Every year, hundreds of nominations from across Canada pour in for the Startup Canada Awards, each one looking to recognize those who demonstrate excellence in entrepreneurship and innovation.

The awards were broken down into 16 categories, shining a spotlight on exceptional entrepreneurs, businesses and support organizations from across Canada. The national ceremony took place in Ottawa on October 18, where North Forge’s very own Jeff Ryzner accepted the award for Community of the Year.

The Community of the Year award is given to a community that has made an outstanding impact on the entrepreneurship community on both a local and national scale.  

“This has been an amazing year for North Forge. I am extremely fortunate to work with so many forward thinkers in industry, government and academia. This national award is an incredible honour and it belongs to all of us who are fighting the good fight to build a better Manitoba,” said Jeff Ryzner, president of North Forge.

North Forge has helped pave the way for many entrepreneurs as they navigate their way into their respective industry. From scholarship programs to Canada’s largest non-profit fabrication lab to a new satellite operation in Morden – North Forge offers support services for just about anyone.

“We particularly like their focus this year of increasing inclusivity. They have a new program for Indigenous entrepreneurs and they are trying to create a much more inclusive startup community,” said Victoria Lennox, co-founder and CEO of Startup Canada to The Winnipeg Free Press. “They have found a beautiful sweet spot of actually building a sustainable startup community that includes everyone.”

As North Forge continues to expand and better their services, an award such as the Startup Canada Community of the Year is a strong reminder that this Manitoba community is on the right path.