Toronto, Ontario — March 28, 2026 —, Chinese Canadian entrepreneurs were recognized at a national awards ceremony in Toronto on Saturday, as business leaders and policymakers highlighted the growing role of immigrant-owned businesses in Canada’s economy and ongoing challenges related to financing and market access.
The 29th Annual Chinese Canadian Entrepreneur Awards, organized by the Association of Chinese Canadian Entrepreneurs (ACCE) in partnership with the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), brought together approximately 1,000 attendees at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, including entrepreneurs, industry representatives, and government officials.
The event comes amid broader discussions about how immigrant entrepreneurs contribute to economic growth while facing structural barriers. According to federal data, immigrant-owned businesses account for a significant share of small and medium-sized enterprises in Canada, particularly in major urban centres such as Toronto and Vancouver.
Raymond Chik, president of ACCE, said the awards are intended to highlight both achievement and broader community impact.
“These awards are not only about achievement, but also about recognition — recognizing the important role entrepreneurs play in shaping industries, strengthening communities, and inspiring the next generation,” Chik said.
Tyson Jones, senior vice-president for Ontario at BDC, pointed to the organization’s long-standing role in supporting entrepreneurship.
“For over 30 years, ACCE has encouraged entrepreneurship and promoted the value of exploring new opportunities and creating solid business ventures,” Jones said.
The ceremony recognized entrepreneurs across multiple sectors, including innovation, international trade, and community service.
Victor Oh received the Lifetime Achievement Award, which honours long-term contributions to business development and community leadership. Organizers said the award reflects his efforts in promoting cross-cultural engagement and supporting economic ties.
2026 Award recipients
Awards were presented across eight additional categories recognizing achievements in entrepreneurship, innovation, and community contribution.
Herbaland Naturals Inc., led by Aisha Yang, received the Entrepreneur of the Year award, sponsored by TD Bank Group.
Art Lee of Rove Concepts was recognized for Best International Business, supported by STS Capital Partners.
Ann Fu of Frobisher International Enterprise Ltd. received the Best Asia-Pacific Business award, sponsored by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Toronto.
Dr. Julia Bao of Bao Laboratory was honoured with the Most Innovative Award, sponsored by Desjardins Financial Security.
John Gao of Tesco Building Supplies Inc. received the Most Progressive Award, supported by Scotiabank.
Stone Yu of Lucullus Bakery Inc. was named Young Entrepreneur, with the category sponsored by National Bank of Canada.
Fion Lee-Madan of Asenion received the Best Start-Up award, sponsored by Airwallex.
Valerie Gow of Gow Hastings Architects Inc. was recognized for Best Community Service, sponsored by Sing Tao Media Group Canada.
All recipients were inducted into the ACCE Winners’ Club, a network of past honourees.
Community initiatives and broader impact
In addition to the awards, ACCE announced donations to healthcare organizations, including Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation and HF Care, as part of its community outreach efforts.
Scholarships were also awarded to students from several Ontario institutions, including Seneca Polytechnic, the Schulich School of Business at York University, and Toronto Metropolitan University.
Growing focus on inclusive entrepreneurship
The event reflects a broader national focus on supporting diverse entrepreneurs as part of Canada’s long-term economic strategy. Policymakers and financial institutions have increasingly emphasized the importance of inclusion in business development, particularly as immigration continues to shape the country’s workforce and innovation landscape.
While industry leaders point to success stories highlighted at events such as the ACCE awards, experts say sustained support — including improved access to funding, mentorship, and networks — remains key to enabling more entrepreneurs to succeed.
Easycan Inc Journalist: Shengji Lin & Haoyang Wang
