Meet the $10,000 Zensurance
Small Business Grant Recipients
Small Business Grant Recipients
The votes have been tallied and we are delighted to announce the recipients of our two $10,000 Small Business Grants are:
- So Divine Artisan Boutique (Fort St. James, B.C.)
- Oven Theory (Mississauga, Ontario)
We were truly honoured to learn about the inspiring journeys of all our applicants and finalists, who showcased remarkable dedication and ambition.
We are also thrilled to share that our eight other finalists will each be awarded a $1,000 grant.
You can read the Q&A with all the Zensurance Small Business Grant recipients here.
Meet Our $1,000 Grant Recipients
Gratitude Fence
Founder: Ramon Montalban
Location: Minesing, Ontario
Gratitude Fence helps homeowners across Simcoe County improve their privacy, security, and curb appeal with quality residential fencing they can count on. Owner Ramon Montalban said his company’s mission is rooted in craftsmanship, reliability, and genuine care for the people it serves.
EY Nano Tech Solutions
Founder: Ernesto Yris Romero
Location: Mississauga, Ontario
EY Nano Tech Solutions applies nano treatments to shingles, concrete, and wood that permanently transform their molecular structure, boosting durability and extending their lifespans. His technology already keeps thousands of pounds of non-recyclable roofing material out of Ontario landfills every year.
Freshwave Cleaners
Founder: Poonampreet Panju
Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Freshwave Cleaners delivers high-quality, reliable, and affordable cleaning services to both residential and commercial clients. What’s unique about founder Panju’s cleaning company is it’s structured as a community-focused service that supports seniors, single parents, and individuals who may struggle to maintain clean living environments due to time, health, or financial constraints.
WashCrafters
Founder: Kendall Scott
Location: Bedford, Nova Scotia
WashCrafters is a professional pressure washing and exterior cleaning company founded by Kendall Scott. His company only uses biodegradable, eco-friendly products that are safe for families, pets, and landscapes.
Kascade Plumbing and Heating
Founder: Terrance Kronen
Location: Ponoka, Alberta
When Terrance Kronen left the oil patch, he went back to his community to start Kascade Plumbing and Heating. His company serves rural Central Alberta residents who too often struggle to find reliable plumbing and heating help when they need it most. The Red Seal journeyman plumber and gas fitter brings serious credentials to an underserved region.
Mahara Mindfulness
Founders: Sheba Zaidi and Genevive Savundranayagam
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Mahara Mindfulness was born from a genuine desire to help people protect their mental health during one of the hardest stretches in recent memory (the pandemic). Their Human Being Journal Collection, Reflection Prompts, and Conversation Cards give people practical tools to gain perspective and live more fully. A percentage of every sale goes directly to mental health organizations, including CAMH.
Looply Kids Used Clothing & Toys
Founder: Melanie Gillham
Location: Collingwood, Ontario
When a beloved children’s clothing resale shop closed in Collingwood, Melanie Gillham sprung into action by opening Looply Kids Used Clothing & Toys, a not-for-profit resale shop that buys gently used kids’ clothing, toys, books, and essentials and sells them back to families at a fraction of the cost of buying new.
Shining Spark Entertainment
Founder: Jordan Sparks
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Shining Spark Entertainment is built around the idea that art, storytelling, and technology can drive real change. The multimedia studio creates educational video games, broadcasts, and digital tools designed to benefit underserved communities, and frequently partners with charitable organizations.
About the Zensurance Small Business Grant
The #ZensuranceGrant2026 application is open to all Canadian* entrepreneurs, startups, and small business owners with compelling stories about their businesses.
* Excluding Quebec, Northwest Territories, Yukon, and Nunavut
To be eligible to win, entrants must complete the application form, get a free insurance quote, follow one of our social media channels, and be an operational company registered in Canada with annual revenue that does not exceed $1 million — only one entry per business.
Please read our full terms and conditions
A shortlist of 10 finalists will be announced on June 16th, 2026.
The public may vote on which of the top 10 finalists should receive the $10,000 grant from June 16th to June 23rd, 2026 (so get active on social media, tag us, and encourage your customers and friends to vote!).
The two $10,000 business grant recipients will be announced on June 25th, 2026 at 9 a.m. ET. The other eight finalists will each receive a $1,000 grant.
Our Previous Small Business Grant Recipients
Nate Wickens, owner of Next Level Property Management & Services Ltd. in Cape Sable Island, Nova Scotia, was our second winner in 2026.
Samantha Lemus, owner of Sol & Sage Yoga in Bowmanville, was our first winner in 2026.
Emile Maamary, co-owner of Steadiwear in Toronto, was our third winner in 2025.
Key Timelines
Resources for Canadian Small Businesses
When Do I Need Liability Insurance for My Small Business in Canada?
Starting or running a small business in Canada? Liability insurance feels like something you deal with later – but waiting can be risky. From sole proprietors to growing companies, here’s when liability coverage becomes essential.
Do I Really Need Liability Insurance for My Small Business in Canada? (Even If I’m Low Risk?)
All small businesses in Canada face some level of liability risk – even home-based, online, or one-person businesses. Without liability insurance, you may have to pay for losses, damages, or legal defence costs, settlements, and court-awarded damages out of pocket.
10 Questions to Ask Before Renewing Your Small Business Insurance
Reviewing your business insurance coverage annually – especially at the start of a new year – is one of the best ways to protect your small business. Before you renew a policy, ask an insurance broker a few key questions to confirm you’ve got the right coverage for your Canadian business. Here are 10 questions to ask.
Visit the Zensurance Small Business Insights blog for more resources.
