At an awards night on June 17, held at the Holiday Inn & Suites, St. Catharines, the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce (GNCC) announced the winners of the 2026 Niagara Business Achievement Awards, powered by RBC, recognizing outstanding businesses, organizations, entrepreneurs, and young professionals whose work strengthens Niagara’s economy and communities. The event was attended by 375 people from across the Niagara community of businesses, non-profits, and the public sector.
The Niagara Business Achievement Awards celebrate excellence across the region’s diverse business landscape, from established employers and emerging ventures to non-profit organizations, innovators, hospitality leaders, and professionals shaping Niagara’s future. This year’s winners reflect the depth, resilience, and ambition of Niagara’s business community, and the essential role that local enterprise plays in creating jobs, driving investment, and building a more prosperous region.
“The winners of the 2026 Niagara Business Achievement Awards show what is possible when ambition is matched with integrity, resilience, and a commitment to the communities they serve,” said GNCC CEO Mishka Balsom. “Their success reflects the strength of Niagara’s economy and the people behind it: employers, entrepreneurs, teams, and partners who are building opportunity every day.”
The GNCC congratulates the winners:
- Business of the Year (presented by RBC): Airbus Helicopters Canada
- Equity Entrepreneur Award (presented by OLG): SPROUT Plant Parlour & Café’
- Environmental Leadership Award: Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority
- Technology and Innovation Award (presented by Innovate Niagara): Vision Greens
- Excellence in Hospitality and Tourism Award: 13th Street Winery
- Outstanding New Business: Spaceless Marketing
- Excellence in Business Award: Up to 25 Employees (presented by TD Commercial Banking): Black Sheep Coffee Roasters
- Excellence in Business Award: 26 or More Employees (presented by DDL & Co.): Subaru of Niagara
- Excellence in Business Award: Not-for-Profit (presented by The Prime Way Group): Early Childhood Community Development Centre
- Young Professional Award (presented by Youngs Insurance Brokers Inc.): Eleanor Pineau
The Bestowed Award for Community Leadership, presented by Niagara Region Economic Development, was given to Elisabeth Zimmermann, Executive Director of YWCA Niagara Region.
The Bestowed Award for Innovative Leadership, presented by CAA Niagara, was presented to Ontario Shipyards.
The Bestowed Award for Entrepreneur of the Year, presented by Meridian Credit Union, was presented to Chris Hawkswell, Founder and CEO of Niacon.
“The finalists and award recipients truly reflect the diversity and resilience of our business community,” said Bruce Peever, Chair of the GNCC Board of Directors. “Across sectors, they are creating jobs, strengthening communities, adapting to change, and investing in the region’s future. The 2026 Niagara Business Achievement Awards are a chance to celebrate that work and recognize the people and organizations helping Niagara move forward with confidence in uncertain times.”
