CanadianSME Announces Finalists for the 2024 National Small Business Awards

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Honouring Innovation, Leadership, and Excellence in Canada’s Small Business Community

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MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, May 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CanadianSME Small Business Magazine is thrilled to announce the finalists for the highly anticipated CanadianSME National Small Business Awards 2024, celebrating the remarkable achievements and contributions of small and medium-sized businesses across Canada. The awards ceremony will take place on June 20th, 2025, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Toronto. These awards spotlight the innovation, leadership, and resilience demonstrated by these companies.

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The CanadianSME National Small Business Awards have become a prestigious platform, recognizing the hard work and dedication of Canadian entrepreneurs who are vital in shaping the nation’s economic growth. These awards honour these businesses—the backbone of the economy— as a tribute to their unwavering commitment and perseverance.

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The 2024 awards are proudly supported by our exclusive partners:

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● RBC, the Exclusive Banking Partner
● UPS, the Exclusive Shipping Partner
● Google Canada, the Gold Partner
● Canon, Business Solutions Partner

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The evening will feature a keynote presentation by Natasha Walji, Managing Director at Google Canada, who will share valuable insights into strategies Canadian SMBs can use to adapt and build resilience in today’s evolving digital landscape. Her perspective hopes to inspire attendees to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) into their business, in order to more boldly navigate uncertainty, and ultimately to gain insight into how AI can power profitable and sustained growth.

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“Small businesses are the heart of our communities coast to coast, driving innovation and fueling our Canadian economy,” said Natasha Walji, Managing Director at Google Canada. “Google is committed to fueling their growth and success with AI, and we are delighted to partner with CanadianSME again to celebrate their achievements at the National Small Business Awards.”

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“Canon Canada is proud to join CanadianSME’s National Small Business Awards in 2025 as the official Business Solutions Partner. This collaboration reflects Canon’s longstanding commitment to innovation and exceptional customer experiences, underscoring the company’s dedication to supporting small businesses through digital imaging products and IT services. By sponsoring this year’s awards, Canon is celebrating the vital role small businesses play in shaping Canada’s economy, culture, and communities, championing the people behind those businesses that drive our country forward.”

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“We are proud to support the 2024 CanadianSME Small Business Awards and to stand alongside the exceptional entrepreneurs and small business leaders shaping Canada’s economy. As small businesses continue to play a vital role in our country’s growth and innovation, it’s important to celebrate their remarkable achievements and the lasting contributions they make to Canada’s small business landscape,” says Karen Svendsen, Senior Director, Small Business and Partnerships, RBC. “To all the finalists – your passion, creativity, leadership, and dedication are truly inspiring. Congratulations and we’re honoured to be part of your journey.”

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“It’s important to celebrate the success of entrepreneurs who contribute immensely to the Canadian economy,” states Paul Gaspar, director for small business at UPS Canada. Congratulations to all the nominees and finalists. “You inspire us all and you should be proud for demonstrating such determination through rapidly changing economic times.”

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The finalists were selected from a diverse range of industries, showcasing the best of Canadian entrepreneurship and innovation. Following a thorough evaluation process by a distinguished panel of judges, the top contenders have been chosen, representing outstanding achievements across various categories.

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The finalists for the CanadianSME Small Business Awards 2024 are:

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Young Entrepreneur of the Year

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1) Joseph Devereaux
Co-Founder at Page Pros

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2)
François Gouelo
Co-Founder & CEO of Enso Connect

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3)
Mathew Mozaffari
Technical Advisor of Speer Technologies Inc.

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4) Francesca Albo
Founder & CEO of Puppysphere

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5) Steven Amidjinov
Co-Founder & CEO/CGO at The SEED Agency

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6)
Caleb Nasadyk
Project Manager at Heathrow Security Ltd.

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Black Entrepreneur of the Year

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1) Kamelah Blair

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Founder & Publishing Coordinator of COJ BOOKZ

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2)
Amena Ali-Ridha – Executive Chef /Owner, King Rustic Kitchen & Bar &
Loren Amos – Mixologist/ Owner, King Rustic Kitchen & Bar

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3)
Barbara Nelson & Jeneel Walker
Co-Founders of Blessed kutz

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4) Jerome Robinson
Founder & CEO of The Heartbreak Chef

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5) Ian Evans
President & CEO of E-Tech

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6) Lamar Falconer
CEO & Co-Founder of AltoLeap Inc.

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

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Top 1

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Top 2

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Top 3

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Digital Business of the Year

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Best in Manufacturing Award

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2SLGBTQI+ Inclusive Excellence Award

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1) Adelle Renaud
Co-Founder of Peau De Loup Clothing Co.

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2)
Brandy Mars
Creative Director of Brandy Mars Designs

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3)
Willie and Kevin Bailey
Owners of Ladies Love Units

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4) Laurent McCutcheon
Founder of Fondation Émergence

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5) Margaret Coons
Founder & CEO of Nuts For Cheese

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6)
Raven Wrathmore
Founder & CEO of Little Witch Tattoo

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Tech Business of the Year

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The Sustainable Business

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Fastest Growing Company Award

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UPS – Small Business of the Year (Up to 50 employees) Award

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Top 1

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Top 2

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Top 3

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Best Professional Services Award

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Top 1

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Top 2

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Top 3

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Business of the Year Award (50+ employees)

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Startup Business of the Year

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Technopreneur of the Year

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1) John Solomos
CEO of BlueBird IT Solutions Inc

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2)
Chris Ellefson
Founder of Ollon

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3)
Lucas McCarthy
Founder & CEO, Showpass

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4) Manraaj Mand
Co-Founder & CEO of WatchDog Security Technologies Inc.

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5) Réal Breton
CEO of iFinance Canada

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6)
Dr. Cindy Gordon
Founder & CEO of SalesChoice

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Excellence in Data Privacy & Security

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The Community Impact Award

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Immigrant Entrepreneur of the Year

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1) Maya (Bharti) Nathani
CEO, Founder & President of Universal Health Hub

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2)
Natasha Dhayagude & David Brown
Co-Founders of Chinova Bioworks

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3)
Kalada Sika
Founder & CEO of Ntradex Solutions Inc.

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4) Gerard Keledjian
Founder and Managing Director of New Horizons Media Inc.

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5) Ali Soumah
Founder & CEO of Ali Soumah Business Center (ASBC)

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6)
Ashish Tandon
Co-Founder & CEO of Godspeed Group

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E-commerce Business of the Year Award

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Business Woman of the Year

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1) MARY OLANUBI
Director of Senior Homecare by Angels

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2)
Kristy Miller
Founder & CEO of The Scented Market

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3)
Kirke Kotkas
Founder & CEO of Social Kiddos Consulting Corp.

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4) Elyse Boulet
CEO & Managing Partner at Pigeon Brands

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5) Stephanie Loureiro
Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) + Product Strategy Advisor of Speer Technologies Inc.

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6)
Harleen Laroia
Founder & CEO of SimplySmart Child Care & Montessori

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Indigenous Entrepreneur of the Year

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1) Joella Hogan
Owner/Operator of The Yukon Soaps Company

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2)
Trisha Pitura
Co-Founder of MINI TIPI

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3)
Sarah Hopkins
Founder & CEO of Three Sisters Consulting

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4) Corey Anderson
Founder & CEO of Ingaged Creative Productions

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5) Amanda Bernard
Founder & CEO of Shawish Market

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6) Brad Robinson
CEO & Owner of Thrive Tours Inc.

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Customer Service Excellence of the Year

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Best in Retail Award

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Entrepreneur of the Year

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1) Michael Perrow
Co-Founder & CEO of Otherlife

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2)
Muraly Srinarayanathas
Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of 369 Global Inc

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3)
Emily Lyons
Founder and CEO of femme fatale media

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4) Henri Chelhot
CEO of FlightHub

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5) Marcus Tomiuk
Co-Founder & CEO of CruiseHub

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6)
Celine Tadrissi
Founder and CEO of Hammam Spa by Céla + Céla

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Best in AI Automation Award

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Best in Health and Wellness Business Award

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Best Business Innovation of the Year

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Inspirational Leader of the Year

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1) Kumaran Nadesan
Co-Founder and Deputy Chairman of 369 Global Inc

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2)
Josh Singer
CEO of Kognitive Sales Solutions

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3)
Hilary Borndahl
Founder & CEO of Miix Analytics Inc.

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4) Anne Stefanyk
Founder & CEO of Kanopi Studios

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5) Sally Daub & Josh Green
Co-Founders of BorderPass

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6)
David Wiseman
CEO of INKAS^® Payments Corporation

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The Diversity and Inclusion Award

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CSR Excellence Award

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This annual event not only highlights the success stories of Canadian small businesses but also fosters valuable networking opportunities and strengthens community building within the sector.

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To learn more about the CanadianSME National Small Business Awards and to view the complete list of finalists, please visit https://smeawards.ca/finalists-2024

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About CanadianSME Small Business Magazine:

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CanadianSME Small Business Magazine is dedicated to supporting and promoting small and medium-sized businesses in Canada. Through its digital platforms, the magazine provides invaluable insights, resources, and inspiration for Canadian entrepreneurs.

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For media inquiries, please contact:
SK Uddin,
Publisher, CanadianSME Small Business Magazine Phone: 416 655 0205
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.canadiansme.ca

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