Volta Event Showcases Businesses And Organizations With High Impact On Startups
HALIFAX — Some of Atlantic Canada’s most impactful businesses and organizations were honoured Wednesday night at Volta’s second annual Ecosystem Impact Awards.
Presented in partnership with RBC, the awards highlight “change makers” in Atlantic Canada who are nurturing and transforming the startup ecosystem.
The virtual awards ceremony saw six individuals, organizations, and startups recognized.
“This has been a challenging year for businesses of all sizes, so we are pleased to come together to celebrate the collaborative efforts that all organizations are taking to enhance the startup community,” Volta CEO Martha Casey said of the awards.
One of the night’s first awards was the Catalyst Award, which went to the Saint Mary’s University Entrepreneurship Centre.
The award recognizes an organization that has “helped create cohesion and growth in the Atlantic Canadian startup ecosystem” through relationship building, reducing barriers for startups, and more.
The Centre is one of Atlantic Canada’s leading providers of university-based business support services in Atlantic Canada and has been fostering young entrepreneurs in the region for more than two decades.
Two Positive Impact Awards were also handed out last night (one to an individual and one to an organization). The awards recognize leaders who have benefitted their community with real-world solutions to social problems.
Jim Hanlon, the former CEO of the Centre for Ocean Ventures & Entrepreneurship, took home the individual award, while blockchain company Peer Ledger snagged the organizational award.
The Community Leader Award recognizes a company that has “directly impacted the growth and development of the entrepreneurial landscape in Atlantic Canada.” Last night, that honour went to the Black Business Initiative.
“For 24 years and counting, the BBI has strived to create a lasting impact in the Black business community in Nova Scotia. We are grateful for the recognition!” the organization said shortly after the win.
The Halifax Partnership Innovation District took home the Corporate Supporter Award recognizing its part in supporting the region’s tech startup community.
Finally, Halifax’s Appili Therapeutics was given the Disruptor Award. The award recognizes a business that has seen “significant entrepreneurial success” over the past year.
Appili has been making headlines throughout 2020 for its innovation and progress in developing Covid-19 treatments.
“All these organizations continue to put Atlantic Canada on the map, and prove that we are a destination for innovation, prosperity and continued development,” Casey said.
According to Volta, more than 30 companies were nominated for the awards, with recipients selected by a panel of judges made up of regional business leaders.