Deadline Date: May 17, 2026
The Bold Spirit Awards are offering $34,000 in grants to support small business owners across Canada, providing funding opportunities for young entrepreneurs from underserved and underrepresented communities to help grow and strengthen their businesses.
The awards focus on supporting early-stage small businesses through entrepreneurship development, financial assistance, business growth, skills development, and participation in the Diageo Life Skills learning program. The program particularly supports young entrepreneurs facing income barriers and encourages business sustainability through education and funding opportunities.
The Bold Spirit Awards provide funding opportunities ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 for selected entrepreneurs across four different award categories. In each category, first-place winners will receive $5,000, second-place winners will receive $2,500, and third-place winners will receive $1,000. The initiative aims to empower young business owners by recognizing their entrepreneurial achievements and supporting the continued development of their ventures.
Applicants must be small business owners living in Canada and must be between 19 and 34 years old at the time of application. Eligible applicants are required to earn under $35,000 annually in personal income, as shown on their most recent Notice of Assessment. In addition, applicants must have a registered business with a valid business number or proof of registration.
The program is designed for early-stage businesses that have been operating for less than five years, including a dedicated category for businesses operating for under two years. Businesses applying for the awards must also fall within the specified annual revenue threshold to ensure support is directed toward smaller enterprises.
As part of the application process, applicants are required to complete at least one Learning Skills for Life module quiz and achieve a passing score. A complete application form along with all required supporting documents must also be submitted, and applicants must agree to the official terms and conditions of the competition.
The Bold Spirit Awards build on the success of previous editions of the initiative, where entrepreneurs from different regions of Canada received grants to expand and strengthen their businesses. The program celebrates entrepreneurs who demonstrate resilience, determination, and a strong entrepreneurial spirit despite facing various challenges.
For more information, visit Business in the Streets.
