Images via Kingston Economic Development Corporation.
Kingston Economic Development Corporation and Kingston Immigration Partnership have announced 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 the two local organizations, recognize exceptional entrepreneurs across three categories: Community Builder of the Year, Start-up of the Year, and Inspirational Newcomer of the Year. The organizations announced the winners in a media release issued on Monday, Apr. 13, 2026.
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. According to the release, 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 of 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.”
According to the release, the awards will be bestowed as follows:
The Community Builder of the Year is presented to V. Ophelia Rigault, M.Ed., REAL Talk Solutions. Originally from Trinidad, she arrived in 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.”
According to the release, 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, sponsored by SERCO, will be presented at the KEDCO’s Annual General Meeting on Monday, Apr. 20, 2026.
To learn more about this year’s award recipients and the supports available to newcomer entrepreneurs, visit www.investkingston.ca/newcomer.