These are the nine categories in the Zenbooks Smallbiz Awards of Ottawa. Every applicant business may select up to two of the following when they are submitting their application. Not sure which ones to apply to? We recommend choosing eligible categories where you really think you will outshine your competition.
Food & Beverage Smallbiz of the Year
Make or serve food or drink? You’re eligible. Restaurants, manufacturers, coffee shops, and more.
Skilled Trade Smallbiz of the Year
Does your operation focus on specialized trade skills? Plumbers, roofers, mechanics, photographers, landscapers, and more — we want to hear from you! It’s time to celebrate your expertise.
Tech Smallbiz of the Year
Is your company in the tech space? Programming, app development, web design, SAAS — if your company creates things for the future, this is for you.
B2B Smallbiz of the Year
Are you in the business of helping businesses? Whether you offer a service or sell products to help your fellow businesses thrive, your work is important to our ecosystem, and we want to honour that.
Ecommerce Smallbiz of the Year
If you sell products online, you’re eligible! It’s that easy. Whether you sell exclusively on the Internet, or have recently transitioned to include a webstore as part of your shop’s mix, you’re in!
Brick & Mortar Smallbiz of the Year
Operate out of a physical location? This one’s for you! Restaurants, retail shops, salons, downtown offices, and so many others — you make Ottawa the world-class city that it is. If you’re a member of a Business Improvement Area, note that you’re automatically eligible.
Virtual Smallbiz of the Year
Don’t have a fixed, physical location? You’re part of a new wave of businesses, and we want to celebrate what you’re doing.
New Smallbiz of the Year
Did you open your business in January 2021 or later? If so, then you’re immediately eligible for this award!
Made-in-Ottawa Product of the Year
Make stuff? We want to know about it! If you make anything—craft beer, packaged food, beauty products, furniture, art—we welcome you to apply.