Canadian online insurance platform Zensurance celebrated its 10th anniversary this year. To mark the occasion, they launched a total$28,000 CADSmall business grant event — 2 grand prizes each$10,000, 8 Finalist Awards Each$1,000. The key point:No insurance required, and you don't need to be a Zensurance customer。
Registration closes June 3 at 8:00 AM (Eastern Time). The process is simple: fill out a free insurance quote form, record a 2-minute video about your business, and follow their social media—that's it.
activity overview
Zensurance Small Business Grant 2026
- Total Prize Pool:$28,000 CAD
- Grand Prize: 2 × $10,000
- Runner-up Prize: 8 × $1,000
- Registration Deadline:June 3, 20268:00 AM ET
- Do I need to purchase:No— Purchasing insurance does not affect the outcome
- Winner announcement: June 25, 2026
Who Can Register?
Conditions are not too strict; most small business owners qualify:
- Within CanadaRegistered and actively operatingbusinesses (startups and sole proprietorships welcome)
- 1–100 employees
- Annual Revenue Not Exceeding$1 Million CAD
- Must HaveDedicated business bank account(Cannot be mixed with personal accounts)
- Each business can only submit one registration legally—duplicate entries will be disqualified
Several RegionsCannot participateQuebec, Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut.
Also, the prize is awarded as a cash deposit or cash equivalent, with no specific restrictions on how it's used — but you need to explain in your application video how you plan to spend it.
How to Register?
Three-step process, takes less than half an hour:
- Fill out a free insurance quote form—fill it in once on the event page, no insurance purchase needed. Zensurance existing customers skip this step.
- Submit grant application— Shoot aVideo Under 2 MinutesExplain clearly: what your business does, your business dream, how it positively impacts the community, and what you plan to use the funds for. Optional: include your business Instagram account and photos.
- Follow Zensurance on social media.—At least one of Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), or LinkedIn.
The registration link is on the Zensurance website events page; search for 'Zensurance Small Business Grant' to find it.
How Are Awards Judged?
Judging Process: Three Rounds
- Internal Preliminary Review—Zensurance employee jury reviews all entries, selects 10 finalists by June 10.
- Supplementary Materials—Finalists submit a second video (filmed on-site at their business location) and a short written description by June 12.
- Public Vote Decides the Winner—June 16 to 23, Canadian residents (excluding Quebec and the three territories) each cast one vote. The highest-voted2 winners receive $10,000 each, The Rest8 recipients, $1,000 each。
In other words, whether you win the big prize depends not only on your business story but also on your ability to rally friends, family, and customers to vote.
Is It Worth It?
A few angles to consider:
- Low Barrier: No business plan or financial statements needed—just shoot a 2-minute video.
- Virtually Zero Cost: No insurance or registration fee required.
- exposure opportunitiesEven if you don't win, being a top 10 finalist is free publicity—your business story will be featured on Zensurance's website. Past winners include yoga studios, cake shops, property management companies, and other small businesses.
Past winners for reference: The two grand prize winners in 2026 were a property management company in Nova Scotia and a yoga studio in Bowmanville, Ontario. 2025 winners included Steadiwear (assistive devices) in Toronto, Ontario; Demex Cakes (bakery) in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; and SnuggleTooth Smile Mobile (mobile dental services) in Newfoundland. The range of industries covered is very broad.
One thing to note:The terms of entry state that all materials you submit (videos, photos, text) grant Zensurance an irrevocable, perpetual right to use them for marketing purposes without additional compensation.This isn't a special unfair clause—most creative competitions have similar terms—but if you're particularly concerned about content copyright, read the fine print carefully before deciding.
The event website has full terms and conditions—search 'Zensurance Grant Terms and Conditions'.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can a sole proprietor apply?
Yes. As long as you're a revenue-generating business registered in Canada with a dedicated bank account and annual revenue under $1 million, sole proprietors are fully eligible.
Q: Can I shoot video with my phone?
The terms don't specify video equipment requirements. Keep it under 2 minutes, clearly tell your business story and how you'll use the funds. Focus on content, not production quality.
Q: Will filling out the insurance quote form lead to sales calls?
The quote form is part of the registration process. Zensurance is a licensed insurance brokerage. You may receive follow-ups after submission, but you don't need to purchase anything, and buying insurance won't increase your winning odds.
Q: Do I Pay Tax on Bonuses?
Zensurance states in its terms that winners must handle all tax matters themselves. In Canada, contest prizes are generally tax-free (distinct from income), but it's recommended to consult an accountant after receiving the prize.
Want to know how much your business could qualify for?
Glow Pacifier Consulting has helped dozens of Toronto business owners successfully apply for government loans and grants.
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