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Ignite A Life

Business Excellence Awards Gala

Celebrating the entrepreneurs whose leadership, creativity and generosity light up our communities.

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View Nominees Event Details

Date

December 5, 2026

6:00 PM

Venue

Toronto Zoo

2000 Meadowvale Road, Toronto, ON · M1B 5K7

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marilyncrawford

About Ignite A Life

Ignite A Life has celebrated the everyday heroes and extraordinary individuals who make a lasting difference in our communities. From Entrepreneurs to CEOs, we shine a spotlight on those whose passion, leadership and commitment inspire others. Each year, our business community comes together to nominate, vote and honour these remarkable changemakers at an evening dedicated to recognizing excellence, celebrating impact and inspiring others to make a difference.

Ignite A Life — Celebrating Business  Excellence. Inspiring Change. Honouring Those Who Make a Difference.
Our story

Award categories

Award Categories

Eight categories recognising impact across every part of community life.

All categories

  • Creative Influencers Award

    The Creative Influencer Award recognizes individuals who use creativity, originality, and influence to inspire others, shape ideas, and make a meaningful impact in their industry or community. This award celebrates visionaries who challenge conventions, bring fresh perspectives to life, and use their talents to motivate, connect, and create positive change.

  • Learning & Mentorship Champion Award

    The Education & Empowerment Award recognizes outstanding individuals who inspire learning, promote knowledge-sharing, and empower others to reach their full potential. This award celebrates educators, mentors, trainers, and community leaders whose dedication to education and personal development creates meaningful opportunities and lasting positive change.

  • Equity, Inclusion & Empowerment Award

    The Inclusion & Accessibility Champion Award recognizes individuals and organizations that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to breaking down barriers and creating accessible, inclusive environments. This award celebrates those who champion equal opportunities, promote dignity and independence, and ensure that people of all abilities can participate fully in business and community life.

  • Small Business Excellence Award

    The Small Business Excellence Award recognizes an outstanding small business with fewer than 50 employees and at least three years in operation. This award celebrates businesses that demonstrate excellence in customer service, innovation, resilience, and community involvement while achieving sustainable growth and making a positive impact in their industry and local community.

  • Emerging Business Award

    The Emerging Business Award recognizes promising businesses that demonstrate strong growth potential, innovation, entrepreneurial spirit, and a commitment to excellence. This award celebrates new and developing businesses that are making their mark in the marketplace, building customer relationships, and laying the foundation for long-term success.

  • Community Engagement & Leadership Award

    This award recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, actively contribute to their communities, and inspire positive change. It celebrates those who dedicate their time, expertise, and resources to supporting others, building meaningful relationships, and creating lasting community impact through mentorship, volunteerism, and service.

  • Business Excellence Award

    The Business Excellence Award recognizes outstanding businesses that demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation, customer service, and sustained success. This award celebrates organizations that set high standards in their industry, deliver outstanding value to their customers, invest in their people, and make a positive impact on their communities through ethical practices, growth, and a commitment to excellence.

  • Entrepreneur of the Year Award

    The Entrepreneur of the Year Award recognizes an outstanding entrepreneur who demonstrates innovation, resilience, leadership, and business excellence. This award celebrates individuals who turn ideas into opportunities, overcome challenges, drive growth, and make a meaningful impact on their industry and community.

Banquet tables and gold award trophies set for the Ignite A Life Awards gala

2026

The Awards Gala

Honouring the people who ignite change in our communities.

When
Where
Toronto Zoo, Toronto
Dress code
Black tie optional
Event details Get tickets (opens in a new tab)

Our Impact

Award categories
8
Nominations each year
100+
Unforgettable evening
1

Message From Past Award Recipients

"Attending the 2025 Ignite a Life Gala at Centennial College's event space was an absolute delight from start to finish. CGTA truly went all out to create a sophisticated, welcoming atmosphere. The food and service were exceptional, and the evening was filled with vibrant energy, fantastic networking, and so many memorable photo moments. It was a wonderful celebration of community, and I am already looking forward to the next Gala on December 4th at the Toronto Zoo."
Leslie Enright CEO, SimplAi Canada - Pickering, Ontario
“Receiving an award at the 2023 Ignite A Life Business Excellence Awards Gala was a meaningful and memorable experience. It was an honour to be recognized among so many outstanding business leaders, entrepreneurs and community changemakers who are making a difference in the lives of others. Being part of Ignite A Life was a wonderful reminder that success becomes even more meaningful when it inspires others and contributes to the greater good of our communities.”
Quintan Anthoni CEO, AI HR Solutions Inc. - Brampton, Ontario
“I received an award at the 2024 Business Excellence Awards Gala which was a huge surprise for me and my family. As a professional dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate financial challenges and work toward greater financial stability, I believe that success is about more than professional accomplishments. It is about making a meaningful impact, empowering others and contributing to stronger communities. Thank you to Connecting GTA Networking Club for this recognition and for continuing to celebrate individuals who inspire others.”
Elankeeran Than Principal & Certified Credit Counsellor - Scarborough, Ontario
"It was inspiring to be recognized alongside so many talented entrepreneurs, business professionals and community leaders who are making a meaningful difference. As a Chartered Professional Accountant, I understand the importance of integrity, dedication and building trust. I believe that professional success is not simply about numbers or business achievements, but also about the relationships we build, the people we support and the positive impact we make in our communities."
Thessa Smith CPA, Scarborough, Ontario
“Receiving the Supportive Sprit Award at the 2024 Ignite A Life Business Excellence Awards Gala was a tremendous honour. I was deeply grateful to be recognized by an organization that celebrates not only business success, but also the people who dedicate themselves to supporting others and strengthening our communities. Throughout my journey in business, I have always believed that entrepreneurship is about more than making a profit. It is about having a dream, finding the courage to pursue it and staying committed even when the road ahead becomes difficult."
Edward Lam Retired Business Owner - Ajax, Ontario
"Thank you for the Community Engagement & Leadership Award at the Ignite A Life Business Excellence Awards Gala. For me, community engagement has always been about turning good intentions into meaningful action. Over the years, I have been proud to organize events and fundraising initiatives that support a variety of causes and make a positive difference in people's lives. One of the most meaningful traditions has been the annual golf tournament held in memory of my father, a tradition that has continued for more than 30 years."
Ian McCutcheon Marketing Manager, Walton Restoration - Oshawa, Ontario
“Still feeling grateful after such a memorable evening at the 2025 Ignite a Life Gala! Receiving this recognition was a proud moment for me, and it was wonderful to connect with so many passionate individuals who are making a difference in our business community. Everything from the welcoming atmosphere to the celebration itself made the experience truly special. Thank you, CGTA, for an unforgettable evening! It was a wonderful evening of recognition, connection, and inspiration.”
Annie Tharani Founder and CEO - Markham, Ontario

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Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

All questions
What is Ignite A Life?
Ignite A Life is an annual Business Excellence Awards event hosted by Connecting GTA Networking Club that celebrates remarkable individuals whose leadership, innovation, dedication and generosity make a lasting difference in our communities. From entrepreneurs and business leaders to volunteers and community advocates, we honour those who go beyond personal success to inspire others, create opportunities and make a meaningful impact on the lives of those around them.
Who can nominate?
Anyone can nominate! We believe outstanding contributions deserve to be recognized, and everyone has the opportunity to help celebrate those making a difference. Whether you're nominating a business leader, entrepreneur, volunteer, community advocate or someone who inspires others, simply complete our nomination form with your details and the nominee's information. No account is required — just a desire to recognize someone who makes a positive impact.
Can I nominate myself?
While we encourage nominations from colleagues, clients, friends and community members who can share your achievements and impact from their perspective, we welcome anyone who wants to help recognize deserving individuals. Our goal is to celebrate excellence, leadership and community contributions, and every nomination is an opportunity to shine a light on someone making a difference.
What happens after I submit a nomination?
Once you submit a nomination, you will receive a confirmation email with a unique reference number for your records. Our team will review each nomination to ensure the information provided is complete and meets the program's criteria. Once approved, the nominee will receive a public profile highlighting their achievements, contributions and impact, giving the community an opportunity to learn about and celebrate their story.
How does voting work?
Once public voting opens, community members can show their support for their favourite nominees by submitting a vote online. Simply provide your name and email address and select the nominee you wish to support. You may be asked to verify your email address to ensure your vote is counted. Every vote is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements, dedication and positive impact of individuals who make our communities stronger. We encourage everyone to participate and help recognize the people who inspire us!
How many times can I vote?
By default, you can vote once per category. The current voting rules are always shown on the voting page.

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