Zensurance Small Business Grant
The response to the Zensurance Small Business Grant has been incredible!
We received thousands of applications from ambitious small business owners, entrepreneurs, and self-starters across Canada, and every one of them brought something inspiring to the table. The passion, creativity, and momentum behind this year’s applicants made one thing clear: Canada’s small business community is thriving.
Now it’s your turn to help choose the winner.
Meet the top six finalists below and cast your vote before March 19, 2026 for the business you think should take home the $10,000 grant.
We’ll reveal the winner here on March 24, 2026.
Congratulations to Our Finalists
Infinite Harvest Technologies
Co-Founder & CEO: Luis Ortiz
Niagara, Ontario-based Infinite Harvest Technologies is turning food waste into reusable proteins and fertilizers through innovative bioconversion technology. Co-founded by CEO Luis Ortiz, the company helps businesses and municipalities reduce waste costs and greenhouse gas emissions. The funding will help accelerate growth across Canada through new sales systems and website enhancements.
Ouroboros Deconstruction
Owner: Meredith Moore
Toronto-based Ouroboros Deconstruction is rethinking demolition with a circular approach that salvages materials from deconstruction projects for reuse in new builds. By keeping usable materials out of landfills, the company helps reduce waste and lower carbon emissions. The grant will support expanded salvage infrastructure, along with additional warehouse and lumber yard space to fuel growth.
Geez Louise
Co-Owners: Carmen Douville and Lauren Jones
Toronto-based, women-owned Geez Louise is reshaping the beverage space with prebiotic sparkling water focused on hydration and gut health. Since launching in 2022, the brand has expanded into more than 500 retail locations across Canada, tripled its revenue, and contributed from every sale to Indigenous-led clean water initiatives. The grant will support increased production and inventory to meet demand, reduce costs, and fuel growth.
Shore Peddlin’
Owner: Jess Tofflemire
Based in Musquodoboit Harbour, Shore Peddlin’ owner Jess Tofflemire serves classic treats and locally made ice cream at private, corporate and community events with her vintage bicycle cart. Operating year round across Nova Scotia, the business brings a distinctive local touch to events across the province. The grant will support equipment upgrades, bringing on new team members and general expansion of the business.
Next Level Property Management & Services Ltd.
Owner: Nate Wickens
Cape Sable Island, Nova Scotia-based Next Level Property Management was founded two years ago by 21-year-old Nate Wickens. The company offers landscaping and property maintenance services with a strong community focus, including seniors’ discounts and free weekly service for households in need. The grant will support equipment upgrades, growth, and more student hiring as Wickens pursues his degree in economics and business.
Mint & Matter
Co-Owner: Anita Orakwue
Founded in 2025, Calgary-based Mint & Matter is a women-owned, tech-forward cleaning known for its high-touch service and customer care. Built with a focus on professionalism, structure, and exceptional customer experience. Mint & Matter is also deeply community-minded, recently donating its services through an auction to help raise funds for Black students attending university in Calgary.The grant will support equipment upgrades, team expansion, operational improvements, and continued growth.
The winners of the $10,000 grant and five $1,000 grants will be announced here on March 24, 2026. Stay tuned!
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 6 finalists will be announced on March 12, 2026, at 9 a.m. ET.
The public may vote on which of the top six finalists should receive the $10,000 grant from March 12 to 19, 2026, at 8 a.m. ET (so get active on social media, tag us, and encourage your customers and friends to vote!).
The $10,000 business grant recipient will be announced on March 24, 2026.
Our Previous Small Business Grant Recipients
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
15 Business Grants and Loans for Women in Canada (2026 Guide)
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.
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.
5 Trends for 2026 Every Small Business Owner Should Know
See what’s hot for the year ahead with these five trends that Canadian small business owners and independent professionals should have on their radar in 2026, and how they can work them into their strategies.
Visit the Zensurance Small Business Insights blog for more resources.
