We’re incredibly fortunate to have such an amazing business community in Barrie and Simcoe County. Brimming with an entrepreneurial spirit, it’s no surprise that we have become home for visionaries and innovators.
To help these individuals, Georgian College opened the Henry Bernick Entrepreneurial Centre (HBEC) back in 2012. Their goal was to help make dreams a reality by assisting entrepreneurs in four main areas: training, connections, funding, and mentorship.
As the region's pool of entrepreneurs grew, HBEC decided it was time to showcase the community’s top entrepreneurs. So in 2016, the centre introduced the Henry Bernick Medal Awards. Now called the Henry Bernick Awards, this honour is given to deserving individuals in three categories:
- Student Entrepreneur: This award celebrates students who have launched an entrepreneurial venture that demonstrates exceptional achievement and promising potential for success. The initiative can be commercial, social, educational, cultural, or environmental in its focus.
- Community Entrepreneur: The Henry Bernick Entrepreneurship Centre recognizes an outstanding entrepreneur leading a small business (under 25 employees) who has benefitted from their services. This award celebrates an individual who has demonstrated remarkable resilience and perseverance in overcoming challenges, ultimately leading their business to secure and sustainable growth.
- Entrepreneurs’ Champion: This award honors a champion of entrepreneurs, recognizing an individual or organization who empowers aspiring business owners with their sharp vision, extensive network, and proven track record of fostering success stories. Their unwavering support and dedication set them apart as a true role model.
The awards commemorate the qualities of its namesake: Strength, principle, mentorship, philanthropy, and business acuity. Following the award presentation, attendees will get to hear from keynote speaker, Justice Faith, co-founder of Révolutionnaire and a Forbes 30 Under 30 honouree.
About Justice Faith
Justice Faith ignites audiences with her expertise on social change. Co-founding Révolutionnaire with her sister Nia, Justice empowers individuals and corporations to translate aspirations into action. From mobilizing changemakers to partnering with brands like Roots and L'Oréal, Justice fosters a collective responsibility for progress.
Previously a top consultant at McKinsey & Company and an intern with Arianna Huffington, Justice co-founded Building Blocks, a social change workshop spanning four continents. Her leadership extends beyond Révolutionnaire, having served as Co-Chair of Toronto's anti-racism advisory committee.
Justice is a sought-after speaker, inspiring audiences on turning inspiration into action, engaging Gen Z, and building authentic leadership. Recognized as a Woman of the Year and among Canada's most influential women, Justice's voice for positive change has been featured in Forbes, Global Citizen, and major media outlets.
During her keynote, Justice will cover topics including:
Finding your spark and turning inspiration into impact
This tactical session will help you rekindle your inner fire and turn inspiration into real-world impact. Join Justice, who left a secure corporate job to co-found a youth-led social change movement.
Learn from her experience and practical methods to:
- Reclaim your passion: Discover your hidden talents and reignite your drive.
- Define your purpose: Find your unique path to make a difference.
- Turn dreams into action: Develop a framework to make your ideas a reality.
Leave empowered with the tools you need to become the change you seek, not just dream about it!
Engaging Gen Z as team members and consumers
This presentation dives deep into Gen Z's expectations, both as employees and consumers. Justice reveals the secret weapon and leaves you with these key takeaways:
- Understanding Gen Z: Discover their priorities and motivations.
- Building brand authenticity: Integrate authenticity into company culture and marketing.
- Engaging Gen Z: Ignite their passion and drive real engagement.
The role of corporations in driving equity
Today's consumers and employees expect more. Corporate success hinges on a commitment to equity and sustainability. This presentation goes beyond good intentions.
You'll learn:
- A roadmap for dismantling internal barriers: Foster a diverse and inclusive workplace.
- Building strong community partnerships: Create shared value and lasting impact.
- Aligning social good with business goals: Discover a win-win for your company and society.
Building an authentic leadership brand
Join Justice for a transformative journey as she peels back the layers of traditional leadership to reveal the power of authenticity.
This session equips you with a powerful framework to:
- Embrace your uniqueness: Unleash your strengths and stand out.
- Master emotional intelligence: Build trust and connect with your team.
- Champion diversity and inclusion: Create a thriving, high-performing environment.
- Harness the power of storytelling: Inspire and motivate your community.
- Lead with resilience and grace: Embrace lifelong learning and adapt to change.
The 2024 Henry Bernick Awards
This year’s Henry Bernick Awards take place on May 30 from 5:15 PM to 8:00 PM at the Georgian Theater at Georgian College. Following the Award Ceremony and keynote speech, there’ll be a Q&A with Justice Faith.
This year, tickets are completely free but you have to reserve yours online before they are gone!
For more information and to get your ticket, click here.
