TELUS Business: #StandWithOwners Contest

Deadline: September 2, 2026

Program Summary:

Canada’s biggest small business contest is back, and we’re looking for owners who have Made it in Canada. Apply for a chance to win $125,000 in funding, technology and exposure and become part of a thriving community of Canadian business owners.

Grand Prize Winners:

3 Grand Prize Category Award winners receive a $125,000 prize package.

• Future Forward Award: This award celebrates owners who embody the spirit of ‘Inspiring the world and creating the future’ by placing community impact at the heart of innovation. This award recognizes leaders who leverage innovation not just to optimize, but to humanize: breaking down barriers, fostering local connection, and delivering products or services that measurably enrich the daily lives of Canadians.
  • $50,000 in direct funding.
  • $35,000 in TELUS technology and services
  • $25,000 professional photoshoot and brand exposure
  • $10,000 wellbeing program from TELUS Health.
  • $5,000 additional prize package from Samsung.

• Business Growth Award: This award celebrates a business owner who demonstrates exceptional growth through bold vision, resilience, and a meaningful impact on their community. It recognizes success that goes beyond financial performance to reflect leadership, purpose, and long‑term value creation.
  • $50,000 in direct funding.
  • $35,000 in TELUS technology and services
  • $25,000 professional photoshoot and brand exposure
  • $10,000 wellbeing program from TELUS Health.
  • $5,000 additional prize package from ScotiaBank.

• AI Innovation Award: AI Innovation Award celebrates small businesses that are effectively leveraging Artificial Intelligence to drive significant business impact. We’re recognizing owners demonstrating innovative and practical applications of AI to enhance productivity, accelerate growth, improve efficiency, and create new opportunities and those that showcase how responsible adoption of AI empowers them to thrive and compete.
  • $50,000 in direct funding.
  • $35,000 in TELUS technology and services
  • $25,000 professional photoshoot and brand exposure
  • $10,000 wellbeing program from TELUS Health.
  • $5,000 additional prize package from Google.

Community Awards: We’re recognizing owners who are keeping communities moving, connected, healthy, supported and inspired.

• Logistics Leader Award: $15,000 – This award celebrates businesses that excel in logistics, delivery, or transit; the essential threads that keep our communities connected. Whether you are moving people, products, or ideas, you demonstrate a commitment to innovation and reliability that helps others move forward.
  • $10,000 in direct funding and $5,000 in gift cards from Petro Canada

• Community Spaces Award: $15,000 – This award celebrates local leaders across the entire building and trades ecosystem who are shaping the physical and structural landscape of our communities. This award celebrates the diverse expertise required to create the spaces where we live and work: from the architects and designers who envision our future to the general contractors and specialized tradespeople who bring it to life.
  • $10,000 in direct funding and $5,000 in products or services from ZS2 Technologies

• Community Wellness Award: $15,000 – This award celebrates dedicated health and wellness owners who demonstrate a commitment to compassionate care or health innovation, helping us build a friendlier, healthier, and more connected future for everyone.
  • $10,000 in direct funding and $5,000 in a wellness program from TELUS Health

• Neighbourhood Gem Award: This award celebrates the local businesses that make our neighbourhoods feel like home; the beloved eateries and cherished local shops that have become indispensable to the fabric of our communities. We’ll highlight 5 additional finalists to be featured as a spotlight across our TELUS Business social media platforms.
  • $10,000 in direct funding
• Business Catalyst Award: This award celebrates the expert advisors and strategic partners who provide the essential insights, guidance, and professional expertise that fuel business growth. From the financial minds and legal experts to the creative strategists and consultants, you are the behind-the-scenes engine helping fellow owners navigate complexity and achieve their boldest ambitions.
  • $10,000 in direct funding

• Social Purpose Award: This award celebrates the mission-driven community advocates that are the backbone of our social fabric. The grassroots non-profits and social enterprises who dedicate their work to providing care and advocacy that builds a more inclusive, sustainable, and connected future for everyone
  • $10,000 in direct funding

People’s Choice Award (Voting opens October 1, 2026): $25,000 in prizing:

• Get your community involved for a chance to win an additional $25,000 in direct funding.

Eligible Applicants:

We’re looking for a broad selection of businesses across all sizes, stages, industries and communities across Canada.

Common questions:

Does my business have to be a current customer of TELUS or partners?

No, this program is open to all eligible small businesses. You do not need to be an existing TELUS or partner customer to apply or be selected.

I just recently started my business, can I apply?

Yes, you’re eligible to apply. Businesses just starting are eligible to apply, as long as they are up and running at the time of application.

I’m a sole proprietor. Am I eligible?

As long as your business is an established business and generating revenue, sole proprietors are considered eligible to apply. Please list your employee size as 1.

Do I have to be in a specific industry in order to apply?

No, the program is open to small businesses across all industries and sectors. Whether you run a retail shop, a professional consultancy, a construction firm, or a creative studio, we encourage you to apply.

Are non-profits eligible to apply?

Yes, not-for-profits, registered charities, and social enterprises are considered eligible to apply. To be eligible, you must operate within Canada and primarily serve Canadian communities through innovative, grassroots programs that address pressing local challenges.

What do you consider an employee?

We consider an employee a full-time paid team member, even if they’re considered a contractor. Part-time team members can be considered as half an employee.

Are franchisees eligible to apply?

Yes, franchisees are eligible to apply. However, they must demonstrate how their business is standing out from the competition, including other franchisees.