Surrey, B.C. – The Surrey Board of Trade and South Surrey & White Rock Chamber of Commerce are pleased to announce another high-profile speaker at their annual Surrey Women in Business Awards event on April 11 at 11:00am-2:00pm: Arlene Dickinson.
“The Surrey Board of Trade and South Surrey & White Rock Chamber of Commerce are thrilled to host Arlene Dickinson. As a renowned Canadian business maven and fierce defender of Canada’s economy, we are delighted to bring her to Surrey at this pivotal point in Canadian history,” said Indra Bhan, Interim CEO and Chief Operating Officer, Surrey Board of Trade, and Acting Executive Director, South Surrey & White Rock Chamber of Commerce. “Arlene will share her journey to success as a Canadian, female entrepreneur, the lessons she learned along the way, and her take on the trade war.”
ABOUT THE SPEAKER:
Arlene Dickinson is a visionary entrepreneur and leader with a remarkable track record of success.
Dickinson is a business leader, sought-after speaker, three-time best-selling author, and philanthropist. She is widely recognized for her role as a Venture Capitalist on the hit television series, Dragons’ Den, where she currently has starred for over 15 seasons.
In 2025, she was named to the PM’s Council on Canada-US Relations, to strengthen Canada’s relationship with the U.S. and protect Canadian investment and jobs.
She is the Founder and General Partner of a venture capital fund that invests in innovative companies in the food & beverage and health & wellness sectors. Under her leadership, District Ventures Capital has become a leading force in the industry, with a portfolio of ground-breaking companies that are transforming the way we live and eat.
Dickinson’s leadership and entrepreneurial prowess have earned her numerous accolades over the years, including induction into the Southern Alberta Business Hall of Fame, the Marketing Hall of Legends, recognition as one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women Top 100 Hall of Fame, and the prestigious Queen Elizabeth Diamond and Platinum Jubilee Awards. Dickinson served as an Honorary Captain of the Royal Canadian Navy for over 10 years visiting our troops overseas numerous times.
With her unwavering commitment to excellence, her passion for innovation, and her deep dedication to her community and country, Arlene Dickinson is a true Canadian icon and a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work, determination, and vision.
On her pride in being Canadian, Arlene Dickinson shares:
“My family immigrated to this land 63 years ago, from South Africa, with nothing but our hopes and 3 small suitcases of belongings. We didn’t understand the cold weather but we did understand the enormous chance we had been given. I was raised to not squander the opportunity, to give back in thanks and to respect the chance to work and be self sufficient. I can’t express how grateful I am to live here and how emotionally connected I feel to this country. I am grateful to the Indigenous Peoples. I am grateful to be taken in. Grateful for the opportunity to live in freedom and peace.”
Date: Friday, April 11
Time: 11:00am – 2:00pm
Location: Sheraton Vancouver Guildford Hotel (15269 104 Avenue, Surrey)
Member Admission: $210 each or $2,310 for a table of 11
General Admission: $250 each or $2,750 for a table of 11
Guests can register at businessinsurrey.com.
Speaker Sponsor: DP World Canada
Supporting Sponsor: Prospera Credit Union
Ice Sculpture Sponsor: Central City
Award Sponsors:
Fasken, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Langara College, Manning Elliott, MNP, NYIT Vancouver and Richards Buell Sutton
Community Sponsors: BCIT School of Business + Media, Scotiabank and the Sheraton Vancouver Guildford Hotel
Media Sponsor: Surrey NOW-Leader
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For further information, please contact Indra Bhan, Interim CEO and COO, Surrey Board of Trade, at indra@businessinsurrey.com or at 604.634.0343.
