Zensurance $10,000 Business Grant Recipient: Next Level Property Management

Zensurance is excited to share that Next Level Property Management & Services Ltd., based on Cape Sable Island, Nova Scotia, has received our $10,000 Small Business Grant.

Nate Wickens started Next Level Property Management & Services two years ago at age 21. The company offers landscaping and property maintenance, and is committed to supporting the community. They give seniors discounts and provide free weekly service to households in need.

Wickens plans to use the grant to grow his company by buying more equipment, expanding services, and taking on more property management contracts.

He explained that some of the money will also help create local jobs and support community projects, such as helping families in need through their Christmas fundraiser. “My goal is to use these funds to grow the business in a way that brings lasting value to our clients and the communities we serve.”

He encourages new business owners to start even if they don’t feel fully ready, and to keep going.

“There will never be a perfect time, and waiting for everything to be ideal only delays progress,” he said. “Focus on building trust, delivering quality work, and reinvesting back into your business. Small, consistent actions over time are what separate successful businesses from those that never get off the ground.”

He also pointed out that small business owners can face unexpected events like property damage, accidents, or liability claims, which can have serious financial effects.

“Having proper coverage allows you to operate with confidence, take on larger opportunities, and focus on growth, knowing that your business is protected against risks that could otherwise set you back significantly,” he said.

Advice From Our $1,000 Grant Recipients

Zensurance is pleased to announce that our five other finalists have each received a $1,000 grant.

We’re proud to support these entrepreneurs as they grow their businesses and make a positive difference in their communities.

We asked each of our $1,000 grant recipients two questions:

1. What is one piece of advice you have for other Canadian small business owners or self-employed professionals?
2. Why is it important to have business insurance to protect your company?

Here’s what they shared:

Infinite Harvest Technologies uses new bioconversion technology to turn food waste into reusable proteins and fertilizers.

CEO Luis Ortiz co-founded the company to help businesses and municipalities reduce waste, save money, and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

His advice to other business owners is simple: focus on solving real problems and build strong partnerships early.

“Canada has an incredible ecosystem of accelerators, research institutions, and industry partners that want to support innovation,” he said. “When entrepreneurs collaborate and leverage these resources, they can grow faster and build stronger businesses.

“For us, partnerships with industry and research organizations have been critical in transforming an idea into a scalable technology.”

He also said that running a business always comes with risks, and having the right insurance helps make sure that unexpected events don’t undo years of hard work and investment.

“Insurance provides protection for your operations, team, and customers, allowing you to focus on building and growing your business with confidence,” he said. “For small businesses, that protection can make the difference between recovering from a challenge or losing everything you’ve built.”

Ouroboros Deconstruction changes how demolition works by salvaging materials from old buildings so they can be reused in new construction.

Meredith Moore founded Ouroboros Deconstruction to keep usable materials out of landfills, helping reduce waste and cut carbon emissions.

Stephanie Bonic, who leads operations and business development at Ouroboros, suggests that business owners trust their instincts and be honest with themselves and others. She says this leads to success.

“Integrity and honesty are vital characteristics in building strong and lasting relationships with clients, partners, and stakeholders,” she said.

Regarding risk management, she highlighted the importance of having business insurance to “protect our company from potential legal liabilities, especially in the world of construction. We need to ensure that we are fully covered in case anything ever happens that is outside of our control.”

Geez Louise Sparkling Water is changing the beverage industry with prebiotic sparkling water that helps with hydration and gut health.

Since Carmen Douville and Lauren Jones started the company in 2022, it has expanded to over 500 stores across Canada and tripled its revenue. With every sale, they support Indigenous-led clean water projects.

Douville advises other business owners to start their businesses before they feel completely ready. “You’ll never have everything figured out at the beginning, and a lot of building a business is learning as you go and being willing to adapt along the way,” she said.

She also said that running a business means facing many unknowns.

“Having insurance helps protect everything we’ve worked so hard to build and gives us peace of mind, knowing we’re covered if something unexpected comes up,” she said.

Jess Tofflemire, owner of Shore Peddlin’, serves classic treats and local ice cream at private, corporate, and community events with her vintage bicycle cart.

Her business operates year-round in Nova Scotia, bringing a unique local touch to events across the province.

She advises new business owners to start even if they don’t feel fully prepared.

“So many small business owners wait for the perfect moment, but the truth is you learn the most by doing,” she said. “When I started my business, I didn’t have everything figured out, but I believed in the idea and took small steps forward.

“Being part of your local community, listening to your customers, and staying open to evolving your business can take you much further than waiting for everything to be perfect.”

She explained that business insurance is important because it protects all the hard work, time, and passion that go into building a business.

“When you’re a small business owner, you’re responsible for so many moving parts, and unexpected things can happen at any time,” she said. “Having the right insurance provides peace of mind so you can focus on running and growing your business, knowing you’re protected if something goes wrong. It allows entrepreneurs to take thoughtful risks, show up at events, and serve their customers with confidence.”

Anita Orakwue co-founded Mint & Matter in Calgary in 2025. This women-owned business uses technology to provide customer care and cleaning services known for personal attention.

Mint & Matter also supports the community. Recently, they donated their services at an auction to help raise money for Black students attending university in Calgary.

Her advice to other business owners is to be thoughtful about how they build their companies. 

“It’s easy to rush into launching, but taking the time to set up your systems, processes, and customer experience properly from the beginning makes a huge difference,” she said. “It saves you time, reduces stress, and helps you build something that can actually grow and scale.”

She also said business insurance is essential because it lets organizations operate with confidence and professionalism.

“In a service-based business like ours, where we are working in people’s homes and properties, there are always risks involved,” she noted. “Having the right coverage protects both the business and the client, and it builds trust. It shows that you take your work seriously and that you are prepared for the unexpected.”

Congratulations to all our Zensurance Small Business Grant recipients!

Our previous grant recipients include:

• Sol & Sage Yoga in Bowmanville, Ontario
• Steadiwear in Toronto
• Demex Cakes in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
• SnuggleTooth Mobile Smile Clinic in St. John’s, Newfoundland
• Down East Dance Academy in Montague, P.E.I.
• Malarctic Design + Builds in Ottawa

Meet all our previous Zensurance Small Business Grant recipients.

The Zensurance Small Business Grant will return.