ABRAM-VILLAGE – Sept. 24, 2025 – Although there is a growing number of businesses in PEI’s Acadian and Francophone communities, in recent years, the Acadian and Francophone Chamber of Commerce of PEI (CCAFLIPE) has received fewer nominations for the awards it presents at its Entrepreneurs’ Gala each spring.
That is why Chamber spokesperson Janine Arsenault announced that measures are being implemented to encourage people to submit more nominations for its Entrepreneurial Awards of Excellence Competition to ensure that the 24th edition of its Gala next spring is another success. First, everyone who submits nominations will be eligible for a draw for $100 in cash or two tickets to the 2026 Gala (also worth $100). Second, the submission period has been extended by several weeks; the contest was launched Sept. 22 and the deadline for submissions is Nov. 14 at noon.
Third, people will have the option of filling out the form in either French or English (if they have difficulty with the first language). Fourth, people who need help filling out the form can ask for assistance; the Chamber will assign a contractor to help them either fill out the entire document or review and refine their file before it is submitted. Those who want help must request it before Oct. 31; a limited number of submitters can receive assistance. Please note that all files must be accompanied by a high-quality photo of the candidate.
And fifth, people have the option of filling out the form online or in Word format (which can be downloaded, completed, and submitted electronically) or in paper format. All details and forms are available at www.rdeeipe.net/concours-prix-dexcellence-entrepreneuriale/. Alternatively, people can visit the Wellington Rural Action Centre and obtain a paper version.
People attending last year’s Christmas party and this spring’s Gala offered several suggestions for potential nominees. Coordinator Alecia Arsenault is contacting everyone who suggested names to encourage them to submit actual nominations.
THE COMPETITION AND ITS CATEGORIES
The Entrepreneurial Awards of Excellence Competition, which focuses specifically on sustainable development, is once again accepting nominations in five award categories:
• The 2026 Outstanding Young Entrepreneur Award for individuals aged 15 to 30 as of March 21, 2026, who have demonstrated remarkable entrepreneurial initiative (including innovation or sustainable development), especially over the past year;
• The 2026 Social Economy Business Award for a business, cooperative, or organization that must have an economic vocation and that has distinguished itself through its accomplishments and successes, including its impact on its community, especially over the past year;
• The 2026 Distinguished Employee Award for an employee of a company, cooperative, or organization that has distinguished itself through the quality of its customer service or its accomplishments or leadership in the business world, especially over the past year;
• The 2026 Business Excellence Award for a company that has distinguished itself in a particular way and demonstrated excellence, especially over the past year, in sustainable development, innovation, quality of services, job creation, or impact on its community.
• The 2026 Business Hall of Fame Award for individuals with at least 25 years of entrepreneurial or business experience, as this award honors an entrepreneur or businessperson who has distinguished themselves through their efforts and accomplishments throughout their career. The individual may still be working, retired, or deceased.
See the website for other criteria, conditions, and details of the competition.
The Chamber will announce the names of the finalists in the first four categories at its 2025 Christmas party (P’tite fête des Fêtes) on Nov. 28 at the Carrefour de l’Isle-Saint-Jean. In addition, the name of the person or persons who will be inducted into the PEI Acadian and Francophone Business Hall of Fame will be revealed. All awards will be presented at the 2026 Entrepreneurs Gala on March 21 in Abram-Village.
“We know there are still a huge number of excellent candidates in your families, neighborhoods, and communities, so PLEASE don’t hesitate to submit a nomination. We also encourage businesses to submit their own nominations; that’s how it works in the other chambers of commerce,” explained the spokesperson. “We depend entirely on you to provide us with nominations. So thank you for ensuring the continuity of our Gala—our biggest and best entrepreneurial recognition evening of the year.”
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PHOTO: Janine Arsenault, left, spokesperson for the Acadian and Francophone Chamber of Commerce of PEI, discusses with Alecia Arsenault, coordinator of this fall’s Entrepreneurial Awards of Excellence Competition and the 2026 Entrepreneurs’ Gala, the many measures being offered this year to encourage the submission of nominations.
For more information:
Alecia Arsenault
Coordinator
2026 Entrepreneurs Gala
alecia@rdeeipe.org
902-432-2026