Finalists

Meet the finalists

Get to know the 2023 finalists for the Small Business Tales of Triumph Contest. These small businesses were carefully selected by our panel of judges. Their exemplary tales inspire us to deliver more for small businesses all over Canada. Discover their moving stories.

Customer Connection finalists

We’re recognizing small businesses that thoughtfully tailor each interaction with their customers.

BRACAShirts

BRACAShirts makes high-quality, fashionable shirts and hospital ...gowns that make it easy for surgical patients to manage post-surgical drains. They come in 2 styles – pockets outside for easy access, and pockets inside to hide the drain. BRACAShirts also has a YouTube channel (CancerCareRoundup) where they interview leaders of cancer care initiatives and bridge the cancer and surgery patient knowledge gap.

Kapenzo Hair

Kapenzo Hair specializes in personalized hair piece ...solutions for individuals experiencing hair loss – specifically Alopecia and cancer patients. They provide private consultations over the phone, in person and virtually for clients who live in Canada and the United States. Their appointments last for 1-2 hours and offer a safe and private space for customers to find calm and discover solutions.

Mahikan Designs

Mahikan Designs offers Indigenous beadwork earrings ...that connect the wearer to Cree heritage. Founder Kaila’s goal was to share her culture and art with the world. She offers gift wrapping and handwritten personalized notes at no extra charge and allows for client personalization. During the delivery process, she personally messages the client to let them know their package has been shipped.

Algi

Made for weekend warriors and outdoor enthusiasts, Algi ...produces delicious, purpose-driven food products centred from clean, real food ingredients. Founders Devon and Alessandra have used guerrilla marketing to connect with their customers. They’ve curated experiences ranging from sponsored athletic events to sample tables on mountain tops. Their goal is to encourage people to live their lives adventurously.

Zuri & Dre

Zuri & Dre sells plush dolls, cushions, stationary, home décor ...and accessories. It started as an attempt to increase representation of people of colour but has grown exponentially with input from the brand’s community of followers. Founder Danielle connects with her customers and incorporates their suggestions into the brand’s new creations/product lines.

Doing Good finalists

We’re recognizing businesses who know that doing good is good for business.

joni

joni is a brand working towards a more equitable ...and sustainable future. It produces disposable menstrual care products. Through a unique social enterprise model and strong network of retailers, joni is creating an ecosystem of accessible, sustainable and inclusive period care.

Between the Bumpers

Between the Bumpers helps people live healthy ... happy lives through fitness, physiotherapy and education. Their coaching and mentorship program empowers entrepreneurs and fitness coaches by providing development opportunities and resources. They also collaborate with the Cree Nation in northern Quebec via entrepreneurship workshops, fitness development coaching programs and immersive weeklong coaching workshops. Their next goal is establishing a fitness and physiotherapy facility in the Cree community to create local jobs and foster relationships between First Nations and non-Indigenous Canadians.

Myni

Myni offers cleaning products that are good for ...you and the planet. Run by a small team of eco-enthusiasts, Myni has already made a positive impact in its 3 short years in business – saving plastic, eliminating toxic ingredients and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Myni also supports environmental charities.

Friendly Composting

Friendly Composting provides organic waste ...collection, compost soil distribution and education for residents and businesses. They’ve diverted over one million pounds of food waste from local landfills, creating 400,000 pounds of nutrient-rich soil. They supply bins and waste management stations at events, provide workshops on local agriculture and soil regeneration and donate their services to local non-profit organizations.

Newbornlander

Newbornlander is a social enterprise that ...creates unique, ethical and safe products for babies. Employing women who are new to Canada, Newbornlander helps them develop sewing, language and business skills, while also providing guidance on how to navigate immigration systems and processes.

Rising Stars finalists

We’re recognizing businesses that have launched in the last two years and are on the rise.

Bold Helmets

Bold Helmets created the first safety-certified ...multisport helmet for Sikh kids who keep their hair in a top knot. Traditional bike helmets don’t protect these kids, so Bold Helmets launched in January 2023 to fill the gap. Their product has been well-received, so the company is planning to expand their product line to cover different sizes and sports.

aaniin retail inc.

aaniin, which means hello in Anishinaabemowin, is ...a streetwear brand that launched in 2021. It upholds the Indigenous principles of community and mutual benefit. aaniin designs have a QR code that allows people to view and translate syllabics displayed on the clothing. After starting online, aaniin is now an anchor tenant in the Stackt Market in downtown Toronto, with a grand opening planned for June 2023.

Ciselier Company

Ciselier is the first company to foster and promote ...appreciation for high-quality scissors and the heritage art of scissor-making. They search the world for the best and most beautiful scissors, testing and evaluating each pair. Launched in May 2022, the company has grown exponentially, shipping more than 1200 orders. Ciselier is now focused on expansion and has started selling in the U.S.

Cape de Coeur

Cape de Coeur is a luxury outerwear brand that ...focuses on high-fashion water, snow and windproof capes. Launched in September 2021, the brand has been worn by stars including Jessica Chastain and Anne Hathaway. Cape de Coeur set up its first showroom in Paris in March, 2023 and plans to sell to luxury retailers in Europe next year.

Marlow

Marlow is a period care brand that ...created the first-ever lubricated tampon for smoother and more comfortable insertion. They want to inspire the next generation of menstruators to live actively and comfortably while on their period. Their products can be found on their website and in 10 retailers across North America.
Meet the winners