrate community involvement.
- Unless otherwise stated, the business must be in operation for a minimum of two (2) years.
- Unless otherwise stated, the business must be a for-profit business.
AWARD CATEGORIES
Young Entrepreneur of the Year
This award recognizes an Aboriginal youth (Status, Inuit, or Métis) under the age of 35, who has paved a space for themselves through their hard work and dedication to their business. This entrepreneur shows us why you should never give up on your goals and is an inspiration for others. The nominee must be 35 years and younger to be nominated in this award category.
Partnership of the Year
This award recognizes two or more individuals or entities who have formed a partnership built on mutual respect and common goals, and who have demonstrated innovation, leadership, thoughtful planning, and growth potential. These partners best exemplify the true meaning of partnership. Partnerships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal partners are eligible provided the Aboriginal partner is the majority partner (minimum 51%).
Excellence in Leadership
This award will recognize an individual who has demonstrated excellence in leadership involving people, events, programs, projects, and/or teams. Passionate and creative, they take the initiative and think outside the box when running their business or managing their team. Through their strong leadership skills, and innovative management strategies, this leader will be an inspiration for all leaders to follow. Leaders of non-profits are eligible to be nominated in this award category.
Startup Business of the Year
This award recognizes a startup business that has shown significant promise through their growth since starting their business. Businesses operating for less than 2 years, but for more than 10 months, are eligible to be nominated in this award category.
Business Excellence Award
This award will recognize overall achievements and excellence in company growth including sales, profitability, employment creation, and innovation.
Small Business of the Year
This award recognizes a small business that has demonstrated innovation, leadership, thoughtful planning, and growth potential.
Questions? Please email us at events@nadf.org if you need clarification on eligibility or the nomination process.
NOTE: The NADF Awards Selection Committee may choose to not give an award in a category.