GEORGIAN COLLEGE
Georgian's Henry Bernick Awards celebrate entrepreneurs making an impact

Innovative entrepreneurs, students, startups and community champions were celebrated at this year's Henry Bernick Awards, hosted by Georgian College's Henry Bernick Entrepreneurship Centre (HBEC).

From left to right: Tim Newton, Aasees Sethi, Lakshit Sharma, Anette Lan Nossiter, Sarah Sekalala Nagawa, and Omid Latifi

The annual awards recognize entrepreneurs and changemakers who demonstrate innovation, resilience, leadership and a commitment to making a meaningful impact across Southwestern and Central Ontario.

This year also marked the introduction of the Emerging Entrepreneur Award, recognizing Georgian College students at the beginning of their entrepreneurial journey who have shown strong potential, passion and perseverance while developing their ideas with support from HBEC, Georgian and local partners.

HBEC supports entrepreneurial growth and development by providing mentorship, resources, programming and connections for students, startups and established businesses. This year's award recipients represent a wide range of industries and ideas, from digital innovation and food entrepreneurship to wellness technology, community development and student-led startups.

"The Henry Bernick Awards celebrate the creativity, resilience and ambition of entrepreneurs across our region," said Dr. Mira Ray, Executive Director of Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Georgian College. "Through HBEC, we're proud to support students, startups and community leaders as they grow their ideas, build confidence and create meaningful impact."

Congratulations to all nominees and winners of this year's awards.

Award winners

Emerging Entrepreneur Award: Guraasees Sethi and Lakshit Sharma, ImpulsTrip Inc.
ImpulsTrip is an app designed to help people create and join spontaneous hangouts, called trips, within 48 hours. Built to reduce the back-and-forth of group chats, the app allows people nearby to connect and take part in real-life experiences. Since launching on iOS and Android, ImpulsTrip has already grown to 110 early community members and 105 downloads with no paid marketing.

Student Entrepreneur Award: Omid Latifi, Latifi Digital Strategies
Latifi Digital Strategies is a Barrie-based digital consultancy that builds next-generation software solutions for Canadian businesses. The company develops high-performance tools such as React, Next.js, AI agents and workflow automations to build scalable digital ecosystems that improve efficiency, automate customer interactions and drive business growth.

Community Entrepreneur Award: Anette Lan Nossiter, Miru Pulse Inc.
Miru Pulse is a wellness technology tool that measures stress signals through language patterns. Integrated with wearables, the platform helps users better understand their patterns and recognize signs of stress before they escalate.

Cecilia Doucette Newcomer/Immigrant Entrepreneur Award: Sarah Sekalala Nagawa, Siika Foods
Siika Foods is building a globally recognized African-inspired food brand with shelf-stable, tomato-based cooking sauces that bring bold heritage flavours into modern kitchens. Serving the African diaspora and curious food lovers alike, Siika Foods is growing through retail, e-commerce and community markets while creating connection, culture and belonging through food.

Entrepreneurs' Champion Award: Tim Newton, South Georgian Bay Business Enterprise Centre
As manager of the South Georgian Bay Small Business Enterprise Centre, Tim Newton supports entrepreneurs, students, municipalities, educators and partners across the region. Through practical programming and community collaboration, he helps people start, grow and sustain businesses in South Georgian Bay and beyond.