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CanadianSME Small Business Awards

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.

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.

Entering the CanadianSME National Business Awards 2022 will help you gain publicity and recognition on a national and global scale. Just consider the advantages that the term “award-winning” carries!

A perfect stage to find sustainable ideas to take your enterprise to the next level of success.

Even if you don’t win, just being shortlisted at such a prestigious event adds credibility and recognizes your efforts and success.

It will give you the much-needed time to slow down, sit back, reflect and be proud of what you were able to achieve over the years.

Terms & Conditions

  • The awards are open to all small businesses in Canada within the retail, service, and manufacturing industries. There are no restrictions. You can be home-based or a solopreneur as long as the following eligibility is met.
  • Retail or service businesses with 50 employees or less*
  • Manufacturing businesses with 100 employees or less.
  • To enter the CanadianSME National Business Awards, all applicants must read and understand the terms and conditions in this document (Terms and Conditions) and complete the online entry form for their chosen category.
  • Any business facing legal trials or the owners involved in any kind of legal trials are ineligible to apply for the awards. If you have applied, your application will be cancelled automatically.
  • All entrants into the CanadianSME Awards will be notified of any change to these terms and conditions that has taken place before their entry is judged and will be provided with a reasonable opportunity to amend or alter their entry (should they wish to do so).
  • Enterprises wishing to enter the CanadianSME National Business Awards 2022 must be registered Canadian businesses to be eligible. Additionally, it is required for enterprises to have demonstrable revenue growth year-on-year for at least the last two fiscal years.
  • All submissions must be lodged through the CanadianSME Awards website at smeawards.ca (Website).
  • By lodging your entry, you agree to provide CanadianSME, and any other third party undertaking external validation on its behalf, with any relevant documentation requested to assess your application (including verifying your entry against the eligibility criteria requirements set out in these terms and conditions).
  • Applicants must be in business for a minimum of two years.
  • Each organization can apply for up to five award categories.
  • Businesses in the new business category must be in operation for less than 2 years.
  • Judges have the right to create or delete additional categories, depending on the number of entries received.
  • If an entrant selects more than one category, judges have the right to determine the most appropriate category for that entrant without notification or consultation.
  • The decision of the judging panel is final and ultimate.
  • Unsuccessful and successful finalists will be notified via email.
  • Once you submit your entries, the information cannot be changed or added.
  • To be eligible, the young entrepreneur must be 30 years of age or younger.
  • If we notice that the information furnished is falsified, hidden, or incorrect in any manner, the applicant shall be automatically disqualified without written or verbal notice.
  • By entering the CanadianSME National Business Awards 2022, applicants agree to receive relevant communications from CanadianSME.
  • We reserve the right to disqualify entries if the answers to the questions are incomplete or irrelevant.
  • The CanadianSME National Business Awards 2022 reserves the right to alter or change these terms and conditions at any time at its discretion.
  • All entries must be submitted by February 25th, 2023.
  • CanadianSME does not guarantee to share all the marketing collateral for every nomination on their social media channels.
  • Please check our website, smeawards.ca, for event updates.

The CanadianSME Business Award will facilitate participants across 22 diverse categories. From the Entrepreneur of the year to the best team, we have carefully picked categories that cater to the diversity of our country. Furthermore, we have separate categories for women and immigrant entrepreneurs of the years as well. Each participant is eligible to apply for up to five categories, for which there will be no charge. For more information on the specific requirements for the different categories, you can refer to the list below:

Small Business of the Year - 2023

( Up to 10 employees)

The Small Business of the Year Award is given to small-scale businesses with less than 10 employees who have shown exceptional growth in the past two years. The company that will receive this award will have demonstrated leadership, innovation, growth in profits, and a brilliant business plan for the future throughout the year. The judges will consider aspects such as a solid financial base, growth potential, peer recognition, and innovative business approach for the winner of this award.

Small Business of the Year - 2023

( Up To 50 Employees )

The Business of the Year Award is given to a small business that has less than 100 employees. The company that will receive this award will have demonstrated leadership, innovation, growth in profits, and an innovative business plan for the future throughout the year. The judges will consider aspects such as a solid financial base, growth potential, peer recognition, and innovative business approach for the winner of this award.

Tech Business of the Year Award - 2023

The Tech Business of the Year Award is a “competitive award” given to businesses that have gone above and beyond in their innovation.

The Tech Business of the Year Award is given to a company that has demonstrated excellence in technology and innovation. The award is presented to the company that has made the most significant contribution to the advancement of technology.

The Tech Business of the Year Award is among the most prestigious honours in the tech industry. It’s given to the company that has had the biggest impact on the industry over the past year.

The company must have made significant contributions to the advancement of technology and must be a leader in its field.

Indigenous Entrepreneur of the Year - 2023

Beyond the economic contribution to Canada, Indigenous entrepreneurship is important in numerous ways. This award recognizes the excellence, resilience, innovation of Indigenous businesses while contributing long-term success for these innovative leaders who have found their own voice within an ever-changing world. The judges are looking for a driven entrepreneur who has shown continuous growth and sustainability in their business. The successful candidate should have an established brand with plans of continuing success, as well as solid experience running this type of company already under his belt or her wing! The contribution made by this company will be even greater after they win!

The Diversity and Inclusion Award - 2023

This year’s Diversity and Inclusion Award goes to a business that has demonstrated excellence in living and promoting behaviours that demonstrate diversity, inclusion, and cultural competence.

This award encourages businesses to embrace cultural differences and build relationships with diverse communities.

It is important for businesses to actively work towards creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and culture, as this will benefit everyone involved. By doing so, they are also setting themselves up as leaders in the industry.

By demonstrating these qualities, businesses can create a more inclusive workplace for all employees. The award is dedicated to celebrating the successes of businesses that have positively impacted their communities.

Technopreneur of the Year Award - 2023

Technology is the way of the future and businesses who strategically embrace technology will be recognized through the Technopreneur of the Year Award. Entrepreneurs who use innovative ways to find solutions to several business problems and embrace it in their business operations will be considered in this category. Judges are looking for businesses who embraced technology by implementing it in their business practices that have positively impacted their cost-effectiveness and resulting in substantial business growth opportunities.

Entrepreneur of the Year - 2023

Among the most honorable and prestigious awards for any business owner is the Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Individuals who have demonstrated excellence in every facet of their business whether innovation or sales or marketing or advertising will be felicitated with this honor. The judges are on the lookout for an entrepreneur who has established a successful business and brand that has shown continuous growth, a solid business plan, and a sustainability outlook. The individual who will take home the Entrepreneur of the Year Award will be an inspiration for generations of entrepreneurs to come!

Excellence in Data Privacy & Cyber Security - 2023

Data privacy & security are not just legal requirements; enacting them ensures business success and sustainability. Furthermore, it builds trust among the common masses. The Excellence in Data Privacy & Security Award is given to the company that has proven that data privacy & security are their top priority.

Businesses who demonstrate that they have a formal privacy officer, have written policies in place, implement proper network security measures, and invest in security awareness training will be considered for this award. This is the prominent factor judges will refer to when it comes to choosing the winner. Small businesses of all industries (not IT or security companies) are eligible under this category.

Young Entrepreneur of the Year - 2023

Young Entrepreneurs are the future of the business industry in any part of the world. They demonstrate innovation by finding new and inventive ways to fix problems and show a great deal of social savviness. Aged 30 and under, the Young Entrepreneur of the Year nominees will demonstrate how they have used their skills to build a successful, sustainable, and blooming business that is rare for their age. Opportunity grabbers, dynamic responses, passionate about innovation and progress, the Young Entrepreneur of the Year is an inspiration for business owners everywhere.

Young Indigenous Entrepreneur of the Year - 2023

Young Indigenous entrepreneurs are the future of the business industry in any part of the world. They demonstrate innovation by finding new and inventive ways to fix problems and show a great deal of social savviness. Aged 30 and under, the Young Indigenous Entrepreneur of the Year nominees will demonstrate how they have used their skills to build a successful, sustainable, and blooming business that is rare for their age. Opportunity grabbers, dynamic responses, passionate about innovation and progress, the Young Indigenopus Entrepreneur of the Year is an inspiration for business owners everywhere.

Customer Service Excellence - 2023

Customer service is crucial when it comes to the success of any business. The Customer Service Excellence Award is given to the company that has repeatedly proven that customer service is their top priority. Businesses who implement procedures and methods that put the customer at the top of their daily operations will be considered for this award and are the prominent factor judges will refer to when it comes to choosing the winner. Businesses of all industries are eligible under this category.

Black Entrepreneur of the Year - 2023

This award goes out to recognize the efforts of a person of color who is also a successful entrepreneur and has paved space for themselves through their hard work and dedication to their craft. Belonging from a minority community, black entrepreneurs have had to face the many hardships and struggles in the business landscape but that hasn’t deterred them from scaling new heights. Whether it’s in logistics, tech, retail, or finance, this entrepreneur shows why you should never give up on your goals. This award is to highlight this individual’s achievement and their immense contribution to the Canadian economy.

Best Business Innovation - 2023

Innovation plays a key role when it comes to the winner of this award. The Business Innovation of the Award is given to the company that has implemented strategies and products that signify outside-of-the-box thinking. Whether it’s in the form of their management strategies, their business models, product design and manufacturing techniques, or marketing strategy, this award recognizes innovation in all aspects. The judges are looking for a business that has defied conservative ways of thinking in their business strategy and seen an evident, positive impact as a result.

Business of the Year - 2023

( 100+ employees)

The Small Business of the Year Award is given to the company that has shown an increase in profits throughout the year and a solid business plan for its growth strategy. Judges are looking for small businesses that stand out from the rest. The small business that demonstrates innovation, leadership, thoughtful business planning, and growth potential will be recognized and felicitated with this honor.

Startup business of the Year - 2023

The Best New Business Award recognizes start-up companies that have shown significant promise through their growth and successful business strategy. Entrepreneurs will be asked to show how their new business has scaled since its launch and how well they are doing in comparison to other start-ups. Evidence of the success and a demonstration of a solid business plan for growth will be among the aspects that the judges will consider for the winner.

Inspirational Leader of the Year - 2023

The Inspirational Leader of the Year Award recognizes an entrepreneur who has demonstrated authentic leadership despite a million challenges. Passionate and creative, they take the initiative and think outside the box when running their business and managing their team. Through their strong leadership skills, innovative management strategies, and entrepreneurial spirit, the winner of this award will be an inspiration for all entrepreneurs to follow.

Digital Business of the Year Award - 2023

Organizations that have demonstrated significant success by providing their consumers with an outstanding online experience will be recognized through this award. Digital innovation, an increase in financial performance, and the successful use of digital tools to achieve business growth are among the aspects that the judges will consider for the Digital Business of the Year winner.

Business Woman of the Year - 2023

The Business Woman of the Year Award is meant to recognize and award the determination and success of a woman entrepreneur who made it in the stringent business world. Judges are looking for a female entrepreneur who has demonstrated how she has successfully overcome challenges to build a robust and thriving company.

Small Business of the Year - 2023

( 50 To 100 Employees )

The Small Business of the Year Award (50-100 employees) is an annual award given to a small business that has demonstrated outstanding achievement and success over the past year. This award recognizes businesses that have made a significant impact in their community and have shown a commitment to excellence in all aspects of their operation. To be eligible for this award, businesses must have 50-100 employees and be in operation for at least one year. This prestigious award is a great way to recognize the hard work and dedication of small businesses across the country.

E-commerce Business of the Year Award - 2023

The E-commerce business of the Year award is given to a business that have made a significant impact and contribution to the development of e-commerce. This award recognizes company that have developed innovative and effective ways to conduct e-commerce, and that have made a positive impact on the industry as a whole. The award also recognizes business that have been successful in promoting e-commerce within their own organizations and among their customers.

Fastest Growing Company - 2023

Businesses that have shown exceptional growth in sales, profits, market shares, customers, and employment are a perfect match for this honor. With change comes workload expansion, lack of inventory, resources, employment, and funds. The entrepreneur that has shown their ability to successfully overcome these challenges by intelligent business planning and implementing strategies to avoid high-growth issues deserves recognition. Therefore, the organization that has demonstrated rapid growth throughout the year due to its business strategy despite the unprecedented scenarios that they faced will be felicitated with the Fastest Growing Company Award.

Immigrant Entrepreneur of the Year - 2023

Despite being a comparatively new person in the game and after overcoming many challenges and hurdles that came their way, individuals who were still successful in establishing a thriving business are felicitated with the Immigrant Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Companies that have shown significant growth and success throughout the year will be recognized under this category. Immigrating to a new country has several challenges, and starting a business in a foreign country is even more challenging. Therefore, our award is a bid to recognize the efforts of such entrepreneurs who built a robust and growing company from scratch.

Best Professional Services - 2023

Companies nominated under this category must showcase exemplary and excellent customer service, business growth, innovation, and personal development. A wide range of professional services is considered under this category, such as legal, financial, hospitality, and retail. There are very specific criteria that judges take into consideration and organizations that have demonstrated the ability to successfully build and manage a thriving business are felicitated with this honor.

The Sustainable Business Award - 2023

Small Businesses that demonstrate a commitment to environmental and social responsibility are honoured with the Sustainable Business Award. The award honours businesses working to make the world more sustainable through their goods, services, or activities. Businesses must be small (fewer than 500 employees) and have been in operation for at least three years to be eligible for the award. A demonstrated dedication to sustainability, innovation, and growth is also required. The CanadianSME Small Business Magazine bestows the award each year. The award recognizes small businesses’ achievements that pave the path to a more sustainable future.

The Best Team of the Year - 2023

A successful entrepreneur is always backed by a diligent team of employees who work tirelessly to ensure the company’s success. A company cannot achieve success without employees who are passionate about their work. The Best Team of the Year Award is presented to a company that has a dedicated and efficient team of employees. The team members work hard to support their leader and help achieve the company’s goals, resulting in successful outcomes. The judges seek employees who possess qualities such as passion, innovation, a focus on achieving results, and a supportive attitude toward their leaders.

Best Business Support Organization - 2023

The Best Business Support Organization award is given to companies that have provided assistance to businesses and entrepreneurs in their journey toward entrepreneurship. The Best Business Support Organization Award aims to acknowledge the efforts of those who have provided assistance during times of need or have contributed tools and resources that have led to the success of a business. Organizations, whether non-profit or for-profit, that have contributed their resources and expertise to support Canadian businesses are eligible to apply under this category.

Exporter of the Year - 2023

Entrepreneurs who have expanded their businesses internationally and established trade relationships and partnerships overseas will be eligible for the Exporter of the Year award. The judges will consider several criteria when evaluating the businesses, including their expertise in international markets and strategies, ability to overcome challenges in global expansion and use of innovative tools such as technology to integrate export strategies into their operations successfully.

Fintech Business of the Year - 2023

The Fintech Business of the Year award is for a business that has demonstrated real innovation when it comes to the Fintech industry. Having the right tools as being both a financial and technology company, the winner of this award will demonstrate how they have used innovation and technology to provide financial services to their consumers. Innovation, technology, and initiation will be the primary aspects that the judges will consider while felicitating an organization with this honor.

Best Place to Work - 2023

Companies that prioritize the creation of a healthy work environment for their employees are eligible to receive the Best Place to Work Award. It is a widely accepted fact that employees who experience job satisfaction tend to perform better in their work. Companies that prioritize creating a healthy, inclusive, and peaceful work environment will be recognized and honoured for their efforts.

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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