2008 RBC Canadian Woman Entrepreneur Award Finalists Largest number of nominees in event history

TORONTO — RBC today announced the 11 finalists of the 2008 RBC Canadian Woman Entrepreneur Awards (CWEA) program. Approximately 1,200 women entrepreneurs were nominated for this year’s award, the highest number since the program was created in 1992.

The five award winners will be honoured at a gala event on Tuesday, December 9, 2008, at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel, Toronto, Ontario.

The annual event recognizes women entrepreneurs from across Canada who make important contributions to the Canadian economy. All nominees share a strong vision and a relentless passion in pursing their dreams, and have become positive role models for the young women of today.

“The CWEA Program is an exciting and inspiring initiative that recognizes truly outstanding Canadian female role models,” said Rina Pillitteri, national director, Small Business and Women’s Market, RBC. “The passion, vision and commitment of this year’s nominees is outstanding. Their achievements stand as a testimony to everyone, and an inspiration to the next generation of aspiring entrepreneurs. We salute and congratulate each one of them.”

Awards will be given in five categories: The RBC Momentum Award; The Deloitte Start-Up Award; The HKMB Hub Impact Award; The Bell Trailblazer Award; and The PROFIT Award for Excellence in Entrepreneurship. Detailed information about each award can be found on www.rbcroyalbank.com/business/women and www.theawards.ca.

This year’s finalists are:

* Ann Jamieson, Calvin Consulting
* Baljit Gill, Kitwanga
* Catherine Delaney, Delaney Capital
* Christina Jennings, Shaftesbury Films
* Dr. Jacqueline Shan, CV Technologies
* Edie Weiss, Radke TV
* Janice Rubin and Christine Thomlinson, Rubin Thomlinson LLP
* Melanie Dowhaniuk, Imaginis Marketing
* Miriam and Natalie Gee, Gee Beauty
* Nina Gupta, Greenlite Lighting
* Teresa Coady, Bunting Coady Architects

Applications were reviewed by a panel of judges including prominent female business leaders from across the country. The 2008 RBC Canadian Woman Entrepreneur Awards are presented by RBC in partnership with Deloitte, HKMB Hub International, Bell and PROFIT Magazine and supported by Cassels Brock and Tiffany & Co.

Barbara Stymiest, chief operating officer, RBC and Diane Francis, editor-at-large, National Post, will co-serve as mistresses of ceremonies. For more information on the awards, including tickets and sponsorship information, visit www.theawards.ca.

About RBC
RBC Royal Bank delivers a wide range of financial services and practical advice to small and medium-sized businesses and their owners. RBC is Canada’s leading financial institution for small business. For practical advice and information about starting, owning and managing a small business, visit: www.rbcroyalbank.com/business/resources. For advice specifically tailored to women entrepreneurs, visit www.rbcroyalbank.com/business/women.

About the Canadian Woman Entrepreneur Awards
The RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards are the pre-eminent national business awards recognizing the country’s leading female entrepreneurs. The awards are an initiative of The Powerpoint Group, an award-winning organization dedicated to advancing and fulfilling the needs of Canadian businesswomen. The Powerpoint Group leads many national women’s initiatives including the Women of Influence Luncheon Series, the Young Women of Influence Evening Series, the Women of Influence Golf Tournaments and RBC Canadian Woman Entrepreneur Awards. For more information, visit www.theawards.ca.