April 11, 2025 - Surrey Women in Business Awards

16th Annual Surrey Women in Business Awards

The Surrey Board of Trade and the South Surrey & White Rock Chamber of Commerce are thrilled to host the 2025 Surrey Women in Business Awards, featuring renowned Canadian business maven and fierce defender of Canada's economy, Arlene Dickinson!

About the Speaker
Arlene Dickinson is a visionary entrepreneur and leader with a remarkable track record of success.

Dickinson is a business leader, sought-after speaker, three-time best-selling author, and philanthropist. She is widely recognized for her role as a Venture Capitalist on the hit television series, Dragons’ Den, where she currently has starred for over 15 seasons.

In 2025, she was named to the PM’s Council on Canada-US Relations, to strengthen Canada’s relationship with the U.S. and protect Canadian investment and jobs.

She is the Founder and General Partner of a venture capital fund that invests in innovative companies in the food & beverage and health & wellness sectors. Under her leadership, District Ventures Capital has become a leading force in the industry, with a portfolio of ground-breaking companies that are transforming the way we live and eat.

Dickinson’s leadership and entrepreneurial prowess have earned her numerous accolades over the years, including induction into the Southern Alberta Business Hall of Fame, the Marketing Hall of Legends, recognition as one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women Top 100 Hall of Fame, and the prestigious Queen Elizabeth Diamond and Platinum Jubilee Awards. Dickinson served as an Honorary Captain of the Royal Canadian Navy for over 10 years visiting our troops overseas numerous times.

With her unwavering commitment to excellence, her passion for innovation, and her deep dedication to her community and country, Arlene Dickinson is a true Canadian icon and a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work, determination, and vision.

On her pride in being Canadian, Arlene Dickinson shares:
“My family immigrated to this land 63 years ago, from South Africa, with nothing but our hopes and 3 small suitcases of belongings. We didn’t understand the cold weather but we did understand the enormous chance we had been given. I was raised to not squander the opportunity, to give back in thanks and to respect the chance to work and be self sufficient. I can’t express how grateful I am to live here and how emotionally connected I feel to this country. I am grateful to the Indigenous Peoples. I am grateful to be taken in. Grateful for the opportunity to live in freedom and peace.”

Contact Heather (heather@businessinsurrey.com) to discuss our sponsor opportunities available to enhance your brand at this event. 

Event payment is due upon registration. Cancellations for event attendance, sponsorship, or exhibitor space will not be refunded. An event registration is considered a commitment to pay. Some exclusions apply.