Distinguished Entrepreneur of the Year Award (DEYA)

For over two decades, the Distinguished Entrepreneur of the Year Award (DEYA) has been B.C.’s premier celebration of entrepreneurial excellence – a signature event proudly hosted by the Gustavson School of Business. Since 2004, DEYA has honoured visionary leaders who have made a lasting impact through innovation, leadership and community contributions.

But DEYA is more than just an award ceremony – it’s an unparalleled evening of inspiration, connection and insight. Over a three-course dinner, guests are immersed in a dynamic, one-of-a-kind experience featuring recipient-inspired décor, an imaginative atmosphere and powerful storytelling. It’s a masterclass in entrepreneurship wrapped in an unforgettable gala setting.

Event details

Sponsorship & ticket sales

2026 recipient

Media release

Past recipients

Highlights

500

ATTENDEES

business community networking

YEARS OF DEYA

celebrating entrepreneurs

INDUSTRIES

engaging with diverse groups

Event details

Join us as we welcome our 2026 recipient.

Monday, June 15, 2026
Victoria Conference Centre, 720 Douglas St., Victoria, BC

5:15 pm | VIP private reception (exclusive)
6:00 pm | champagne reception
7:00 pm | gala dinner

Attire: black tie, your way

For further information, ticket sales and event details, please contact us at deya@uvic.ca.

2026 recipient: Darren Entwistle

Darren joined TELUS in 2000 and is the longest-serving CEO in the global telecommunications industry. During Darren’s tenure, TELUS’ enterprise value has more than quintupled to $57.4 billion and the customer base has quadrupled to nearly 21 million. Moreover, the TELUS brand has increased in value from a few hundred million dollars to $12.1 billion today, ranked as the most valuable telco brand in Canada by Brand Finance.

Darren believes TELUS' greatest asset is its 130,000 team members around the globe, including the 20,000 in B.C. Since 2000, TELUS and its team members have generously devoted $1.8 billion, including 2.5 million days of volunteerism in local communities – more than any other company in the world – with $380,000 and 9.1 million volunteer hours in B.C. alone.

Sponsorship & ticket sales

Partner with us: spotlight your brand at DEYA!

At the Gustavson School of Business, we’re thrilled to offer meaningful and high-impact sponsorship opportunities that celebrate your support while connecting you with a vibrant community of entrepreneurs, business leaders and changemakers. Sponsoring DEYA isn’t just about visibility—it’s about building relationships, amplifying your brand, and aligning with a legacy of innovation and excellence.

For further information, ticket sales and event details, please contact us at deya@uvic.ca.

Learn more

Premier Sponsor

Program Sponsor

Technology Sponsor

Future Leaders Sponsor

Photobooth Sponsor

Event Sponsors

Media Partner

Table Sponsors

Berwick Retirement Communities
Centre for Regenerative Futures, Gustavson School of Business
Doane Grant Thornton LLP
Executive Programs, Gustavson School of Business
Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce
Heart Pharmacy Group
Helijet
Island Savings
Jones Emery LLPKPMG

League of Extraordinary Women
National Bank FinancialRBC Dominion SecuritiesTELUS MBA, Gustavson School of Business
Tiny
UVic Business Co-op & Career Services
UVic External Relations
UVic Innovation CentreVancity
Victoria Executive Management Club

Past DEYA recipients

DEYA has had the privilege of honouring a lineup of entrepreneurial visionaries who’ve left a mark on society. Andrew Wilkinson and Chris Sparling, co-founders of Tiny, have been recognized for building a globally respected company rooted in long-term thinking, values-driven leadership and a commitment to community. Bobbie Racette, founder and CEO of Virtual Gurus, leads an inclusivity-first company that champions Indigenous peoples and the LGBTQ+ community. These remarkable individuals, along with many others, showcase the entrepreneurial excellence and positive societal impact celebrated at DEYA.

View past recipients