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CANADIANSME

Small Business Awards 2023

The CanadianSME Small Business Awards 2023 is more than just an event; it represents the spirit of Canadian entrepreneurship. This award ceremony pays tribute to the unwavering courage, innovation, and resilience of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the nation. The awards have seen an extraordinary pool of nominees this year, all exemplifying the dynamic potential that lies within Canada's vibrant SME sector. The event covers several categories, acknowledging both trailblazing startups and stalwart enterprises contributing significantly to their communities and the national economy. These awards are an opportunity to showcase your business, amplify your achievements, and gain national recognition. We extend an invitation to all SMEs to participate in this jubilation of entrepreneurial excellence. Whether you're a nominee or an observer, the lessons, connections, and inspiration you draw from this event can be instrumental in shaping your business's future trajectory. Come join us as we celebrate the power of small businesses together!

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canadiansme

Small Business
Awards 2023

The CanadianSME National Business Awards 2023 is the perfect stage for you to stand out and shine with your accomplishments in the business world.

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Exclusive Presenting Partner
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Canadiansme

Celebrating Business Success In Canada

The CanadianSME Business Awards is designed to recognize and applaud the contribution that small business owners provide to Canada’s economy. Because the SME industry plays such a crucial role in Canada’s economy, we want to provide our support and recognition to the entrepreneurs who work hard in making their small businesses a success.

Canadian entrepreneurs are more than just business owners of a successful company. They are the innovators of our country. Through their flourishing businesses, they push our economy to the next level and are what our communities are structured on.

The CanadianSME Business Awards is an important date on our calendars because it marks the day that we celebrate and congratulate those who have made a positive contribution to our country’s economy. Since the inception of the CanadianSME Business Award, we’ve had a very successful turnout with hundreds of small business owners as guests and celebrated over 500 diverse businesses from across Canada. This year we want to continue to show that same support and appreciation for our small and medium-sized businesses.

Save 50%* on shipping and get support from a small business ambassador

UPS is pleased to help the CanadianSME and IndigenousSME community save time and money through special services and shipping discounts. We put the power of logistics to work for you every day by providing speed, outstanding reliability and technology tools so you can focus on your business not your shipping.

Incentives are based on the daily rates in the UPS Rate and Service Guide. The member understands that actual rates for shipments may vary and be less.

Exclusive Business Banking Partner

Business Banking Solutions for Your Business
Whether you are a start-up or a large corporation, RBC has the tools you need to start and run your business all in one place.

Winners Of 2022

A Chance to Stand Out and Shine

Receiving an award is important for a company or brand because it helps them compete by attracting more employees and customers. Winning or being nominated for an award may mean a lot to a company owner promoting their brand. The CanadianSME Business Awards are a prestigious accolade that many business owners passionately anticipate receiving.

The CanadianSME National Business Awards 2022 are the platform to show your business achievements. It’s where your hard work, enthusiasm, devotion, and determination are celebrated. It’s also a great way to expand your clientele, workforce, and partnerships.

How much does it cost?

We have performed so successfully because of our kind sponsors, who support us indefinitely, and hence the submission to the CanadianSME Business Award is free of charge.

However, there will be a ticket for the awards gala that we plan, and we would appreciate it if you could consider supporting the cost. The gala will feature condiments and refreshments, as well as pre-booking options, with pricing varying based on what you pick. We may add some discounts and other incentives along the road, so keep an eye on our social media accounts.

In addition, we have planned several promotional options for those who seek to boost their visibility. If you choose to participate in such activities, there may be additional fees. However, be assured that these PR possibilities are entirely optional.

Take A Look At 2019 Awards Winners

Exclusive Shipping Partner

Small Business Solutions & Services
There’s nothing small about your small business. It’s probably one of the biggest, and most difficult, things you’ve ever done. That’s why we make shipping easier with an easy-to-use web site, competitive rates and convenient drop-off locations. UPS Ambassadors are always standing by to help. Whether you’re shipping locally, across Canada or out of the country, UPS has small business solutions to save you time and money..

Take A Look At 2020 Awards Winners

Top reasons to Apply Awards

The CanadianSME National Business Awards is the most prestigious event for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in Canada. This is an opportunity for your business to shine among the top of its industry. Consider some of the most compelling reasons for applying for this award.

Take A Look At 2021 Awards Winners

Organised by CanadianSME Small Business Magazine

CanadianSME Business Magazine was created through the passion and admiration for entrepreneurs. With SMEs playing such a crucial role in Canada’s business industry and contributing greatly to the economy, CanadianSME was built to provide a much-needed support system for hard-working business owners.

Take A Look At 2022 Awards Winners

Meet our 2022 Judging Panel

The CanadianSME National Business Awards are an annual event where leading experts in academia and industry from a diverse range of backgrounds come together to evaluate Canada’s small businesses. The Judging Process takes place online and helps judges gain a global perspective on the future of their discipline.

We are grateful to our Judging Panel for all of their time and effort in deciding this year’s winners. The Judges were conscientious, knowledgeable people who took the task seriously. They had a genuine interest in what they did which is why we want to thank them. You can view the full list of panelists who participated in the Judging Process below

Mary Ng

Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade

Michelle Eaton

Vice President, Public Affairs, Ontario Chamber of Commerce

Faye Pang

Canada Country Manager for Xero

David Nagy

Founder at eCommerce Canada

Ready to apply ?

Canadian entrepreneurs are more than just business owners of a successful company. They are the innovators of our country. Through their flourishing businesses, they push our economy to the next level and because they play such a crucial role in Canada’s economy, we want to recognize their hard work and applaud their efforts through the CanadianSME Business Awards. The award marks the day that we celebrate and congratulate those who have made a positive contribution to our country’s economy.

Our past and present partners

The CanadianSME National Business Awards 2023 is the perfect stage for you to stand out and shine with your accomplishments in the business world. It is a place where all your hard work, passion, dedication, and determination are recognized before everyone in the world. Furthermore, it is the perfect opportunity to materialize your outreach campaigns by attracting more probable clients, employees, and partners.

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Jordan Dooley

Vearthy is a small Canadian company that makes premium bedding using the most sustainable materials on the planet. We opt for organic compounds and use the latest technologies to create our products, instead of cutting corners with cheap chemicals and careless practices.
Founded in 2021 by Jordan Dooley in Courtenay B.C., Vearthy.com is evolving to become more than just an online storefront. On the Vearthy.com website, you can find interesting articles about personal health, environmental health, tips and tricks about all things cozy, sign up for our newsletter, awards program or affiliate program, or see what stores are carry our brand.
Jordan Dooley

Founder of Vearthy

Thoughts on winning the Canadian SME National Business Award

I’m still in disbelief. I remember getting the notice that I was nominated and wasn’t sure if it was correct. Vearthy.com my passion project and I love that I’m able to see it grow, while getting support and positive feedback from so many people. This award means a lot to me, it really motivates me to continue trying to do business in an earth focused way and push to grow Vearthy even more. Here’s to sustainably made essential goods! Thank you to everyone who has supported me, especially Whitefish River First Nation! Chi miigwech.

Special message/advice to small business owners during challenging times

Remember to step back and look at the milestones you’ve accomplished so far. Imagine where you were just 1 or 2 years ago and where you are now. Think about how many things you’ve learned or had to do to get to this point, and be proud of that. It’s so easy to focus on where we want to be and forget about what we’ve managed to do so far. You can walk towards the horizon forever, but nothings more motivating than turning around to see how far you’ve come.

Ali Soumah

A.S Business Center® is a multi-specialized firm that offers integrated solutions to individuals, self-employed, startups, and established businesses in Ontario and Quebec. We provide guidance in tackling business challenges, modeling strategies, and bringing business visions to life. Since we’ve opened, we have delivered unparalleled results and built our expertise addressing young companies’ challenges.
Ali Soumah

Founder and CEO, Ali Soumah Business Center Inc.

Entrepreneurship flows through my veins.” Being an African-Canadian, I hold a deep passion for advancing economic growth in both Africa and Canada. It brings me great joy to bring together technical and financial partners to aid in achieving this shared goal. With over 15 years of experience in entrepreneurship, accounting, and taxation (including SR&ED), I am a passionate coach and mentor in business innovation.

As an accounting, taxation, and SRED expert, the comprehensive view of helping businesses become more profitable, successful, and sustainable has sparked my entrepreneurial journey to establish Ali Soumah Business Center Inc. (A.S Business Center), a consulting firm that helps startups and existing businesses bring their ideas to life through an implementation system with a high success rate. Our programs have created a thriving ecosystem of thousands of entrepreneurs in various sectors, including cleantech, fintech, manufacturing, IT, agriculture, agribusiness, energy, infrastructure, and housing.

Thoughts on winning the Canadian SME National Business Award

I am truly humbled and honored to receive the CanadianSME National Business Award for Black Entrepreneur of the Year 2022. This recognition means the world to me, and it is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion I have invested in my business. I am grateful to CanadianSME for providing a platform that celebrates diversity and promotes excellence in entrepreneurship. I hope this award will inspire other entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams, and I pledge to continue to strive for excellence in all my endeavors.

Special message/advice to small business owners during challenging times

Small business owners have been hit hard during this recovery phase. My advice to them would be to stay agile and adaptable by focusing on innovation and customer engagement. It is crucial to keep an eye on the ever-changing business landscape and be open to new technologies and opportunities that can help your business thrive. Building strong relationships with customers by providing excellent service and keeping them informed of any changes to your operations is essential. Keeping a close eye on your finances and cash flow is also critical, and seeking professional assistance if needed can save you from unnecessary mistakes. Remember, recovery takes time, and patience is essential. Stay positive, be resilient, and keep pushing forward. With persistence, dedication, and your true authentic self, you can rebuild and grow your business stronger than ever before.

Tyler Anderson

Disruptive Edge is an innovation advisory and strategy firm with an industry agnostic focus. We are proud to work with some of the world’s largest companies providing innovation-as-a-service, and advising executives on organizational innovation architecture.
Tyler Anderson

CEO at Disruptive Edge

Tyler Anderson is a renowned entrepreneur and visionary strategist, has an impressive track record of founding multiple successful startups and establishing the world’s most premier innovation consultancy. His unwavering commitment to innovation and passion for transformative ideas have led to impactful collaborations with some of the largest organizations globally. As a strategic architect, Tyler has played a pivotal role in shaping corporate structures and implementing innovative strategies that drive growth and long-term success. With his keen understanding of technology and disruption models, Tyler consistently ensures that his team remains at the forefront of the industry, creating unique, engaging, and transformative experiences.

Your thoughts on winning the CanadianSME National Business Award

Being named CanadianSME’s 2022 Young Entrepreneur of the Year is a great honour and truly humbling. This recognition is a reflection not of my achievements alone, but of the dedication and passion of my remarkable team at Disruptive Edge. I consider myself blessed to work with such a committed group of innovators and I owe this accolade to them and everyone who has believed in our vision along the way. This is truly a shared victory, and I look forward to what we can accomplish together in the future.

Your special message/advice to small business owners during these challenging times

As we continue to navigate an ever changing economy and enter the next phase of the post-pandemic world, we as entrepreneurs must remain adaptable, resilient, and forward-thinking. Don’t shy away from change, but rather embrace it as an opportunity to further disrupt the status quo and better serve your clients, colleagues, partners and community. Should you be fiscally responsible? Of course! But don’t let that keep you from taking calculated risks or making strategic investments in your business. Have a bias towards action and iterate until you find what works. One thing I can say for certain is that failure is not defeat; failure is an opportunity to learn, to grow, and will ultimately strengthen your resolve. We find ourselves at the crossroads of so much: a global energy transition, what seems like daily technological breakthroughs and rapidly changing consumer behaviour – leave your mark.

Despina Doukas

Webtmize is a performance marketing agency that’s driven by data and powered by performance. Through the principles of integrity, trust, and care, our goal at Webtmize is to provide effective solutions designed to boost our clients’ businesses, be they small or large organizations. As a Google Premier Partner, we tailor our services to maximize each individual client’s results and enhance their online impact through strategic marketing optimizations.
Despina Doukas

Director of SEO, Webtmize

Thoughts on winning the Canadian SME National Business Award

We are incredibly honored to receive the Canadian SME 2022 National Business Award for Diversity and Inclusion. As a company that is 50% female-led, represents over 15 nationalities, and collectively speaks over 10 languages fluently, we don’t just practice inclusivity – it’s a value we truly believe in at our core. This recognition is a testament to the strength that comes from embracing the unique perspectives and world views of every individual on our team. We are grateful for this recognition and will continue to prioritize creating an environment where everyone can bring their full selves to work.”

Special message/advice to small business owners during challenging times

It’s pivotal for leaders to seek diverse points of view and create a culture that fosters inclusivity. By valuing and incorporating the unique perspectives and strengths of each team member, you’ll create a dynamic workplace that drives innovation and success. Encouraging open communication, actively listening, and promoting a safe and respectful work environment are key to unlocking the full potential of your team. Remember that diversity is not just about race or gender but includes different backgrounds, abilities, experiences, and thought processes. Embrace this diversity, break those barriers, and create opportunities for everyone to thrive. When everyone feels valued and empowered to be their authentic selves, your team becomes unstoppable and your clients will benefit, leading to greater success for your business.

Stefanie Antunes

Discover birth provides doula services and prenatal classes. We are committed to supporting the families of our community.
Discover Birth was Ontario’s first doula agency providing support to expectant families. Discover Birth is on a mission to change the world and believes that through positive birth and early parenting experiences, families can be happier, healthier and closer.
A baby’s birth has a long lasting impact on the physical and mental health of a birthing person, baby and family. The quality of emotional care a family receives during labour, birth and immediately after is critical. That care can strengthen or weaken the parent-child relationship. Therefore, families need consistent, continuous reassurance, comfort, encouragement and respect from those around them. Research suggests that good support systems have been found to reduce anxiety, increase relaxation and a sense of well-being. Discover Birth’s large team of childbirth educators, birth and postpartum doulas is here to provide that support to the families of Ontario.
Stefanie Antunes

Founder/Owner, Discover Birth

Stefanie has been a Lamaze® Educator and doula since 2002 after the birth of her second son showed her just how valuable it is to be prepared for birth and to have good support around you.

Stefanie is a visionary in the childbirth field. She leads the Discover Birth organization providing a variety of services to expectant parents and training for those wishing to pursue work in the childbirth field. Stefanie is a board member with the Association of Ontario Doulas, former Public Relations Director and Treasurer for DONA International, and sits on many local boards and coalitions to improve our communities. She is a DONA-approved Birth Doula Trainer, and runs a Lamaze Lamaze-Accredited Childbirth Educator Program.

Stefanie is a contributing author in the best selling Power of Women United and the book Bearing Witness: Childbirth Stories Told by Doulas. She is a regular contributing writer and blogger, and has done many interviews online and for TV/radio. Stefanie was awarded Business Woman of the Year 2022 by CanadianSME.

Her belief is that the world can be a better place if parents can have more positive childbirth experiences that allow them to bond properly with their babies. She works tirelessly to change the world in this aspect…one family at a time.

Thoughts on winning the Canadian SME National Business Award

The work of being a business owner can often feel thankless so it’s such an honour to be recognized! As Faye Pang from Xero discussed during the awards gala, the hours and dedication that most business owners put in can be life consuming. I was reminded of this recently when my phone was glitching and my daughter told me to just turn it off and on and I realized I didn’t know how! I’m a pretty techy person but my phone is on ALWAYS. That realization struck me that I really need a vacation and some time away from my phone!

Special message/advice to small business owners during challenging times

I remember hearing Oprah discuss the concept of ‘luck’ many years ago during an interview. She defined it as “opportunity meeting preparedness”. I’m not sure how much any of us can really prepare for the rollercoaster of business, but I do know that a common thread can be found among successful business owners: when opportunity presents they say YES. They say yes when they’re not sure how to do the next part. In my profession, which has been built over the past 30 years, 20 of which I’ve been a part of, I often didn’t know HOW to do what came next. But I did it and failed often (sign of a good business person). Secondly I’d say that my business success wouldn’t be possible without my incredible team and the people who have believed in me along the way. The ones who have stuck with me and who support my “yeses” to presented opportunity. For them I will always be forever grateful.