Startup Canada, the organization that promotes entrepreneurship across Canada, has opened applications and nominations for the 2018 Startup Canada Awards.

Anyone who wants to nominate themselves or someone else for an award can do so here before April 3.

As part of the awards celebrations, Startup Canada will hold regional presentation ceremonies across the country and then a final national ceremony. Startup Canada has yet to announce the dates and locations of the presentation awards.

“We know that the entrepreneurial road is tough, but the rewards are worth it when you have a community backing you and celebrating your successes,” said Startup Canada Events Lead Kathryn Forrest in an email.

Now in their fifth year, the Startup Canada Awards are presented this year in 18 categories, half of which are only offered at the national level. Last year, three Atlantic Canadians won national awards, including Anne Whelan,​ ​President​ ​and​ ​CEO of ​Seafair​ ​Capital​ ​Inc. of St. John’s, who was named Entrepreneur of the Year.

For the time being, Startup Canada is encouraging people to send in nominations in any of these categories:

Advancing the Environment and Culture in Canada

Startup Canada Entrepreneur Promotion Award

Startup Canada Entrepreneur Support Award

Startup Canada Policy Prize (National Only)

Startup Canada Community of the Year (National Only)

Startup Community Leader of the Year Award (National Only)

Startup Canada Communities Collaboration Award (National Only)

Entrepreneur-led Businesses Demonstrating Excellence

Startup Canada Global Award

Startup Canada Innovation Award

Startup Canada Social Enterprise Award

Startup Canada High-Growth Award

Exemplifying the Spirit of Canadian Entrepreneurship

Startup Canada Woman Entrepreneur Award

Startup Canada Young Entrepreneur Award (Under the age of 19)

Startup Canada Senior Entrepreneur Award (Over the age of 65)

Startup Canada Indigenous Entrepreneur Award (National Only)

Startup Canada Newcomer Entrepreneur Award (National Only)

Startup Canada Resilient Entrepreneur Award (National Only)

Outstanding Impact in Canadian Entrepreneurship

Startup Canada Entrepreneur of the Year Award (National Only)

Adam Chowaniec Lifetime Achievement Award (National Only)