• THE TIME IS NOW!

    Nominate Your Small Business for the 2025 BASA Awards®

  • Enter Canada #1 Awards for Small Businesses

    The BASA Awards® was founded to recognize, celebrate, and promote exceptional small businesses in Canada. Entrants stand the opportunity to gain recognition across six tracks and have more than 150+ categories to choose from. 

    These are the businesses to watch — driving innovation, growth, and ingenuity in their communities. Our awards celebrate more than just your business’s bottom line; we care about your ideas, challenges, community, company culture, customers, and overall growth. Enter today to share your story and stand the chance to get the recognition you deserve.

  • Presented By:
  • Industry recognition:

    Achieve prestigious recognition from peers and leaders in your industry.

  • Win
    trust:

    Boost your reputation by showing the entire industry just what sets you apart.

  • Win new
    clients:

    Award-winning businesses often experience growth in revenue and sales.

  • Brand
    exposure:

    Increase the visibility of your brand and projects within the industry.

  • Motivational boost:

    Inspire and motivate your team by acknowledging their hard work and achievements.

  • Talent
    attraction:

    Attract top talent by demonstrating excellence and innovation, and more.

Get the Entry Kit

Here is a downloadable guide with valuable information to help you prepare and submit your entry for the awards.

download NOW

2025 BEST OF CANADA SMALL BUSINESS AWARDS NOW OPEN

NOMINATE YOUR BUSINESS NOW

Nominate your business. Get the credibility and visibility boost you deserve.

BASA Awards® is a leading Canada independent business award for small businesses only. Unlike other awards, all BASA Awards® entrants have an equal chance of winning despite their size or years in operation. With 150+ categories grouped into 6 tracks, all entries are only judged based on their work and achievements.

Judging Criteria

The Panel of Judges comprises industry experts and passionate small business owners who genuinely understand real-life challenges and how small businesses work, from bootstrapping to multi-million organizations. Our Judges are only interested in YOUR WORK, not your team size, clients list, or the years you have been in operation. They will review and evaluate your entry fairly and without bias since they are genuinely interested in supporting small businesses' growth and innovation.

"The BASA Awards® gives your small company a competitive edge and helps you improve your reputation in the industry. Furthermore, when you become either a Finalist or a Winner, you will have some exciting news to share with clients and employees."

  • >>> EARLY BIRD ENTRY DEADLINE MAY 1, 2025 <<<

    first entry $225, additional entries just $90 each

  • Is My Company Eligible?

    To apply for the BASA Awards®, a small business must:

    • Be classified as a small business
    • Be a business legally incorporated and operating for at least one (1) year in Canada
    • Agree to the award terms.

    Employees, officers and directors of any affiliated entities, and their respective immediate families (parents, spouse, children, siblings) or individuals residing in their household (whether or not related) are not eligible applicants.

    Learn more about the terms and conditions and the full program terms here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Best of Canada by BASA Awards®?

The BASA Awards® exists to recognize, reward, and promote small business. We run four programs, Best of Canada Small Business Awards, Best of Australia Small Business Awards, Best of America Small Business Awards, Best of U.K. Small Business Awards. The BASA Awards® is one of the largest and independent business awards programs. 

Are there application fees?

Yes. Because the BASA Awards® is independent, we are funded by your application fees. See the Entry Fees section for more information.

What can you win?

Winners receive a comprehensive package of benefits. This includes the prestigious Winner Certificate of Excellence and global recognition for your achievements. You'll proudly display the BASA Awards® logos and winner badges on your website, social media, ads, and email signature, enhancing your credibility and visibility. Gain exposure through mentions in our press releases and media activities, and be listed on our official website. We also offer a promotional campaign across The BASA Awards® social media and channels, connecting you with our engaged community for networking and business promotion opportunities. For those looking to commemorate their success further, an optional purchase includes The Trophy Atlanta, a stunning, handmade work of art from Italy crafted with ceramic and real gold luster, symbolizing resilience and persistence.

How do I apply for the BASA Awards®?

Eligible applicants may click the "Enter Now" button on this page to create an account— and apply for the awards. Please be aware that once you submit your application, it will be considered final and no revisions are permitted.

What can I expect from the application process?

The BASA Awards® application allows you to holistically describe and showcase your business. There are three main parts of the application:

Eligibility — Ensure that you comply with our entry terms here

Categories — We ask you to select from a predetermined list of 150+ categories within 6 tracks that best represent your business’s strengths. Based on your selection, you’ll craft your response to how and why your business excels in the categories you selected.

Business Information — You will be required to provide a brief description of your company, some information about its achievements to date, and finally the opportunity to share why your company should win. We want to hear what inspired you to start your business and the journey you took to get where you are today. Focus on your inspiring journey, insights, and game-changing accomplishments. Emphasis should be placed on achievements you have made from January 2022 until today.

How is the winner chosen?

A panel of Judges, comprising third-party industry experts, will decide on the finalists. All entries scoring 75% and above from the Judges will be named finalists and submitted to public voting to increase their chances of becoming category winners. Companies that didn't win in their category but got the most votes from the public will be placed in the TopList. These businesses will be listed in the Hall of Fame of Small Business and receive well-deserved recognition for their work. To find out more about the judging and award process, click here.

When is the deadline to submit an application for the 2025 BASA Awards®?

Online applications must be submitted by August 20, 2025.

How can I strengthen my application?

A strong application will draw a clear and concise picture of how the business was started, what makes it unique, and how it has overcome challenges. Make sure your completed application clearly describes your business’s relationship with its community, customers, and employees. Submitting additional materials—such as links to your website can strengthen your application and help us get to know your business better. Although not required, judges usually give lower scores to those that don’t present supporting links or materials.

How can I save my answers and work on my application later?

We recommend you write your entries offline first. Doing that helps secure your data in case of an issue with your computer or a system glitch on our end. Additionally, you will be able to review your work at any time before sending it in and you will keep a permanent record of your entries for future use.

150+ Categories. 6 Tracks.

With 150+ categories to choose from, the award is not influenced by big corporations and has no nepotism, vetting process, or big guys always winning nature. The BASA Awards® independent panel of judges only cares about one thing- YOUR WORK!

  • Small businesses make the economy go round. We are on the hunt for the best small businesses.

  • It’s time to recognize small businesses' entrepreneurs for their notable efforts in making it happen.

  • From the 2023 Winners Hall of Fame

    ACE Office Furniture Huston

    Congratulations to Ace Office Furniture Houston, winner of the 2023 Best of America Small Business Awards. You diligently demonstrate the value and quality of your products and outstanding client service. Ace Office Furniture Houston is a leading provider of high-end, executive-quality, and budget-friendly office furniture solutions for businesses in Houston and nationwide that are beginning, expanding, upgrading, and/or moving.
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