Zensurance Small Business Grant 2025
The wait is over! Meet the #ZensuranceGrant2025 finalists!
After reviewing thousands of incredible applications from entrepreneurs, small businesses, and self-employed professionals across Canada, we’re excited to introduce the TOP 6 finalists!These game-changers stood out for their passion, innovation, and hard work – now it’s YOUR turn to help decide who takes home $10K!
Cast your vote now!
Meet Your 2025 Finalists
Eagle Eye Masterworks
Name: Dylan Gambler
Industry: Renovations Contractor
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
About:
- Aboriginal tradesman and carpenter for over 15 years
- Focus on renovations and carpentry
How $10,000 Will Help
This grant would enable me to expand my renovation work, assist families needing affordable repairs, and train and mentor future Aboriginal tradespeople.
Why It Matters
I don’t just want to grow my business but help people, improve homes, and create opportunities for Aboriginal workers. I want it to be a force for good in my community.
Paranova Productions
Name: Jeff Dell
Industry: Media and Marketing
Location: Nova Scotia
About:
- Husband and wife video production team
- Focus on telling stories about Nova Scotia and its history
How $10,000 Will Help
Due to our company’s size, we’ve had to rely on self-funding and volunteers as we haven’t been able to secure public funding, which is often reserved for larger productions.
Why It Matters
The grant would cover fees associated with filming at different locations, travel, and expand our storytelling across Atlantic Canada.
Muse Baskets and Co.
Name: Meena Sandhu
Industry: Promotional and Corporate Gifting
Location: Vancouver, British Columbia
- Premium, branded gift boxes for companies
- Curated gift boxes and baskets for realtors, closing gifts, holiday celebrations and special events
How $10,000 Will Help
Expand our collection’s reach and charitable contributions, offset rising shipping costs, invest in sustainable packaging, and streamline logistics.
Why It Matters
We source all products in our gift baskets from Canadian artisans and small businesses. Our Pink Ribbon Collection donates proceeds to support individuals affected by breast cancer.
Rooted Rose Community Acupuncture
Name: Bria Goodreid
Industry: Health and Wellness
Location: Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
About:
- Acupuncture clinic
- Provides treatment for anyone regardless of income
How $10,000 Will Help
The grant would enable clinic upgrades to improve patient comfort and expand community outreach by offering subsidized acupuncture treatments for those in need.
Why It Matters
Unlike other acupuncture clinics, our low-cost, community-style approach allows more people to get the care they need for the effective treatment of chronic pain, stress, and mental wellness.
SnuggleTooth Smile Mobile
Name: Natasha Pelley
Industry: Health and Wellness
Location: St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
About:
- Mobile dental hygiene clinic
- Serving rural regions and underserved communities
How $10,000 Will Help
The grant would enable me to buy a portable X-ray unit and continue to reduce barriers that prevent individuals from receiving care due to distance, finances, and lack of transportation.
Why It Matters
Access to dental care for residents in rural Newfoundland is often out of reach. My mobile dental hygiene clinic provides professional oral care to underserved communities.
A Thousand Daisies Farm
Name: Annaka Dallaire
Industry: Agriculture
Location: Joly, Ontario
About:
- Pesticide-free foods, vegan soy wax candles, natural body and face moisturizers
- Sustainable agriculture and eco-conscious living
How $10,000 Will Help
My husband, a vital part of our farm’s operations, was in a devastating car accident that resulted in an amputation. This grant would allow us to hire staff, upgrade our workspace, develop new products, and host tours and workshops on sustainable agriculture and natural living.
Why It Matters
Our mission is to promote health and sustainability, offering products that nourish both people and the environment.
Key Timelines
The $10,000 Grant Winner: Down East Dance Academy
Down East Dance Academy
Owner: Marie Lavergne
Montague, P.E.I.-based Down East Dance Academy provides a range of dance classes for kids and young adults of all skill levels. Their certified instructors provide world-class dance lessons and training while retaining its small-town vibe.
2024 Runner Ups
IntoCharge Inc.
Owner: Nasim Naderi
Toronto-based IntoCharge is a leading force in the sustainable energy industry, fostering environmental stewardship and promoting green practices. The company offers products and solutions tailored to meet the evolving sustainability needs of individuals and businesses.
Seaside Catering
Owner: Kally Keough
Jamestown, Newfoundland-based Seaside Takeout & Catering operates a food truck and catering service. They create exceptional dishes inspired by Newfoundland’s unique coastal charm and cuisine.
Natural Butter Bar Cosmetics
Owner: Tiffani Young
Dartmouth, N.S.-based Natural Butter Bar Cosmetics is a Black-woman-owned business that offers customizable plant-based hair and skin care products. The company also provides workshops geared towards building self-confidence and self-esteem for all youth, with a special focus on Black youths and those at risk.
Backyard Birds Nature Shop
Owner: Alana Tollenaar
Spruce Grove, Alberta-based Backyard Birds Nature Shop is a family-owned business that provides a wide range of products for bird lovers. Their mission is to connect people with nature and educate them about wildlife conservation through bird feeding and birdwatching.
Partridge Island Publishing
Owner: Shannon Dykens
Saint John, N.B.-based Partridge Island Publishing is a not-for-profit publishing company and bookstore promoting the works of authors from across Atlantic Canada. They help aspiring authors get their works published by partnering with them throughout the publishing process.
Resources for Canadian Small Businesses
10 Questions to Ask Before Renewing Your Small Business Insurance
Reviewing your insurance coverage at least annually is recommended before renewing a policy. It’s also worthwhile to ask an insurance broker a few questions to ensure you’ve got the protection your company needs. Here are 10 questions to ask.
10 Ideas to Grow Your Small Business in 2025
Looking to capitalize on new ways to engage with existing and prospective customers and apply new tactics to optimize your business operations can be a tough task. With an eye on brighter horizons, we offer 10 suggestions for things you can do to try to accelerate your small business’s growth in 2025.
What Is a Certificate of Insurance (COI)?
Get the lowdown on what a certificate of insurance (COI) or proof of insurance document is and why your small business or profession needs one.
Visit the Zensurance Small Business Insights blog for more resources.
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