Nominations are invited for the Canada Small Business 100 (CSB100) - presented by Mastercard. CSB100 is a national platform recognising the entrepreneurs and small businesses shaping Canada’s economy and communities through editorial storytelling, annual recognition, events, and year-round resources.
The inaugural 2026 class celebrates leadership, innovation, resilience, and impact. Special category honours include Small Business of the Year, Innovation, Tech Trailblazer, Sustainability and Social Impact, Rising Star, and Storyteller. Nomination deadline: 6 September 2026 (official portal now shows nominations closed; confirm any updates on the CSB100 site).
This Opportunity Station guide is original copy based on official Canada Small Business 100 / Opportunity Desk programme information. It is not a reprint of any third-party blog.
Quick Facts - Canada Small Business 100
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | Canada Small Business 100 (CSB100) |
| Presented by | Mastercard |
| Class | Inaugural 2026 |
| Type | National recognition platform for Canadian small businesses |
| Who | Canadian SMBs (1 - 499 employees), all industries |
| Nomination fee | Free (per programme announcements) |
| Nominations close | 6 September 2026 |
| Judging | September 2026 - independent expert panel |
| Notification | On or before 1 October 2026 |
| Celebration | October 2026 (Toronto) |
| Official site | canadasmallbusiness100.ca |
| Nominate | Nomination portal |
Benefits
- National recognition among Canada’s top small businesses
- Showcase your story of leadership, innovation, resilience, and impact
- Connect with a community of fellow entrepreneurs
- Compete for special category honours:
- Small Business of the Year
- Innovation
- Tech Trailblazer
- Sustainability and Social Impact
- Rising Star
- Storyteller
- Nominee digital badge for websites, social media, and marketing materials (per programme announcements)
- Year-round resources, storytelling, and ecosystem connections
Eligibility
- Business legally registered and actively operating in Canada
- CEO, founder, or primary executive leader is a Canadian resident
- 1 - 499 full-time or part-time employees
- Operational for at least one year by the nomination date
- Nomination submitted by an employee or representative of the business
- Demonstrated leadership, innovation, growth, community contribution, or industry influence
Timeline
| Phase | When |
|---|---|
| Nominations open | July 2026 |
| Nominations close | 6 September 2026 |
| Judging | September 2026 |
| Honourees notified | On or before 1 October 2026 |
| Celebration | October 2026 - Toronto |
How to Nominate
- Review eligibility on canadasmallbusiness100.ca/nominate.
- Prepare your business story - leadership, innovation, impact, and challenges overcome.
- Submit via the official nomination portal (free).
- Watch for updates; selected nominees are contacted by the programme team.
Note: As of early September 2026 the official portal states nominations are closed. Check the CSB100 site for future cycles or any reopening notices.
Official Links
Nominate - Canada Small Business 100
Canada Small Business 100 - homepage
Related Opportunities on Opportunity Station
- Intuit IDEAS Program 2026 for Small Businesses
- Next 36 Program 2027
- HIP Impact Accelerator Program 2026
- Browse all competitions
FAQs - Canada Small Business 100
When was the nomination deadline?
6 September 2026. Confirm current status on the official nomination portal.
Who can nominate?
An employee or representative of the business must submit the nomination.
Is there a fee?
Programme announcements describe nominations as free.
What size businesses qualify?
Businesses with 1 - 499 employees, operating in Canada for at least one year, with Canadian-resident leadership.
What are the special category awards?
Small Business of the Year, Innovation, Tech Trailblazer, Sustainability and Social Impact, Rising Star, and Storyteller.
