Nomination Process & Criteria

The Manitoba Métis Federation, the National Government of the Red River Métis, will host the 3rd Annual Red River Métis Business Excellence Awards on Thursday, November 26, 2026. This prestigious Gala evening celebrates the achievements, leadership, and contributions of Red River Métis entrepreneurs and businesses.

The Red River Métis Business Association (RRMBA), the organizing group for the awards, is now accepting applications from majority-owned Red River Métis businesses. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply before the deadline of Sunday, August 16, 2026.

Finalists will be selected and contacted in September, 2026. The finalists must be present at the Business Awards Gala on Thursday, November 26, 2026, at The Fort Garry Hotel in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Application Rules

  • Applications close on Sunday, August 16, 2026.
  • All applications are welcome excluding award recipients from last years 2025 Red River Métis Business Excellence Awards, finalists however are welcome to reapply.
  • No supporting documents (brochures, binders, reports) will be considered unless requested.
  • Applicants must adhere to the maximum word length for your answers to each question.
  • If an applicant fails to include information by the required deadline, a score of zero will be given in that category.
  • Applicants may be contacted for further clarification regarding their application.
  • If there are any questions or concerns please contact Tanya Dery at tanya.dery@mmf.mb.ca 204 589-0772 x2245

Eligibility Criteria

  • The business must have been actively operating for a minimum of two years. Proof of continuous operation is required. Note: The Youth Entrepreneur category is an exception to this eligibility requirement and must be in business for a minimum of one year.
  • Business must be majority-owned by Red River Métis Citizens.
  • Businesses must be a member of the Red River Métis Business Directory: https://online-directory.lrcc.mb.ca by August 16, 2026: Contact Natalie Kulczycki at Nataliek@lrcc.mb.ca or 204-589-0772 x2225

Points allocation

  1. Business Overview (40 points) Maximum 1,000 words
  2. Red River Métis Community and Social Impact (20 points) Maximum 500 words
  3. Financial Success and Stability (30 points) Maximum 500 words
  4. Letter of Recommendation (10 points) Maximum 500 words

Entrepreneurs are encouraged to visit the Red River Métis Business Development Corporation website to view last year's finalists and award recipients: 2025 Red River Métis Business Excellence Awards

Traditional Economies Award

Recognizes Red River Métis Citizens engaged in traditional economy sectors, including beading, fishing, trapping, and artisanship.

Young Entrepreneur Award

Recognizes aspiring Red River Métis youth entrepreneurs between the ages of 19 and 29 who have operated a revenue-generating business for a minimum of one year.

Outstanding Business Award - Revenue Below $1 Million

Recognizes Red River Métis businesses across all sectors with revenues below $1 million at their most recent year-end.

Outstanding Business Award - Revenue Above $1 Million

Recognizes Red River Métis businesses across all sectors with revenues above $1 million at their most recent year-end.

Infinity Women Secretariat Spokeswoman's Award

Recognizes Red River Métis women demonstrating leadership, excellence, and impact in business.

Application form

You may submit an application by completing this webform. If you have questions please email rrmbdc@mmf.mb.ca or call 204-589-0772 x2245

Sponsorship Opportunities

To inquire about any of the following Sponsorship Opportunities please contact Tanya Dery at tanya.dery@mmf.mb.ca or 204-589-0772 x2245

Award Sponsor - $15,000

Award Sponsor - $15,000
Premier Recognition Opportunity (5 sponsor opportunities)

This sponsorship offers high-level visibility and direct alignment with one of the signature award categories presented during the evening.

Sponsor Benefits:

  • Exclusive recognition as the sponsor of one award category
  • Verbal recognition from the podium during the awards program
  • Premium reserved table for dinner of 10 with preferred placement
  • Table naming recognition
  • Logo recognition in Program as an Award Sponsor
  • Logo recognition on event PowerPoint loop
  • Logo recognition on event signage
  • Recognition in event-related communications
  • Social media recognition as an Award Sponsor

Networking Reception Sponsor - $6,500

Networking Reception Sponsor - $6,500
Guest Experience Sponsor

This sponsorship provides prominent recognition during the networking portion of the evening, offering strong visibility as guests arrive, connect, and begin the celebration.

Sponsor Benefits:

  • Exclusive recognition as the Networking Reception Sponsor
  • Billboard recognition during the reception
  • Verbal recognition during the evening program
  • Reserved table for dinner of 10
  • Table naming recognition
  • Logo recognition in Program as a Networking Sponsor
  • Logo recognition on event PowerPoint loop
  • Logo recognition near reception or networking area
  • Social media recognition as the Networking Reception Sponsor

Red Wine Sponsor - $6,000

Red Wine Sponsor - $6,000
Table Experience Sponsor

This sponsorship provides unique brand visibility directly at each guest table through custom recognition on the red wine selection.

Sponsor Benefits:

  • Business logo featured on a bottle of red wine at each guest table
  • Recognition as the exclusive Red Wine Sponsor
  • Reserved table for dinner of 10
  • Table naming recognition
  • Logo recognition in Program as a Red Wine Sponsor
  • Logo recognition on event PowerPoint loop
  • Verbal recognition during the evening program
  • Social media recognition as the Red Wine Sponsor
  • Logo recognition in the table or beverage sponsor section of the program

White Wine Sponsor - $6,000

White Wine Sponsor - $6,000
Table Experience Sponsor

This sponsorship provides unique brand visibility directly at each guest table through custom recognition on the white wine selection.

Sponsor Benefits:

  • Business logo featured on a bottle of white wine at each guest table
  • Recognition as the exclusive White Wine Sponsor
  • Reserved table for dinner of 10
  • Table naming recognition
  • Logo recognition in Program as a White Wine Sponsor
  • Logo recognition on event PowerPoint loop
  • Verbal recognition during the evening program
  • Social media recognition as the White Wine Sponsor
  • Logo recognition in the table or beverage sponsor section of the program

Table Sponsor - $3,000

Table Sponsor - $3,000
Community Support Sponsor

This sponsorship is ideal for organizations that want to show their support for Red River Métis entrepreneurs while receiving event visibility and a hosted table for guests.

Sponsor Benefits:

  • Reserved table for dinner of 10
  • Table naming recognition
  • Logo recognition in the event program
  • Logo recognition on event PowerPoint loop
  • Recognition as a Table Sponsor
  • Opportunity to host clients, partners, staff, or community members

Tickets sales begin September 2026

If you would like to be added to a waitlist or pre-register for a table, please contact Tanya Dery at tanya.dery@mmf.mb.ca or 204-589-0772 x2245

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