Meet the Zensurance Small Business Grant 2024 Winners
After a rigorous review, our judging panel has made the final decisions for the Zensurance Small Business Grant 2024!
Choosing the winners from an incredible pool of small businesses, entrepreneurs, and self-employed professionals across Canada wasn’t easy. Each applicant’s story showcased remarkable dedication and ambition, and we’re honoured to have had the chance to learn about these inspiring journeys.
We’re thrilled to announce that one of our top 10 finalists will receive a $10,000 grant, while five additional finalists will each receive a $1,000 grant.
Let’s introduce this year’s winners!
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.
The $1,000 Grant Winners
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.
Meet Our Other Top Finalists
We’re sending our other four fantastic finalists a $100 gift card each as a thank-you for sharing their incredible stories with us.
These businesses wowed us with their passion and dedication, and we’re excited to recognize their hard work and creativity. Join us in celebrating their achievements!
Our other four top finalists are:
U Grow Girl
Owner: Crystal Wood
Salmon Arm, B.C.-based U Grow Girl’s mission is to empower adult survivors of child sexual abuse through clinically supervised healing retreats where theyfind the support, connection, and love needed to catapult their healing journey and experience profound transformation in their lives
Dog Quality
Owner: Ann-Marie Fleming
100 Mile House, B.C.-based Dog Quality has been helping senior dogs around the world since 2011. Their specialized products focus on improving the quality of life for older dogs so they can age gracefully, retain their dignity, and continue to find adventure in everything they do.
Sharecuterie
Owner: Cassandra Carreiro
Winnipeg-based Sharecuterie is a proudly Indigenous and woman-owned restaurant built on the belief that food, especially cheese, nourishes the soul. Every item on their menu is sourced locally and carefully selected based on what’s in season and delicious.
Rocky Mountain Rebel Renovations
Owner: Britt Thompson
Calgary-based, woman-led Rocky Mountain Rebel Renovations is redefining what it means to work in the trades in Alberta. The company’s mission is to shatter gender stereotypes, create sustainable job opportunities, and provide exceptional craft-womanship.
The Zensurance Small Business Grant will be back in 2025!
The Zensurance Small Business Grant will return in 2025. To be notified when the grant application window opens, click on the button below and leave us your email address.
Win a $10,000 Grant to Grow Your Small Business
The #ZensuranceGrant2024 application is open to all Canadian* entrepreneurs, startups, and small business owners with compelling stories about their businesses.
To be eligible to win, entrants must complete the application form and be an operational company registered in Canada with annual revenue that does not exceed $1 million — only one entry per business.
All shortlisted entrants must also provide a short video of themselves about their companies and what they would do with $10,000. Please read our full terms and conditions.
A shortlist of 10 entrants will be announced and notified on November 15, 2024. Our judging panel will select one grand prize winner and five runner-up winners and announce them on November 29, 2024.
* Excluding Quebec, Yukon, Nunavut, and the Northwest Territories
Key Timelines
Our Small Business Grant Winner in 2023
Hugo Latreille, owner of Ottawa-based Malartic Design + Builds, was the $10,000 Zensurance Small Business Grant 2023 winner.
Read our Q&A interview with Latreille to learn more about his company and his advice for other Canadian small business owners and entrepreneurs.
Resources for Canadian Small Businesses
15 Business Grants and Loans for Women in Canada
The Zensurance Small Business Grant is one of many options for Canadian women entrepreneurs and startups led by women that are available to help them grow their businesses. See our list of grants and loans to pursue.
Zensurance Business Grant Winner 2023: Malartic Design + Builds
Hugo Latreille, owner of Ottawa-based Malartic Design + Builds, is crowned the $10,000 Zensurance Small Business Grant 2023 winner. Read our Q&A interview with Latreille to learn more about his company and his advice for other Canadian small business owners and entrepreneurs.
How to Get a Small Business Grant in Canada
See our list of grants for Canadian small businesses and startups you can apply for to grow your business and the steps needed to qualify for them.
Visit the Zensurance Small Business Insights blog for more resources.
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