Montreal, November 7, 2024
The evening of October 29 marked the 7th edition of the Ethnocultural Diversity Honorary Grants, a prestigious event celebrating entrepreneurship and diversity in Quebec. From among 50 finalists hailing from 27 countries and 11 regions of Quebec, 24 winners stood out this year, recognized for their commitment, innovation, and contribution to the local economy. The gala once again highlighted the incredible contribution of ethnoculturally diverse entrepreneurs to Quebec’s economy, providing a platform to recognize and celebrate innovative talent from all corners of the province.
Held at the iconic Windsor in Montreal, the gala brought together nearly 300 guests—including a range of influential figures from politics, business, and entrepreneurship—to celebrate these exceptional and inspiring journeys.
Forge connections between stakeholders in the Quebec ecosystem.
For the third consecutive year, the gala evening was preceded by a networking event where participants had the opportunity to meet over 30 exhibitors—including sponsors, partners, entrepreneurs, past award winners, and private-sector representatives. They were all on hand to showcase their services and demonstrate the incredible array of resources available across Quebec to support entrepreneurs.
Mobilization and regional outreach.
Several records were set this year, highlighting the growing impact of this initiative:
- 48% of the finalists come from the regions—a rate never before reached in previous editions.
- 605 applications were received—double the participation of the previous edition.
- 17 regions of Quebec were represented among the finalists for the first time.
These entrepreneurs, hailing from regions such as Montreal, Montérégie, the Laurentians, Laval, and many others, exemplify the wealth of entrepreneurial talent in Quebec. Their businesses—spanning diverse sectors like technology, healthcare, the arts, education, and agri-food—demonstrate how cultural diversity enriches the entrepreneurial landscape, infusing the local economy with fresh, innovative ideas.
A memorable evening dedicated to innovation and prominence.
Centered this year on the themes of ethnocultural innovation and regional outreach, the event gave guests the opportunity to discover creative entrepreneurs committed to the Quebec economy and to network with the many partners in attendance. The evening was punctuated by artistic tributes to the diverse cultures represented, featuring musicians playing the West African flute, the Chinese guzheng, and the North African mandole, adding a vibrant and symbolic cultural touch to the celebration.
Winners of the 7th edition of the Honorific Grants
- Technologie Bioeureka Inc. -Rapid pathogen identification via artificial intelligence
- OneTrip Technologies - E-commerce solution for independent grocery stores
- Protections Ora Inc. - Innovative and reliable period panties, designed in Quebec.
- Awessi - Ethical fashion using African dyeing techniques for unique pieces.
- Mission Nettoyage Inc. - esidential and commercial cleaning services with a human touch.
- Innovatco - Product development for smoothing caulk and paint
- Neiges Biotechnologies Inc. - Pharmaceutical research using miniature intestines pour tester les traitements de la maladie de Crohn
- Ann & Eli Apotecary Inc. - Natural health products for women's well-being, available in Canada, Europe, and Africa.
- Bon Magasinage Inc. - Peer-to-peer clothing resale platform focused on sustainable fashion
- Interactif Numérique Localyser inc. - Online reputation and customer experience management for multi-location businesses
- BrewSonic Inc. - Innovative technologies to accelerate the hop brewing process in breweries
- Cora Robotique Inc. - Mobile robotics solutions to optimize material handling in logistics centers
- Poubelle Écologique - Automated, eco-friendly waste sorting solutions for waste management
- K&K / Végé Cube - Plant-based alternative inspired by African culture, gluten-free and preservative-free.
- Canuko - Gaming studio specializing in virtual reality and immersive experiences
- Yeuang Kraai Muay Thai - Thai boxing school offering self-defense classes and workshops
- Le marché de la femme noire - Sales platform for Black women entrepreneurs, featuring both physical and online spaces.
- Procoms - Digital transformation for non-profits and women entrepreneurs, featuring a training and support approach.
- Messicana Gourmet Coop - Authentic Mexican food, promoting health and flavor without additives.
- OmniZoé Inc - Educational technology for immersive training using virtual reality and artificial intelligence.
- VI2VALS IMMIGRATION - mmigration consulting and international recruitment focused on diversity and inclusion
- Alfapur Technologies Inc. - Liquid purification and industrial emissions
- Clinique Avancée de Réjuvénation Ste-Thérèse Inc. - Innovative dry eye treatments using cutting-edge technologies
- Dimpo - Cloud solution to automate and digitize accounting and tax processes
About Honorific Grants
The Honorary Grants, launched by Entreprendre ici with the support of the Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Energy, aim to support entrepreneurs from ethnocultural diverse backgrounds across Quebec.
Since 2018, 170 Honorary Grants of $25,000 each have been awarded by Entreprendre ici, for a total amount of $4,250,000.
Major initiatives and collaborations in 2024
In 2024, Entreprendre ici strengthened its impact by establishing strategic partnerships with influential players in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, such as Evol, MicroEntreprendre, Scotiabank, Réseau Mentorat, the Collège des administrateurs de sociétés, Laval Innov, and the law firm La Fortune. These alliances make it possible to meet the specific needs of candidates, with approximately 200 special prizes awarded in addition to the *Bourses d’honneur* (Honor Grants). These prizes, with a total value exceeding $600,000, include training, financing guidance, coaching, and innovation support.
These initiatives will continue to expand in 2025, with a network of over 600 partners and entrepreneurship experts spanning Quebec’s 17 administrative regions, thereby enabling emerging entrepreneurs to bring their projects to fruition with personalized support.