Fourth Annual Kingston Newcomer Entrepreneur Awards
Kingston, Ontario – April 13, 2026 – Kingston Economic Development Corporation and Kingston Immigration Partnership, are delighted to announce the recipients of the fourth annual Kingston Newcomer Entrepreneur Awards, celebrating the remarkable achievements and contributions of newcomer entrepreneurs to Kingston’s business community.
The awards, a partnership between Kingston Economic Development and Kingston Immigration Partnership, recognize exceptional entrepreneurs across three categories: Community Builder of the Year, Start-up of the Year, and Inspirational Newcomer of the Year.
Nominations are opened to the public year-round and the recipients are selected by an external adjudication panel composed of former award winners and community leadership. The nominees are evaluated based on business innovation, community impact, and their entrepreneurial journey.
“Newcomer entrepreneurs bring a fresh perspective and global experience that strengthen our entire business community,” said Norman Musengimana, Business Development Manager, Start-ups & Entrepreneurship at Kingston Economic Development Corporation. “These three recipients embody the spirit of what the Kingston Newcomer Entrepreneur Awards celebrate, outstanding individuals who have chosen Kingston as the place to build their vision.”
The Community Builder of the Year is presented to V. Ophelia Rigault M.Ed, REAL Talk Solutions, originally from Trinidad she arrived to Canada at the age of six. In her previous role at KEYS she supported newcomers, people with disabilities, and others facing employment barriers. As the founder of The SHINE Club and REAL Talk Solutions and author of The CAREING Leader, she advances equity, anti-racism, and trauma-informed leadership across Canada.
The Start-up of the Year Award recognizes Dr. Siziwe Bebe, Demagel Inc., an internationally recognized scientist, engineer, and executive leader with over two decades of experience spanning academia, research, industry, and innovation management. As President and CEO of Demagel, Dr. Bebe provides scientific and strategic leadership across product development, intellectual property creation, and partnerships.
The Inspirational Entrepreneur Award is given to Ningjing (Natalie) Zhang, BridgePoint Law Professional Corporation. Originally from Shanghai, she arrived in Kingston in 2016, as one of Canada’s few refugee-turned-lawyers, she founded BridgePoint to support others navigating unfamiliar systems. She is the only lawyer in the Kingston area actively accepting Legal Aid Ontario Certificate for immigration refugee law matters, ensuring vulnerable newcomers are not left without representation.
“The Newcomer Entrepreneur Awards recognize the determination and courage it takes to build both a life and a business in a new country,” said Yu Jier Kou, Program Coordinator at Kingston Immigration Partnership. “Newcomer entrepreneurs create jobs and strengthen our economy, while also contributing to the social and cultural vitality of Kingston. Their expertise and skills help build a stronger community for everyone.”
The awards program reflects the ongoing commitment of Kingston Economic Development and Kingston Immigration Partnership to fostering an inclusive business environment where newcomers can thrive and contribute to Kingston’s economic prosperity. This year’s awards, generously sponsored by SERCO, will be presented at the Corporation’s Annual General Meeting on April 20, 2026.
To learn more about this year’s award recipients and the supports available to newcomer entrepreneurs, visit www.investkingston.ca/newcomer
Media Contacts:
Daniel Solorio
Marketing & Communications Manager
Kingston Economic Development Corporation
613-329-9270
solorio@investkingston.ca
