Ontario’s small bus
Ontario’s small businesses have long been the heartbeat of local communities — driving innovation, supporting jobs, and inspiring positive change. To celebrate and empower these trailblazers, Meridian Credit Union has officially opened nominations for the 2025 Small Business Big Impact Awards, offering a total of $200,000 in funding to recognize small businesses making a meaningful difference across the province.
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Now in its fifth year, the program continues to grow — both in scale and impact — with more awards, broader regional representation, and a spotlight on Indigenous entrepreneurs. Nominations are open until October 31, 2025, giving Ontarians the chance to champion the local businesses that help make their communities stronger.
Celebrating Impact in Every Corner of Ontario
For 2025, Meridian has expanded its awards program to ensure fair representation across Ontario’s diverse business landscape. The program will recognize 15 businesses with $10,000 awards — three winners from each of five key communities:
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Northern Ontario
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Southern Ontario
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Greater Toronto Area (GTA)
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Niagara/Hamilton
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Indigenous Entrepreneurs
Each of these regional winners will not only receive $10,000 in funding but will also gain province-wide recognition for their commitment to creating meaningful social, environmental, and economic impact.
That’s $150,000 in regional awards — and that’s not all.
The $50,000 Ontario Votes Award
Once the 15 winners are announced, the competition heats up. Meridian’s team will select the top business from each region, and Ontarians will have the opportunity to cast their votes in early 2026 for the overall winner.
The business that earns the most votes will receive the $50,000 Ontario Votes Award, bringing their total prize to $60,000 and the distinction of being recognized as Ontario’s top small business making a big impact.
This public voting phase ensures that the community’s voice helps decide which business truly embodies the spirit of innovation, inclusion, and positive change.
What Makes a Business “Big Impact”?
The Small Business Big Impact Awards are designed to highlight businesses that go beyond profit — those using their platforms to drive meaningful change. Whether through innovative solutions, sustainable practices, or community-building initiatives, winners demonstrate a commitment to making Ontario a better place for everyone.
Meridian will be rewarding businesses that excel in areas such as:
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Innovation — Creating or adopting new ideas, products, or technologies that improve industries or communities.
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Environmental Stewardship — Reducing environmental footprints through eco-friendly operations, recycling programs, or sustainable sourcing.
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Inclusive Employment Practices — Building diverse teams, supporting underrepresented groups, and fostering equitable workplaces.
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Community Support — Giving back through local programs, mentorship, charitable initiatives, or social enterprises.
Who’s Eligible to Apply?
The awards are open to a wide range of Ontario-based small businesses that meet the following criteria:
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Must be a registered small business operating solely within Ontario.
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Have fewer than 50 employees.
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Generate less than $10 million in annual revenue.
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Have been in operation for at least 12 months.
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Importantly, non-profit organizations and registered charities are also eligible to apply — recognizing that meaningful community impact comes from all sectors, not just traditional businesses.
Special Category: Indigenous Entrepreneurs
A standout feature of the 2025 awards is the Indigenous Entrepreneurs category, which ensures representation and recognition for businesses owned and led by Indigenous peoples across Ontario.
To qualify, a business must be at least 51% Indigenous-owned and controlled by individuals or groups who identify as First Nations, Métis, or Inuit, or are registered under the Indian Act. Indigenous entrepreneurs self-identify during the nomination process and are automatically entered into this dedicated category.
Unlike the regional categories, this award is province-wide — meaning Indigenous businesses from any part of Ontario can apply.
How Winners Are Chosen
The judging process is both comprehensive and community-driven.
After nominations close on October 31, 2025, Meridian’s team will review all entries and select eight finalists per region. These finalists will then be invited to share more insights about their businesses, including their impact stories, goals, and achievements.
Each region has its own panel of three judges, who will evaluate the submissions based on the quality of impact, innovation, and community contribution. The judges will then choose three winners per region, one of whom will advance to the Ontario Votes stage.
From there, it’s up to the public to decide which of the five regional champions will take home the grand prize of $50,000 in early 2026.
Why Regional Awards Matter
One of the most powerful aspects of the Small Business Big Impact Awards is its commitment to inclusivity — ensuring every part of Ontario is represented. By dividing the awards by region, Meridian ensures that small businesses in Northern Ontario or rural areas have the same opportunity for recognition as those in larger urban centers like Toronto or Hamilton.
As Meridian explains, this regional approach helps shine a spotlight on innovative and impactful businesses that might otherwise go unnoticed in a crowded marketplace.
Past Winners: Inspiration in Action
Previous award winners serve as powerful examples of what “big impact” truly means:
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Rethink Resource, the 2024 Environmental Impact Award winner, earned recognition for its groundbreaking sustainability initiatives that turn waste into renewable resources.
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541 Eatery & Exchange, winner of the 2024 Community Impact Award, continues to demonstrate how social enterprise can bring people together while supporting vulnerable populations.
Their success stories underscore how small businesses can create significant social and environmental change — proving that size doesn’t limit impact.
How to Nominate a Business
Nominating a business is simple. Anyone — from customers and community members to employees and owners themselves — can submit a nomination. You can nominate your own business or another business you admire.
To nominate, simply complete Meridian’s online nomination form (all fields required unless otherwise marked). Each nomination helps bring visibility to deserving small businesses across Ontario.
And yes — you can nominate more than one business by filling out the form multiple times.
The Meridian Small Business Big Impact Awards are more than a contest — they’re a celebration of resilience, creativity, and leadership. In recognizing businesses that make Ontario stronger, Meridian continues to invest in the spirit of entrepreneurship that drives local communities forward.
If you know a business that’s making waves — or if you’re one yourself — don’t wait.
Nominations close October 31, 2025.
Now’s the time to celebrate Ontario’s changemakers and help them take their impact to the next level.
Click here for submission guidelines
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