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Subjects: CALENDAR OF EVENTS, Contests/Awards

CanadianSME Announces Finalists for the 2023 Small Business Awards, Presented by Google Canada: Celebrating Innovation and Excellence in Canada's SME Sector


MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, April 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- We are thrilled to announce the finalists for the highly anticipated 2023 CanadianSME Small Business Awards. In collaboration with Google Canada, this year's event theme, "Innovate and Connect: Empowering Small Businesses for a Digital Tomorrow," highlights the crucial role of digital innovation, connectivity and the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises nationwide.

The awards gala, set for June 7th, 2024, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, will bring together a diverse group of entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and government officials to celebrate the achievements of Canada's small business sector. The evening will feature a keynote from Natasha Walji, Managing Director at Google Canada.

This year's awards attracted a multitude of entries nationwide and were judged by an esteemed panel of industry leaders based on criteria such as innovation, growth, and community impact. The finalists represent the best of Canadian entrepreneurship, showcasing creativity and resilience in integrating digital technologies into their business practices.

"Canadian SMEs are the lifeblood of the Canadian economy, and the finalists of the 2023 CanadianSME Small Business Awards exemplify the spirit of innovation that drives our economy forward. At Google Canada, we are proud to work alongside CanadianSME to celebrate these remarkable businesses who are harnessing the power of AI and shaping the future of our economy." - Natasha Walji, Managing Director at Google Canada.

SK Uddin, the founder of CanadianSME, commented on the upcoming gala: "We are eagerly anticipating the recognition of the outstanding contributions of Canada's small business community to our economy. This year's theme, 'Innovate and Connect,' celebrates the digital tools and networks increasingly central to modern business success. We are expecting a fantastic collection of insights and success stories at the event."

We sincerely thank Google Canada for its continued support of the SME Awards 2023, which has been crucial to the event's success.

"We're honoured to celebrate the outstanding achievements of small businesses across Canada who are making tremendous contributions in their industries and demonstrating what it takes to succeed in a highly competitive and dynamic market," says Don Ludlow, Vice-President of Small Business, Partnerships & Strategy, RBC. "The finalists of the 2023 CanadianSME Small Business Awards are a further testament to the extraordinary resilience, leadership and ingenuity of this community, and we're thrilled to put a spotlight on their inspiring stories of entrepreneurship."

Paul Gaspar, small business director at UPS, extends his "congratulations to all the finalists." A longtime supporter of CanadianSME, UPS is "honoured to be involved in such a great event celebrating our Canadian business owners," he adds.

"We are so proud to celebrate Indigenous excellence by supporting the Indigenous Entrepreneur of the Year Award, highlighting the effect they have on both the community and culture of SMEs more broadly here in Canada," said Tu Elliott, Cultural Advisor & Indigenous Affairs of Xero. "Small businesses are so integral to the fabric of our economy, and Indigenous entrepreneurs in particular enrich the ways in which we operate, grow and connect back to our roots."

"It's truly inspiring to witness the creativity and determination of this year's finalists. From startups and solopreneurs to independent artists and family-owned restaurants, SMEs are critical to our communities and our nation's economy," said Frank Vella, CEO at Constant Contact. "Constant Contact has been an advocate for small businesses for over 25 years, and as a proud Canadian, I am energized by the innovation happening here in Toronto and all across Canada. We will continue to support Canadian entrepreneurs and deliver the marketing tools and guidance they need to amplify their voices, get closer to their customers and compete against their larger competitors."

The CanadianSME Small Business Magazine appreciates all sponsors for their steadfast support of the CanadianSME National Business Awards 2023, which honours business excellence across Canada.

About the sponsors:

The CanadianSME National Business Awards 2023 is a platform for companies to support small businesses through sponsorship, recognizing entrepreneurs in various categories. RBC sponsors the Small Business of the Year Award for up to 10 employees; UPS sponsors the Small Business of the Year Award for up to 50 employees; Constant Contact sponsors 50+; Xero sponsors the Indigenous Entrepreneur of the Year Award, Samsung sponsors the Tech Business of the Year Award, and HP Canada sponsors the Black Entrepreneur of the Year.

The finalists for the awards are:

RBC - Small Business of the Year - 2023 (Up to 10 employees)

Top 1

Top 2

Top 3

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UPS - Small Business of the Year - 2023 (Up to 50 employees)

Top 1

Top 2

Top 3

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Samsung Tech Business of the Year - 2023

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Xero Indigenous Entrepreneur of the Year - 2023

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Constant Contact Small Business of the Year - 2023 (50+ Employees )

Top 1

Top 2

Top 3

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The Diversity and Inclusion Award - 2023

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Technopreneur of the Year Award - 2023

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Entrepreneur of the Year - 2023

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Excellence in Data Privacy & Cyber Security - 2023

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Young Entrepreneur of the Year - 2023

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Customer Service Excellence - 2023

Top 1

Top 2

Top 3

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Black Entrepreneur of the Year - 2023

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Best Business Innovation - 2023

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Startup Business of the Year - 2023

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Inspirational Leader of the Year - 2023

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Digital Business of the Year Award - 2023

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CSR Excellence Award - 2023

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Best in AI & Automation Award - 2023

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Best in Health and Wellness Business -2023

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Best in Manufacturing Award - 2023

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Best in Retail Award - 2023

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Community Impact Award - 2023

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2SLGBTQI+ Inclusive Excellence Award - 2023

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The Sustainable Business Award - 2023

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Best Professional Services - 2023

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Immigrant Entrepreneur of the Year - 2023

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Fastest Growing Company - 2023

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E-commerce Business of the Year - 2023

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Business Woman of the Year - 2023

Tickets for the CanadianSME Small Business Awards Gala are available at www.smeawards.ca. Attendees can expect a memorable evening of networking, celebration, and insights, underlining the essential role of small businesses in Canada's economic landscape and their adoption of digital innovations for future growth.

About CanadianSME:

As a leading organization dedicated to empowering the SME sector across Canada through its digital magazine, business events, and insightful resources, CanadianSME is fostering growth and development within this vital industry. This year's event theme underscores our commitment to supporting the integration of digital tools that enhance connectivity and operational efficiency, aiming to inspire our community to harness new technologies for expansive growth and enhanced customer experiences.

For media inquiries, please contact:

SK Uddin
Publisher, CanadianSME
Phone: (416) 655 0205
Email: [email protected]

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at:
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6a72e182-3256-459a-9415-94760670c33c




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