WESK Gala 2025
Saturday, May 17, 2025 | 6:00pm – 10:00pm | Darke Hall, Regina
The WESK Gala provides an opportunity to recognize outstanding female entrepreneurs with one of six Entrepreneur Awards while also celebrating the achievements of all entrepreneurs in our province. Join us as we celebrate extraordinary woman entrepreneurs in Saskatchewan over an evening of celebration, networking, and extravagance.
Know a deserving woman entrepreneur? Nominate them for one of our Entrepreneur Awards! If that deserving entrepreneur is you, you can skip the nominations and begin the application! More details on our awards categories can be found below.
This also happens to be WESKs 30th year since its inception in 1995. We want to reminisce and celebrate the past while making a promise to continue to grow alongside our community in the future. To do this, we will be adding a few additional components to our Gala, including the following:
- WESK Member Market, where attendees will have the opportunity to “shop” our members’ products for free.
- A celebration of past board members, past Celebration of Achievement Award winners, and past members.
- A 30th Anniversary time capsule – to be opened at WESK’s 50th year celebration.
Event Information
6:00pm: Cocktail Reception, WESK Member Market, Appetizers
7:00pm: Program Begins
7:30pm: Entrepreneur Awards Presented
9:00pm: Program Ends
10:00pm: Event Ends
About the Entrepreneur Awards
Applications and Nominations for our five entrepreneur awards will be opening soon. Our awards include the Community Builder Award, Indigenous Entrepreneur Award, Growth & Innovation Award, Resilience Award, and New Business of the Year Award. We will also hand-select one outstanding woman as the recipient of the Celebration of Achievement Award.
If you are chosen as a finalist, you will be required to travel to Regina or Saskatoon to film your Finalist Videos. Filming dates are TBD.
General Eligibility Requirements
- Business must be majority woman-owned (or in a majority-women-led partnership).
- Be operating in Saskatchewan and continue to do so at the time of the awards presentation.
- The business must demonstrate financial viability and sound potential for growth.
- Not have won a WESK Entrepreneur Award in the past year.
- Not have anyone in your management, on your board, or in your employ serving on the WESK’s Gala Awards judging committee.
Gather Before Applying
- Business’ logo in a high-resolution png.
- High-quality headshot.
- Financial statements for 2022, 2023, and 2024 (if available).
- 1-3 high-quality photos of you and/or your business.
Celebration of Achievement Award
The Celebration of Achievement Award honours an extraordinary Saskatchewan woman entrepreneur whose business has made a lasting impact on the economy and community. As an inspirational leader and a role model for women in business, she exemplifies excellence, innovation, and dedication. The WESK committee will select the recipient of this prestigious award.
- Have been operating for a minimum of 10 years (at time of applying)
- Has made significant contributions to the Saskatchewan economy
- Actively participate in community involvement initiatives
- A strong role model for women in entrepreneurship
Community Builder Award
The Community Builder Award honors a Saskatchewan woman who leads by example, redefining business success with a purpose-driven approach. This inspiring leader has built her business around meaningful strategies that prioritize people and foster community well-being, all while achieving strong business results.
- Been in operation for a minimum of 3 years at the time of applying.
- Enhance the quality of life for the community and attract people to the area.
- Promote and add vibrancy to the well-being, health and development of the community.
- Showcase the region through marketing and community events and/or programs.
- Promote cultural activities, tourism, and/or sporting events.
Indigenous Entrepreneur Award
The Indigenous Entrepreneur Award* recognizes an Indigenous Saskatchewan woman who has built a strong and sustainable business concept with a clear vision for future growth and long-term success. She exemplifies a deep understanding of her market, competitors, and opportunities, paired with a steadfast commitment to her community.
*This award is open to individuals who identify as Indigenous Peoples in Canada, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit.
- Business must be woman-owned and Indigenous-owned.
- Demonstrate innovation in some or all of the following: Research & Development, Company Growth, Products & Services, Creative Business Initiatives, Sales & Marketing, and Community Service.
New Business of The Year Award
The New Business of the Year Award celebrates a Saskatchewan woman entrepreneur who has established a thriving business within the past 6 to 24 months. This award recognizes her ability to make a strong start by demonstrating exceptional creativity, a clear vision, and the potential for long-term success.
- Show evidence of a strong start, such as early profitability, revenue growth, or securing investments.
- Demonstrate a unique value proposition, innovative approaches, or significant potential for impact within its industry or community.
- Currently is operational and generating revenue at the time of application.
- Have been established between 6 and 24 months prior to the nomination deadline.
Growth & Innovation Award
The Growth and Innovation Award celebrates a Saskatchewan woman who has crafted and executed a bold and innovative strategy, driving rapid business growth and impressive profitability. Her vision and achievements demonstrate remarkable potential for continued expansion and success, making her a trailblazer in her industry.
- The business must have been operating for a minimum of 5 years at the time of application.
- Applicants must highlight measurable achievements, such as Significant revenue increases, growth in the number of employees, expansion of physical locations or operational capacity, or the introduction of new products, services, or markets.
- Applicants must present a comprehensive growth plan detailing their vision for future expansion. This may include: financial projections (e.g., revenue goals or profit targets); plans to scale operations, such as adding employees, locations, or production capacity; strategies for entering new markets or launching innovative products/services.
Resilience Award
The Resilience Award honours a Saskatchewan woman who has demonstrated exceptional strength and adaptability in her business during challenges. Through perseverance and strategic thinking, she has successfully navigated unexpected challenges while maintaining strong business operations, showcasing her ability to lead with determination and resilience.
- Been in operation for a minimum of 3 years at the time of applying.
- Exemplifies strength and determination in times of change.
- Demonstrates the ability to adapt a business model or shift the way business is completed in a way that will lead to success.
- Experience some business success as a result of the adaptations made to her business.