The response to the Zensurance Small Business Grant has been incredible – we’ve received thousands of applications from passionate small business owners, trailblazing entrepreneurs, and driven self-employed professionals from all across Canada!
We’ve had the privilege of discovering so many inspiring businesses and the incredible stories behind them.
Now, it’s time for YOU to get involved!
Meet our top six finalists below, and cast your vote for the business you believe deserves to win the grand prize!
The countdown is on – the winners of the $10,000 grant and five $1,000 grants will be revealed right here on August 29, 2025. Stay tuned!
Meet Your 2025 Finalists
Employ to Empower
Owner: Christina Wong
Employ to Empower is a Vancouver-based charity that empowers low-income individuals who have experienced systemic barriers due to disability, health challenges, or addiction recovery overcome them through entrepreneurship.
Demex Cakes
Owner: Adeola Meseko
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan-based Demex Cakes makes irresistible, hand-crafted, delicious cakes, decadent pastries, and delightful finger foods that transform ordinary moments into extraordinary memories.
Woe Lotta Hair
Owner: Saijah (Jah) Reid
Woe Lotta Hair in Toronto is a mobile hair company dedicated to making professional Black hair care accessible, dignified, and dependable. They connect their clients with stylists who provide in-home services to seniors, people with mobility issues, and survivors of violence.
A Cut Above Yard Services
Owner: Connor Laskowski
Guelph, Ontario-based A Cut Above was founded by Laskowski when he was 13 years old(!). The now 17-year-old owner’s lawn care and landscaping business has evolved from mowing lawns to deftly crafting vibrant outdoor spaces while building a strong customer base.
Made for Me Marketplace
Owner: Elora Barnes
Toronto-based Made for Me launched in 2022 as an artisan pop-up market, and has since evolved from occasional events to a permanent home for curators and makers as a nurturing space to showcase their artistry and sell their goods.
T&T Dreamcatchers
Owner: Jona Sparvier
Calgary-based T&T Dreamcatchers is an Indigenous-owned producer of meticulously handcrafted dreamcatchers, gemstone jewellery, and DIY kits. Each piece is created with the utmost care and attention to detail, ensuring that no two dreamcatchers are identical.
Key Timelines
Our First $10,000 Small Business Grant Winner in 2025
Natasha Pelley, owner of the SnuggleTooth Smile Mobile clinic in St. John’s, Newfoundland, was our $10,000 grant winner in 2025.
Our $1,000 Grant Winners in 2025
Eagle Eye Masterworks
Owner: Dylan Gambler
Edmonton-based Eagle Eye Masterworks provides high-quality residential renovations, custom finishing and trim work, drywall repairs, painting, and carpentry.
Muse Baskets and Co.
Owner: Meena Sandhu
Vancouver-based Muse Baskets and Co. provides premium branded gift boxes and baskets for companies, realtors, holiday celebrations and special events.
Paranova Productions
Owner: Jeff Dell
Nova Scotia-based Paranova Productions focuses on filmmaking and telling the stories about Nova Scotia’s paranormal history.
A Thousand Daisies Farm
Owner: Annaka Dallaire
Joly, Ontario-based A Thousand Daisies Farm offers pesticide-free foods, vegan soy wax candles, and other sustainable agricultural products.
Rooted Rose Community Acupuncture
Owner: Bria Goodreid
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia-based Rooted Rose Acupuncture provides acupuncture treatments to anyone regardless of their income to treat chronic pain, stress, and promote mental wellness.
Our Small Business Grant Winner in 2024
Marie Lavergne, owner of the Down East Dance Academy in Montague, P.E.I., was our $10,000 grant winner in 2024.
Our $1,000 Grants Winners in 2024
IntoCharge Inc.
Owner: Nasim Naderi
Toronto-based IntoCharge is a leading force in the sustainable energy industry, fostering environment stewardship and promoting green practices.
Seaside Catering
Owner: Kally Keough
Jamestown, Newfoundland-based Seaside Takeout & Catering operates a food truck and catering service.
Natural Butter Bar Cosmetics
Owner: Tiffani Young
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia-based Natural Butter Bar Cosmetics offers customizable plant-based hair and skin care products.
Backyard Birds Nature Shop
Owner: Alana Tollenaar
Spruce Grove, Alberta-based Backyard Birds Nature Shop is a family owned business providing a wide range of products for bird lovers.
Partridge Island Publishing
Owner: Shannon Dykens
Saint John, New Brunswick-based Partridge Island Publishing is a not-for-profit publishing company and bookstore promoting works from authors across Atlantic Canada.
Our Small Business Grant Winner in 2023
Hugo Latrielle, owner of Malartic Design + Builds in Ottawa, was our $10,000 grant winner in 2023.
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.
50 Side Hustle Ideas to Make Money in 2025
In addition to making extra income, a side hustle is a testing ground to try out a new idea before jumping headlong into starting a business. Looking for inspiration? Here are 50 side job ideas to consider.
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.
Visit the Zensurance Small Business Insights blog for more resources.
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