TELUS recently announced the winners of its fifth #StandWithOwners contest.
Chosen from thousands of applications from across Canada are 20 outstanding businesses being recognized for having a unique aspect and for using technology to drive innovation.
Since 2020, TELUS has invested $5 million through the #StandWithOwners program, which the company now claims is the largest small business contest in Canada.
Six of the 20 winners were each awarded a grand prize, receiving over $200,000 in funding and technology with the remaining 14 winners each getting $20,000.
“Small business owners put it all on the line with an unwavering belief that it’s worth the risk to create a better future for themselves, their families, employees, customers and communities,” said Roi Ross, President of Small and Medium Business at TELUS.
“In a year marked by our highest number of applications ever, our grand prize winners stood out for their dedication to continually grow and innovate their businesses with passion, purpose and perseverance,” Ross continued.
Tech-based firms receiving funding include Montreal’s Happly AI, which earlier this year won INNOVATEwest Conference’s Grizzly Pursuit pitch competition in Vancouver thanks to cofounder and chief executive Thierry Lindor, and Toronto-born online crowd investing platform FrontFundr.
Local companies that won the #StandWithOwners contest include North Vancouver’s Blume, an online seller of “wellness rituals,” and Vancouver-based athletic apparel innovator Stoko, whose founder Zack Eberwein is also no stranger to winning.
“Our purpose at Stoko is to help people live an active lifestyle, doing more of what they love, regardless of their age or previous injuries,” says Eberwein.
“This support from TELUS will enable us to expand our reach, give more people the opportunity to experience Supportive Apparel, and help them in regaining their mobility so they can get back out there,” the entrepreneur continued.
“We’re honoured to have our vision recognized on such a large scale and look forward to making an even greater impact because of it,” Eberwein said.
Stoko raised a $6 million funding round in 2021.
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