Introduction

When PROFIT launched "Canada's Top Women Business Owners" (as it was known until 2004), our aim was to celebrate the achievements of female entrepreneurs and highlight their important contributions to the Canadian economy. Knowing that women are the driving force behind some of this country's most dynamic and durable businesses, we wanted to put them front and centre on the national stage. Mission accomplished: since 1999, PROFIT has been celebrating the achievements of female entrepreneurs sharing the success stories of Canada's Top Women Entrepreneurs, exploring the opportunities and challenges facing women at the helm, and revealing their best business practices.

The 11th annual PROFIT W100 list showcases 100 enterprising women entrepreneurs who are delivering world-class products and services — and reaping the rewards. Together, their firms employed 14,078 full- and part-time staff last year and generated $4.2 billion in revenue. In industries ranging from construction (six companies) and manufacturing (17) to business services (38) and software development (three), W100 companies have grown their sales by an average of 157% over the past three years. The vast majority of this year's W100—93%—turned an operating profit in their most recent fiscal year.

PROFIT has also launched a new ranking of 10 up-and-coming women entrepreneurs whose companies are still in the emerging phase. (See "Ones to Watch").

Dedicated, driven and determined, W100 leaders are impressive role models for any woman or man with an idea and the passion to bring it to life.

How to use our tables

The W100 table ranks women-owned companies by a composite of their size, growth rate and profitability.

Clicking on a company's name will take you to a profile with all our information about that firm.

The tables can be sorted in ascending or descending order by clicking on the name of the column that interests you.

The W100 tables and profiles can be emailed, printed out in a printer-friendly format, or downloaded as a spreadsheet.

We invite you to share our list on Facebook, Digg, Del.icio.us, Stumble Upon, Newsvine and other sites.

How to enter

The PROFIT W100: Canada's Top Women Entrepreneurs ranks the country's most successful female entrepreneurs based on company revenue, growth and profitability. Winners are honoured in the November issue of PROFIT, Your Guide to Business Success and year-round on PROFITguide.com, and receive local and national publicity.

If you're interested in being a part of the 2010 ranking of the PROFIT W100: Canada's Top Women Entrepreneurs — or know someone you believe should be nominated — please complete our entry form and click on "Submit." Or print it out and submit it by fax or mail.

For more information, read the FAQ / Terms page, or call our toll-free hotline at 1-800-713-GROW.