Sandpiper Ventures Founding and Managing Partner Cathy Bennett will deliver the keynote address at this year’s InnovateNB Awards, scheduled for Nov. 27 at the Saint John Trade and Convention Centre.

Bennett brings more than three decades of experience in sectors including construction, manufacturing, human resources, food service, industrial supply, and real estate. A former New Brunswick finance minister and past director with the Business Development Bank of Canada, she continues to play a leading role in advancing entrepreneurship and investment across Atlantic Canada.

Through her firm, Bennett Group of Companies, and her leadership at Sandpiper Ventures, she has been a prominent advocate for women in business and innovation. In her keynote, Bennett will speak about the role of innovation in driving economic growth and the importance of investing to strengthen the regional economy.

The InnovateNB Awards recognize individuals and organizations contributing to innovation throughout the province. Organized by TechImpact in partnership with the McKenna Institute, New Brunswick Innovation Foundation, Envision Saint John, and Propel, the annual program spotlights achievements across a range of sectors, from startups to social enterprises.

Awards will be presented in nine categories: Startup of the Year, Scaleup of the Year, Social Impact Award, Innovative Workplace Award, Student Innovator Award, Indigenous Innovator Award, Women in Innovation Award, Collaboration Award, and Innovator of the Year.

Organizers say this year’s celebration will highlight both emerging and established innovators shaping New Brunswick’s economy.

Tickets for the event are now on sale here.