Women of Influence+ has announced the 2023 RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards finalists, and a few Black women business owners have been recognized.

Among them is Christine Ochieng, founder and owner of Amani Travel Health Clinic, a full-service, one-stop travel clinic providing vaccines. She was named a western region finalist for the start-up award.

Onome Ako, CEO of Action Against Hunger, a non-profit tackling food insecurity, was named a central region finalist for the Social Change Award: National Impact.

“Our 2023 RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards finalists are changing the narrative by fearlessly defying convention and reshaping the perception of what women can achieve in the business world,” said Dr. Rumeet Billan, owner and CEO of Women of Influence+. “Their impact extends far beyond their own companies. These exceptional entrepreneurs are also making a significant difference in their communities, addressing social challenges, and advocating for positive change. They are building successful enterprises and using their influence and resources to uplift others and leave a lasting legacy of positive transformation. We are thrilled to celebrate the remarkable achievements of this year’s finalists during our annual gala and share their inspiring stories with a wider audience.”

This year marks the 31st anniversary of the Women of Influence+ program. After sifting through 11,000 nominations, 20 finalists were selected across seven categories. Five additional recipients were chosen to receive the Ones to Watch Award, recognizing entrepreneurs who have launched businesses that have made an incredible impact in less than three years. See the full list of finalists here.

The women business owners and leaders in this shortlisted group were selected for their accomplishments in various industries, including sustainability, urban planning, innovation in healthcare, AI and real estate.

“RBC is proud to recognize and celebrate the outstanding contributions of female entrepreneurs who are driving impactful change in the local and global economy with their leadership, innovation and excellence,” Sean Amato-Gauci, executive vice president of business financial services at RBC, said in a statement. “For more than three decades, the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards program has uncovered countless stories of trailblazing women who have shattered barriers, fostered innovation across sectors, and inspired the next generation of entrepreneurs. We’re excited to see the number of women entrepreneurs grow in Canada with each passing year, and today, we’re proud to put a spotlight on the stories and achievements of this year’s finalists and winners who make up the diverse fabric of Canada’s thriving business community.”

The winners will be announced and celebrated in person at the 31st Annual Awards Gala on Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023, at the Ritz-Carlton in Toronto.