Purolator Reveals Honorees of 2023 True North Small Business Awards

Purolator announces winners of 2023 True North Small Business Grant Contest

Toronto, October 16, 2023

Purolator, a leading integrated freight, package, and logistics solutions provider, has announced the winners of its 2023 True North Small Business Grant Contest. This year’s contest awarded more than $100,000 to Canadian small businesses to foster their growth and magnify their positive community impacts.

The Winners

The four grant recipients each received $25,000 in cash as well as $500 in free Purolator shipping credits. The winners are Hello Leena, a mental health therapy service in Toronto; Schoolhouse Gluten-Free Gourmet, a gluten-free product manufacturer in Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia; Elate, a vegan and cruelty-free cosmetics brand in Victoria, British Columbia; and First Indigenous Biomass Future Inc., a forestry company focused on Indigenous employment and gender equality in Kinuso, Alberta.

Support for Canadian Small Businesses

Purolator‘s True North Small Business Grant Contest aims to support and recognize the vital role that small businesses play in communities across Canada. Through this contest, Purolator is providing financial resources to help small businesses thrive and create a positive impact on their local communities.

Amplifying Positive Community Impacts

The winners of the 2023 True North Small Business Grant Contest have demonstrated their commitment to making a meaningful difference in their respective fields. Hello Leena aims to dismantle barriers and promote mental well-being in underserved communities. Schoolhouse Gluten-Free Gourmet strives to provide gluten-free products to retailers, cafes, and restaurants across the Maritimes. Elate focuses on ethical and sustainable practices in the cosmetics industry. First Indigenous Biomass Future Inc. is dedicated to Indigenous employment and gender equality within the forestry industry. These businesses exemplify the values and principles that contribute to the well-being of their communities.

Community Choice Award

In a new addition to this year’s contest, Canadians have the opportunity to vote for their favorite True North Small Business Grant recipient. The business with the most votes will be awarded Purolator‘s Community Choice Award, earning them an additional $500 Visa Gift Card and $5,000 to donate to a registered Canadian food bank of their choice. Voting for the Community Choice Award is open from October 16 to October 31, 2023, and can be done at purolator.com/vote. Additionally, for every vote cast, Purolator will donate $1 to Canadian food banks through its Purolator Tackle Hunger® program.

Editorial: Supporting Small Businesses and Strengthening Communities

Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy and play a critical role in building and strengthening communities. They bring innovation, create job opportunities, and contribute to the overall economic growth of our nation. The Purolator True North Small Business Grant Contest not only provides financial support to these businesses but also celebrates their contributions to the community.

The Importance of Small Business Support

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented significant challenges for small businesses, many of which have struggled to survive the economic downturn. Initiatives like the True North Small Business Grant Contest are crucial in supporting these businesses, helping them sustain operations, and driving future growth. Purolator‘s commitment to small business support demonstrates their understanding of the vital role that these enterprises play in our society.

Advice for Small Businesses

For small businesses looking to grow and make a positive impact on their communities, it is important to seek out opportunities for financial support and recognition. Contests and grants, such as Purolator‘s True North Small Business Grant Contest, can provide the necessary resources to fuel growth and expand operations. It is also crucial for small businesses to prioritize community engagement and social responsibility. By incorporating ethical and sustainable practices into their operations, businesses can attract customers who align with their values and foster long-term relationships.

Conclusion

Purolator‘s 2023 True North Small Business Grant Contest has recognized and rewarded four deserving Canadian small businesses for their innovation, dedication, and positive community impacts. By extending financial support and amplifying their stories, Purolator is helping these businesses thrive and contribute to the economic and social well-being of their communities. In these challenging times, it is heartening to see corporate entities like Purolator stepping up to support small businesses, ensuring their continued growth and success.