|
We encourage you to learn more about our finalists — businesses whose dedication and impact truly make Canada stronger. 
Specializing in the cultivation and distribution of gourmet fungi, Foragers Galley supplies fresh mushrooms to local markets, and high-quality, easy-to-use, grow-at-home mushroom kits, empowering Canadians to cultivate their own sustainable, hyper-local food source. 
Jonathan Wright, Owner Making Canada strongerForagers Galley pivoted their operation to a direct-to-consumer model of grow-at-home kits during the pandemic. This provided Canadian families with an engaging, productive activity during lockdown, and led to supplying grow-at-home kits to educational facilities and community groups across the country, providing hands-on, accessible STEM education in mycology and sustainable food systems. In addition, spent mushroom substrate is processed into high-grade compost and used for a nearby fruit and vegetable farming operation. By turning agricultural waste into a resource, they are actively contributing to the soil regeneration and local food production of another Canadian farm.
Improving accessibility and affordability of pet medications, diets, and other animal care products, Furble unites pet parents, veterinarians, and community pharmacies, creating a circle of support that improves choice and wellbeing for more pets. Making Canada strongerCosts continue to rise for pet care, and trust between pet parents and the veterinary profession is increasingly strained, meaning pets aren’t always getting the care they need. Furble started by building a convenient and affordable way for Canadian pet parents to access the medications their pets needed, developing a national network of licensed community pharmacists as partners. It’s not just about lower costs or greater convenience, it’s about bringing veterinarians, pharmacists, suppliers, and pet parents together around one shared goal: putting pets back at the centre of care.
A certified women-owned consulting firm providing innovative, timely design solutions across municipal, residential, commercial industrial, and agricultural sectors. GRIT combines technical expertise with a collaborative, client-centric approach to their engineering and survey services. 
Montana Wilson, CEO & Founder Making Canada strongerGRIT Engineering Inc. is making impactful contributions to sustainable infrastructure and community development across Canada. Leaders in promoting diversity and inclusion within the STEM sector, working closely with municipalities, Indigenous communities, and private stakeholders ensures that projects are tailored to local needs and deliver long-term value. GRIT fosters a safe and inclusive workplace, championing diversity by actively supporting women in engineering. Using advanced tools like drone surveying and cutting-edge stormwater management systems, they ensure sustainable and cost-effective solutions. By nurturing talent and investing in community and technology, GRIT is helping build a stronger, more inclusive, future-ready Canada.
A BIPOC Canadian woman-founded business, Happy Cramps creates fast-acting, natural patches that relieve menstrual pain without the side effects of pills. Their Luna & Flow children’s books, community workshops, and digital resources help normalize conversations around periods. 
Monica Singh, Founder Making Canada strongerBy addressing an overlooked but universal health challenge—menstrual pain—Happy Cramps empowers Canadians to feel well, stay productive, live healthier lives, and contribute to a more open and supportive society. Their patches are designed and tested in Canada, creating opportunities for local R&D partnerships and strengthening the femtech ecosystem. By tackling menstrual pain with a safe, plant-based solution, Happy Cramps demonstrates that small businesses solving big problems through innovation, inclusivity, and care can position Canada as a global leader in femtech and wellness.
Helping first responders operate more efficiently and safely through secure device management, data analytics, and innovative connectivity solutions, HGlobal empowers paramedic services and emergency agencies with reliable, cost-effective technology that improves response capability and patient outcomes. Making Canada strongerHGlobal’s solutions strengthen emergency readiness and ensure that Canadian paramedics can stay connected even in the most challenging environments. Taking pride in serving those who serve others, they collaborate directly with local and regional paramedic services, providing affordable, home-grown innovation while creating skilled jobs in technology and project management. By combining technology expertise with a deep understanding of front-line emergency work, HGlobal contributes to a stronger, safer Canada — one where communities are better connected, resources are used more efficiently, and first responders have the tools they need to focus on helping their community.
A third-generation carver, Priscilla Boulay shares Inuvialuit culture through hand-carved artwork and jewelry made from natural materials, while also teaching soapstone carving to schools and communities across Canada. 
Priscilla Boulay, Artist, Owner and Operator Making Canada strongerPriscilla Boulay of Inuvialuit Carvers carries on the legacy of her grandfather by teaching carving (using ivory, muskox horn, antler, baleen, etc.), creating artwork that reflects her family traditions. Over the past two years, Priscilla has led almost 700 soapstone carving sessions in schools across Canada, including many in remote and northern communities. Students learn hands-on skills, and these experiences help connect students to Indigenous culture, inspiring further learning. Priscilla also participates in markets and exhibitions across the country. Each piece helps to promote cultural understanding and appreciation, ensuring that Canada’s Indigenous art, culture, and history continue to thrive.
A BIPOC, woman led commercial and residential cleaning company, Klean N Go helps property managers and business owners with routine commercial, move in/out, and tenancy turnover cleaning services for their facilities. 
Kenia Hylton, President Making Canada strongerAs the president of Klean N Go, Kenia is proud to contribute to a stronger Canada by creating jobs and supporting the economy, even during challenging times. The commercial facility maintenance industry remains essential during recessions or pandemics, as sanitation and cleanliness become top priorities for businesses and institutions. This allows Klean N Go to offer stable employment—from frontline to administrative roles—with accessible entry points that help people build skills and confidence in their careers. As a Black woman entrepreneur, Kenia hopes that her journey inspires others to see what is possible for their futures. Greater representation encourages more women and BIPOC entrepreneurs to start and grow businesses, and she is proud to be part of that progress.
Klondike Pup is a locally owned pet store that proudly carries carefully chosen products (high-quality food, treats, toys, and essentials for dogs and cats) from Canadian brands to support pet health and happiness. 
Gemma McIntyre-Gould, Owner Making Canada strongerKlondike Pup Pet Supplies sources 90% of its products from Canadian companies and prioritizes quality over quantity. Their treats are human-grade, and the kibble they carry is carefully selected to ensure pets receive the best possible nutrition. The challenge of finding high-quality pet products in the North often forces customers to calculate how much to purchase when travelling from another city or to arrange for others to bring items back on their behalf. Klondike Pup has created a retail experience that helps ease these logistical challenges and makes shopping for pet essentials far less stressful.
Len’s Tools is a locally-owned sales, rental, and repair business specializing in power tools, small engine equipment, and lawn care. Their full-service approach delivers faster turnaround times, minimizing downtime for the professionals who depend on them. 
Joshua Plante, Owner & Operator Making Canada strongerBy employing local mechanics and staff, purchasing from Canadian suppliers, and reinvesting in their community, Len’s Tools & Equipment is supporting the backbone of the Canadian economy — small businesses, contractors, and the trades. They play a vital role in supporting tradespeople by keeping costs down and equipment reliable. Their rental services offer professional-grade tools, allowing startups, seasonal workers, and DIY Canadians to tackle projects without prohibitive upfront costs. Repairing equipment instead of encouraging replacement helps them reduce waste and extend product lifecycles benefiting both customers’ wallets and Canada’s environmental goals. Len’s Tools & Equipment isn’t just fixing equipment, they’re protecting livelihoods.
Founded by two young local entrepreneurs, Mécanique Auto Chibougamau is a general mechanics company located north of 49° parallel, in the heart of Nord-du-Québec where reliable vehicle transportation is essential to survival. 
Jessica Clouston, Owner Making Canada strongerHiring locally, training the next generation, and focusing on inclusion, Mécanique Auto Chibougamau supports the economic and social vitality of Nord-du-Québec, embodying Canadian values of perseverance, progress, and solidarity. By supporting local sporting and charitable events, they strengthen the sense of belonging and regional pride. Through modernizing their facilities, improving their practices, and investing in the training of their local workforce, they help build a strong, autonomous, and sustainable regional economy. Like the country they represent, Mécanique Auto Chibougamau is resilient, forward-looking, and proud of its roots. Let’s start a relation-ship®Explore flexible shipping solutions from Purolator designed for small businesses like yours. Learn more |
|