Applications now open and owners can apply for their chance to win* $125,000 in funding, technology and exposure to boost their business growth
TORONTO, June 2, 2026 /CNW/ – TELUS’ #StandWithOwners contest is returning for its seventh consecutive year to boost Canadian small businesses. Passionately committed to supporting business owners across Canada, TELUS has invested close to $7 million since 2020 to #StandWithOwners, providing funding, technology, and exposure to help small businesses thrive in a digital world.
“#StandWithOwners recognizes what Canadian small businesses mean to their communities. Winning enabled us to invest in additional technology and grow our not for profit initiatives so we can reach and support even more people,” said William Woodstock, co-owner, Vets Around The Corner.
This year, TELUS has partnered with Google, Salesforce, Samsung, Scotiabank and more, who share a passion for championing Canadian small businesses, to deliver even greater value and exposure.
Starting today, small business owners can apply for their chance to win meaningful support. The contest features:
Three Grand Prize Category Awards, each valued at $125,000 in funding, technology and exposure, sponsored by key partners Samsung, Scotiabank, and Google
Six Community Awards, each including $10,000 in funding and additional prizes
Upon announcing our Grand Prize and Community Award winners on October 1, the public will be able to vote for their favorite overall #StandWithOwners 2026 winner. The “People’s Choice Award” winner will receive an additional $25,000 in funding, sponsored by Salesforce
While small businesses representing 98% of employer businesses in Canada are the engine of our economy, many report feeling isolated in their ownership journey. That’s why TELUS is expanding the #StandWithOwners program, creating an exclusive year-round community designed to connect owners, provide thought leadership and offer special benefits to help boost their business.
“One of my favourite parts of my job is meeting business owners across Canada and learning about their incredible work. Canadian small business is the heartbeat of our communities, and through #StandWithOwners, we’re building a space where owners can connect and succeed together because when a Canadian small business succeeds, we all succeed,” said Katherine Emberly, Senior Vice-President & President, Small & Medium Business and Mid-market at TELUS.
“Winning #StandWithOwners had a huge impact on Blume. As a business owner, I’m navigating uncertainty all the time, wondering if I’m doing the right thing, and winning #StandWithOwners was an incredible moment of validation that demonstrated we’re on the right path,” said Karen Danudjaja, owner, Blume.
