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TORONTO, ON — Small businesses have always been the backbone of Canada's economy. They create jobs, shape communities, drive innovation, and define the character of cities and towns across the country. Yet despite their outsized impact, many of Canada's most remarkable businesses rarely receive the national recognition they deserve.
Today, GLORY Media is proud to announce the launch of the Canada Small Business 100 (CSB100) presented by Mastercard, a new recognition program celebrating the country's most outstanding small businesses and the entrepreneurs behind them.
More than a ranking, the CSB100 is designed to shine a spotlight on businesses that are redefining what it means to build a successful small business in Canada. The awards program recognizes businesses that demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation, community impact, customer experience, resilience, and long-term business excellence.
"Small businesses don't just fuel Canada's economy. They shape culture, strengthen communities, and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs," said Lance Chung, Editor-in-Chief of GLORY Media. "The Canada Small Business 100 presented by Mastercard was created to recognize the founders and teams building extraordinary businesses every day, often without the recognition they deserve. We want to shine a spotlight on their incredible stories and create a platform that inspires others to dream big."
"At Mastercard, we see every day how small businesses drive innovation and support economic activity across Canada," said Nishant Raina, Vice President, Small and Medium Enterprises, Mastercard Canada. "Their success is critical to the long-term strength of our economy and the opportunities it creates for Canadians. We are proud to partner with GLORY on the Canada Small Business 100 to celebrate the entrepreneurs whose ambition, resilience and leadership are helping shape Canada's future."
Unlike awards that focus on a single achievement or financial milestone, the CSB100 evaluates businesses through a holistic lens, recognizing businesses that have built meaningful, sustainable success while making a positive contribution to their industries and communities.
Selected businesses will be featured as part of the inaugural CSB100, receiving national editorial recognition through GLORY Media and becoming part of a growing community of Canada's leading entrepreneurs and business builders.
Nominations Are Now Open
The nomination process is free and open to eligible Canadian small businesses across all industries. Founders and employees are encouraged to share the story behind the business, highlighting the milestones, impact, innovation, and leadership that make their company stand out.
After applying, all submissions will also receive a CSB100 Nominee digital badge, designed for use across websites, social media, email signatures, and marketing materials. It's an opportunity for businesses to celebrate their accomplishments while joining a growing national community of Canada's most ambitious entrepreneurs.
An expert panel will review all submissions, and The Canada Small Business 100 winners will be announced in October. The special category honour awards will be presented at the Mastercard Small Business Summit this fall, celebrating the exceptional businesses from across the CSB100 community.
Whether you're building the next iconic Canadian brand, transforming your local community, or quietly setting the standard in your industry, this is an opportunity to have your story recognized on a national stage.
Submit a nomination today and help celebrate the businesses shaping the future of Canada.
For eligibility requirements, program details, and to submit a nomination, visit https://www.canadasmallbusiness100.ca/
About the Canada Small Business 100 (CSB100)
The Canada Small Business 100 (CSB100) is an annual recognition program celebrating Canada's most exceptional small businesses. Through a rigorous evaluation process, the CSB100 recognizes businesses demonstrating excellence in leadership, innovation, growth, community impact, customer experience, and long-term business success. The initiative exists to elevate the entrepreneurs building Canada's future and inspire the next generation of business leaders.
About Mastercard (NYSE: MA)
Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we're building a resilient economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.
About GLORY Media
GLORY Media is a Canadian media company dedicated to celebrating the people, ideas, and businesses shaping the future of Canada. Through premium journalism, print publications, podcasts, events, and national recognition programs, GLORY tells the stories of the country's most ambitious entrepreneurs, innovators, athletes, artists, and leaders.
Media Contact
GLORY Media
CSB100@glory.media
Rahul Vaid
rahul@glory.media
Rosie McGregor
rosie.mcgregor@mastercard.com