Recipients
Celebrating the commitment, vision, and strength of women entrepreneurs
Each year, we pay tribute to inspiring women who, through their remarkable journeys, dedication, and vision, have transformed their communities. These recipients embody values that are dear to Hermante Ayotte: putting people at the heart of decisions, the courage to innovate, kindness, rigor, and a deep respect for communities.
Like Ms. Ayotte, a pioneer, deeply committed and profoundly human, these women are leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals, activists, or volunteers. What they all share is a fierce determination to make a difference, to bring meaning, and to build a more equitable future.
Through the Hermante Ayotte Grant, we celebrate their exceptional contributions to society and their role as models for future generations.
We are proud to recognize their commitment, their achievements, and the impact they have on people’s lives and within their communities.
Discover the women entrepreneurs we are honored to celebrate
Gala Prospérité Québec
Hermante Ayotte Grant
Award Winners: Muriel Koucoï and Chantal Bernatchez
We are proud to highlight the remarkable journey of two Quebec-based companies that stand out for their commitment, innovation, and impact.
Recipient of the Hermante Ayotte Grant
Chantal Bernatchez – Iso-Protek
Iso-Protek is a circular economy company whose mission is to repurpose residual materials by transforming them into thermal utility products. These solutions help transport and protect goods from climate hazards while contributing to a reduced environmental footprint.
Recipient of the Hermante Ayotte Jury’s Favourite Award
Muriel Koucoï – SIMKHA Biocosmétiques
A socially conscious company, SIMKHA offers a range of natural, ethical, and environmentally friendly biocosmetic skincare products. Its human-centered and sustainable approach touched the jury, who awarded it the Coup de cœur prize.
Congratulations to both winners for their outstanding contributions to Quebec entrepreneurship.
Photo credit: Nathalie Blackburn


Hermante Ayotte Grant 2024
Recipients: Katherine Lanteigne, Anik Roy, and Chantal Sirois
In partnership with the DeGama Foundation and La route de l’Espoir
On October 17, 2024, during its annual banquet, the CÉNB proudly celebrated women’s entrepreneurship by awarding three Hermante-Ayotte Grants, a wonderful surprise that has now become a well-established tradition.
Originally conceived as a single $50,000 grant to support a woman entrepreneur from New Brunswick, the initiative led by Ms. Hermante Ayotte once again exceeded expectations. Moved by the outstanding quality of the applications, she chose to renew the experience from previous years by awarding three grants for 2024.
Since the grant was established in 2022, a total of $450,000 has been awarded to bold, visionary, and committed women, thereby helping to strengthen the province’s female-driven economy.
The 2024 Awardees
This year, $50,000 grants were awarded to:
Katherine Lanteigne, founder of Kaffeine Espresso Bar in Bathurst
Anik Roy, co-owner of A & R Food Services Inc. (Dixie Lee Shediac)
Chantal Sirois, owner of Chantal’s Steak House in Saint-Jacques
The three entrepreneurs were honored in the presence of Catherine Ayotte, daughter of Ms. Hermante Ayotte, who represents the ongoing commitment to supporting impactful women.
Catherine Ayotte, daughter of Ms. Hermante Ayotte; Katherine Lanteigne; Anik Roy; Chantal Sirois.
Hermante Ayotte Grant 2023
Award Winners: Louise Levasseur and Marianne Chouinard
In partnership with the DeGama Foundation and La Route de l’Espoir
At the gala, as part of a partnership with the DeGama Foundation and La Route de l’Espoir, the Hermante Ayotte Scholarship, valued at $50,000, was awarded to Ms. Louise Levasseur, President and CEO of Secur-Alert.
A special Coup de cœur award was also presented to Ms. Marianne Chouinard, founder of CaCO3 Biotech, in recognition of her remarkable journey and innovative commitment.
Photo credit: JF Galipeau


