To celebrate the contributions made by exceptional and visionary newcomer entrepreneurs, Kingston Immigration Partnership and the Kingston Economic Development Corporation have established the Kingston Newcomer Entrepreneurs Award.
The Newcomer Entrepreneurs Awards have three categories:
Community Builder Award: for entrepreneurs who have demonstrated strong commitment and contribution in community service.
Start-up Award: for entrepreneurs whose businesses were established within the past five (5) years.
Inspirational Entrepreneur Award: for entrepreneurs who have demonstrated great success and vision.
2026 Newcomer Entrepreneur Award Winners
V. Ophelia Rigault M.Ed,
REAL Talk Solutions.
Community Builder of the Year 2026
Dr. Siziwe Bebe,
Demagel Inc.
Start-up of the Year 2026
Ningjing (Natalie) Zhang, Ph.D., J.D.,
BridgePoint Law Professional Corporation.
Inspirational Newcomer of the Year 2026
Nominations for the 2027 Newcomer Entrepreneur Awards are open.
To nominate a newcomer entrepreneur, self nominations are encouraged.
1. Download and fill out the application form.
2. Send the completed application form via email to [email protected] with the subject: Newcomer Entrepreneur Nomination
3. Nomination Criteria:
· Been born outside of Canada
· Established and operate their business in Kingston
You can either nominate yourself or nominate a newcomer entrepreneur through this form.
Past Winners
2025 Start-up of the Year: Drs. Anh Tran Ly and Tu Nguyen, CO₂ L Tech
2025 Community Builder of the Year: Patrick Egbunonu, Informanos Analytics & Artificial Intelligence Inc.
2025 Inspirational Newcomer of the Year: Phuong MacNeil, Handy Fairies Cleaning Company
2024 Start-up of the Year: Isabelle & Pierre Tardiveau, Sens Café
2024 Community Builder: Tarek Hussein, Weller Pharmacy and MedaKi
2024 Inspirational Newcomer: Rathi Perumal, Uyir Engineering
2023 Start-up of the Year: Hakeem Subair and Rizma Butt, 1 Million Teachers
2023 Community Builder: Brian Dodo, BMDodo Strategic Designs
2023 Inspirational Newcomer: Gõkhan Cifci, Tango Nuevo and Mayla Concept
2023 Inclusive Community Builder: St. Lawrence College