TELUS is once again shining a national spotlight on Canada’s small business community, launching the sixth consecutive edition of its celebrated #StandWithOwners contest. With over $1 million in prizing and rewards, the campaign continues to champion the small business owners who drive innovation, fuel economic growth, and create meaningful community impact across the country.
Applications for the 2025 edition open today at telus.com/StandWithOwners and will be accepted until September 3, 2025. The contest offers five grand prize packages, each valued at over $200,000. Each winner will receive $75,000 in direct funding, $80,000 in advertising and business exposure, $35,000 in TELUS technology and a Samsung tech package, and $10,000 in TELUS Health well-being support.
Katherine Emberly
“Small businesses are the heartbeat of our local economy and these owners continue to show remarkable resilience and innovation in the face of recent global economic challenges,” said Katherine Emberly, Senior Vice-President & President, Small and Medium Business at TELUS. “Through #StandWithOwners, we’re inviting small businesses of all sizes to share these amazing stories and with over $1 million in prizing and rewards, we’re not just celebrating their achievements, we’re providing meaningful support to help them scale their impact and write the next chapter of Canadian success stories.”
In addition to the five grand prizes, 15 finalists will each receive $20,000 in funding and technology. Another 15 businesses will gain national visibility through TELUS’ social media channels.
TELUS is placing a spotlight this year on the entrepreneurs who have “made it in Canada”—the builders, dreamers, and leaders who have grown their businesses with Canadian grit and ingenuity. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate how innovation and technology have set them apart, how their teams have supported their journey, and how their business has positively impacted the local economy and community.
“Winning #StandWithOwners was incredible. With the funding, we were able to invest in new technology and invest in our brand. The people TELUS surrounded us with – including other entrepreneurs – helped us see our business in a new light and rejuvenated us to continue to grow it,” said Jill Sheridan, co-owner of Legends Haul, a 2024 #StandWithOwners grand prize winner. “#StandWithOwners has been an incredible experience, we’re so happy to be a part of it.”
Since its inception in 2020, TELUS has invested more than $6 million into the #StandWithOwners initiative, offering crucial funding, technology, and exposure to entrepreneurs nationwide.
For more information or to submit an application before the September 3, 2025, deadline, visit telus.com/StandWithOwners.
Mario Toneguzzi
Mario Toneguzzi is Managing Editor of Canada’s Entrepreneur. He has more than 40 years of experience as a daily newspaper writer, columnist, and editor. He was named in 2021 and 2024 as one of the top business journalists in the world by PR News. He was also named by RETHINK to its global list of Top Retail Experts 2024 and 2025.
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