TELUS announces 2024 #StandWithOwners winners, investing over $1 million into Canadian small businesses

TELUS announces the winners of its fifth #StandWithOwners contest—Canada's largest small business contest. Chosen from thousands of applications from across Canada, 20 outstanding businesses have been recognized for demonstrating what makes their business unique, their use of technology to drive innovation, and a proven track record of growth. These businesses not only demonstrated exceptional leadership in their fields but also demonstrated how they have made a tangible impact on their local economies and communities.

Their recognition is part of TELUS' ongoing dedication to supporting Canadian businesses. Since 2020, TELUS has invested $5 million through the #StandWithOwners program, providing essential funding, advertising, and technology to help businesses thrive.

Six of the 20 winners were each awarded a grand prize, receiving over $200,000 in funding, technology, and national recognition—the largest prize package in the contest's history. The remaining 14 winners each receive $20,000 in funding and technology. This year's contest saw record engagement, with thousands of applications—a 60% increase compared to last year—featuring a diverse range of owners from across Canada in industries such as manufacturing, retail, healthcare, technology, and food services.

This year's six grand prize winners are:  

• Blume: Blume is dedicated to creating a kinder wellness world through superfood rituals. Founded by Karen Danudjaja, the company started by selling in local coffee shops and has now expanded to over 4,000 retailers across Canada and the US. Their products find the perfect balance of function and taste as they look to build accessible rituals that fill your cup literally and figuratively.
• Happly Ai: Cofounder Thierry Lindor is using AI for good, leveraging their intuitive platform and technology to help businesses and nonprofits match and secure funding tailored to their needs. With over 100,000 users, the platform has unlocked nearly $70M in funding, transforming how enterprises and organizations access economic opportunities.
• Kidcrew Medical: Revolutionizing pediatric healthcare, Kidcrew Medical combines primary, specialized, and allied health services under one roof. Founded by Dr. Dina Kulik, the clinic uses innovative technology and data analytics to serve 100,000 patients, streamlining care for improved patient outcomes across its growing number of locations.
• Legends Haul: Focusing on sustainability and continuous innovation, Legends Haul has made a significant impact on the local food ecosystem. Jill and Craig Sheridan launched the business and grew it into a leader in food distribution and manufacturing, with their own house brands and a 30,000-square-foot distribution facility.
• Stoko: Originating from his personal experience with an injury sustained on Grouse Mountain in North Vancouver, Stoko founder Zack Eberwein set out to redefine expectations for knee braces by creating revolutionary medical-grade Supportive Apparel: the world's only all-in-one knee brace and compression tight designed to help people get active again and stay active for as long as possible.

ZoRaw Chocolates: With a focus on societal wellness, ZoRaw Chocolates was founded by Gigi Gill, who along with her partner Tanveer, developed the world's first protein-fortified, fiber-rich, and sugar-free chocolate bars. Through an innovative production process, the company can produce 30,000 chocolate bars a day, distributing to over 3,000 stores across Canada and the US.

"Small business owners put it all on the line with an unwavering belief that it's worth the risk to create a better future for themselves, their families, employees, customers and communities," said Roi Ross, Senior Vice-president & President, Small and Medium Business at TELUS. "In a year marked by our highest number of applications ever, our grand prize winners stood out for their dedication to continually grow and innovate their businesses with passion, purpose and perseverance."