We’re searching for game-changing business owners

Thousands of businesses applied for their chance to win $125,000 in funding, advertising and technology to fuel their business growth. Due to the overwhelming response, our top 20 finalists will be announced on September 27.

Application period is now closed

Jayesh Vekariya and Linda Biggs Owners, joni

2022 #StandWithOwners winners:

Jayesh Vekariya & Linda Biggs

Owners, joni

Contest timeline

Applications opened

June 7, 2023

The #StandWithOwners application period began

Applications closed

September 6, 2023

The #StandWithOwners application period closed at 11:59pm ET

Finalist announcement

September 27, 2023

20 finalists will be announced and highlighted

Grand prize winners announcement

October 5, 2023

5 grand prize winners will be announced and celebrated

Our top prize winners will receive the following

View all prizing details

5 grand prize winners receive

$125,000+

in funding, advertising, technology and other prizing

Mentorship and recognition

recognition and advice customized to their business needs, with our TELUS advisory council

15 finalists receive

$20,000

in funding, technology and other prizing

Recognition

and exposure to spotlight their business stories

Meet the judges

Anjali Kapal

VP, Product Management & Customer Experience, Canada Post

With a passion for innovation, Anjali’s expertise is in leading product development through strategic partnerships, designs and strategies, to find market fit and achieve scale.

Penny Hicks

Lourdes Juan

Mark Hickman

Roi Ross

Collage of past #StandWithOwners winners

TELUS is a proud supporter of Canadian business

Since 2020, we’ve committed $3.5 million to #StandWithOwners, providing funding, technology and recognition to help them thrive in a digital world

Meet our past winners

Visit ShopWithOwners.ca

Thanks to our partners

Frequently asked questions

What type of businesses are considered eligible?

The application is open to revenue generating Canadian businesses with 1-100 employees.

For-profit, not-for-profit and social enterprises are eligible to apply, however, they should not receive more than 30% of their funding from government initiatives.

Applicants must be either:

the owner of a company or business; or
an employee of an eligible business who has obtained written permission to participate in this application from the owner, president or chief executive of the business.

The application is open to small business applicants who are residents of Canada and have reached the age of majority according to the laws of the Province where they reside.

The application excludes employees of TELUS Corporation, its affiliated companies or subsidiaries (collectively “TELUS”), its advertising and promotional agencies and members of their respective immediate households and any person domiciled with any of the above.

Upon request by TELUS, each entrant must provide proof of their identity and qualification as an eligible entrant. Application may be disqualified where such proof is not provided upon request.

How are prize winners selected?

Applications will be reviewed by a panel composed of representatives of TELUS (the “Judges”). Winners will be selected based on the following judging criteria:

Tell us about your business - how it started, how it’s going and what you offer. (20%)
How is your business changing the game in your industry? (25%)
What ways has technology helped you grow your business? (25%)
In the next year, what business goals do you plan to achieve? (20%)
How does your business make a positive impact in your local community? (10%)

Finalists will be selected by the Judges at approximately 12:00 p.m. EDT on or around September 15, 2023.

Grand prize winners (highest overall judging criteria score) will be selected by the judging panel, consisting of TELUS representatives and external partners identified on telus.com/standwithowners at approximately 12:00 p.m. EDT on or about September 25, 2023.

Questions