Description
The ABEX Indigenous Business Leadership Award recognizes an Indigenous-owned business that demonstrates exceptional leadership, measurable growth, and meaningful economic impact in Saskatchewan. Judging criteria consider the size and stage of the business, recognizing that growth trajectories vary across sectors. The successful business shows strong financial performance, strategic vision, market competitiveness, and leadership that contributes to long-term economic advancement.
Note: This award focuses on business ownership, leadership, and performance. Internal workplace or DE&I initiatives are assessed in other ABEX categories.
Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for this award, the organization must:
- Be a for-profit business.
- Be at least 51% Indigenous-owned (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit ownership).
- Demonstrate financial viability by submitting financial statements.
- Have been operating in Saskatchewan for at least two years as of April 1, 2026.
- Demonstrate active business operations and measurable performance over the past two years.
- Not have been the recipient of this award in previous years.
- Not have won Business of the Year the previous year.
- Not currently serve as a board member or staff of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce.
Evaluation Criteria
To be successful in this category, organizations should ideally:
- Demonstrate strong business performance and sustainable growth.
- Show measurable economic and community impact.
- Demonstrate leadership that advances Indigenous entrepreneurship and economic reconciliation.
- Provide evidence of long-term vision, resilience, and sector or community influence.
