- 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.
- 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 2024 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 2024, 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 2024 reserves the right to alter or change these terms and conditions at any time at its discretion.
- All entries must be submitted by 25th December, 2024.
- 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.
Small Business
of the Year - 2024
( Up to 10 employees)
Small Business
of the Year - 2024
( Up to 50 employees)
The Small 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 - 2024
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 - 2024
Young Indigenous Entrepreneur of the Year
Business
of the Year - 2024
To be eligible for this award, businesses must have over 50 employees and be in operation for at least one year. This prestigious award is a great way to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of businesses across the country, celebrating their contributions and excellence.
The Diversity and Inclusion
Award - 2024
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 - 2024
Entrepreneur
of the Year - 2024
Excellence in Data Privacy
& Cyber Security - 2024
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 - 2024
Customer Service
Excellence - 2024
Black Entrepreneur
of the Year - 2024
Best Business
Innovation - 2024
Startup business
of the Year - 2024
Inspirational Leader
of the Year - 2024
Digital Business
of the Year Award - 2024
Business Woman
of the Year - 2024
E-commerce Business
of the Year - 2024
Fastest Growing
Company - 2024
Immigrant Entrepreneur
of the Year - 2024
Best Professional
Services - 2024
The Sustainable Business
Award - 2024
2SLGBTQI+ Inclusive Excellence Award - 2024
This award celebrates a business that is owned, operated, and controlled by a 2SLGBTQI+ individual(s) that has made a significant economic impact on the local, regional, or national community while making contributions to the 2SLGBTQI+ community in Canada. This award is open to all 2SLGBTQI+ owned businesses that: 1) Are established for more than 3 years and operate in Canada, with annual revenues above $100,000. 2) Demonstrate outstanding achievement and leadership in building a growing and successful business. 3) Support and enhance the visibility and opportunities for 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, businesses, organizations, and/or communities to grow and prosper. 4) Past award winners will be excluded from consideration in the same category for the following 3 years.Nominations will be requested through a call for nominations throughout the community. Self-nominations will also be accepted.
NOTE: Nominations are open to all 2SLGBTQI+owned businesses
Community Impact
Award - 2024
The Community Impact Award honors businesses that make a significant and lasting impression on their local communities. This accolade celebrates companies that extend beyond their primary functions to cultivate well-being, growth, and unity within the community. Organizations that demonstrate active engagement with local entities, initiating or contributing to projects that lead to tangible improvements are eligible for this prestigious award. Their efforts promote long-term sustainability, ensuring benefits are not fleeting. Emphasis is placed on initiatives that embrace diversity, encourage inclusivity, and ensure all community members benefit from their endeavors. This award is a testament to the power businesses hold in shaping and uplifting the communities they serve.