The co-founders of a Richmond-based vitamin manufacturer were chosen as Canada’s entrepreneur of the year by an international accounting firm.
Aisha Yang and Musharaf Syed, co-founders and CEOs of Herbaland Naturals Inc. — the largest gummy vitamin manufacturer in Canada — are Canada’s Ernst & Young’s (EY) Entrepreneur Of The Year 2023 winners.
Announced at an award ceremony earlier this week, Yang and Syed were selected by an independent panel of judges for their “commitment to sustainable manufacturing and creating more accessible health and wellness products for all,” according to a press release from EY.
“Herbaland’s mission and ethos go beyond driving the bottom line, which is extremely evident in their dedication to building a diverse workforce, championing accessibility in the wellness sector and prioritizing sustainable manufacturing practices,” said Rachel Rodrigues, EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Canada program director.
“Their unwavering focus on positively influencing individuals and empowering people to live healthier lives, all while contributing to a more sustainable and inclusive global community is absolutely commendable.”
Herbaland boasts a worldwide presence, exporting their products to more than 40 countries.
As the first gummy company to introduce 100 per cent compostable packaging, Herbaland has solidified its position as a true leader in ethical and sustainable business practices, the press release explained.
As a minority- and diversity-owned company founded by immigrants, Herbaland is also a certified member of the Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council, employing individuals from more than 20 countries.
“If a woman of colour and a first-generation immigrant can represent Canada to the world, our country’s spirit of entrepreneurship is thriving,” said Yang as the co-founders accepted the award. “Thank you, EY, for the recognition and for giving entrepreneurs a global platform to inspire people, break barriers and help each other grow.
Joining them, four entrepreneurs from across the country were also acknowledged as overall winners for their respective regions, alongside five national citation honorees.
Up next, Yang and Syed will represent Canada on the global stage to compete against 60 other country winners for the title of EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year in Monaco in June 2024.
The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year regional winners were Mark McNeill of the Stream Flo Group of Companies (Prairies), Graham Rosenberg of dentalcorp (Ontario), Fred Jalbout of Saco Technologies (Quebec) and Keith McIntosh of Plato (Atlantic).
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