2024 FirstOntario 1Awards winners revealed

Congratulations to all of this year’s finalists.

Four winners share $200,000 in prizes

One by one, 10 finalists went in front of the judging panel at Tim Hortons Field to showcase their business and their plans for future success. It was no easy task, but four businesses were named winners and awarded customized prize packages.

Hamilton’s Barton Lettuce, DSRT Co. and Nonno’s Plant-Based Butcher joined Simcoe’s Speech Hens as the 2024 FirstOntario 1Awards winners.

Barton Lettuce operates a community-driven produce shop, DSRT CO. crafts decadent chocolate bars with house-made ingredients, Nonno’s Plant-Based Butcher creates deli slices that are 100% vegan and Speech Hens offers speech pathology services and the ability to communicate with confidence.

The winner’s shared $25,000 in cash and $175,000 in professional, in-kind services provided by 1Awards partners.

Important Dates

April 25

Interactive workshop with The Thornton Group for finalists

May 9

Presentation day at Tim Hortons Field

May 22

Winner reveal at breakfast gala

Thanks to everyone who applied, to all of the finalists who worked so hard on their pitches, and to our partners and sponsors for helping to deliver this support to our small business communities.

Stay tuned for details of the next competition – we’ll share updates in early 2025.

There's more to win than just cash

Think about how you can benefit from all the great prizes the 1Awards offers – not just cash. Professional in-kind services are provided by 1Awards partners, who are local experts with valuable insight and experience.

Agro Zaffiro LLP

Get assistance with commercial leases, real estate purchases, employee contracts, handbooks and workplace policies.

Get advice on corporate and employment law matters, healthy and safety directives, human rights and accommodations of employees, terminations, layoffs, WSIB, statutory leaves and work from home policies.

PLAY

Take advantage of specialized support with marketing, communications, digital strategies and web design.

Weever

Receive a digital transformation of workforce operations management. Digitize processes, capture data from frontline workers for safety, quality, maintenance, compliance, continuous improvement and training. Manage workflows and automate real-time reporting.

KPMG

Get assistance in identifying government grant programs, incentives and how federal and provincial tax rules might affect you and your business. Get a business model review to help identify initiatives to support your objectives.

Giant Shoe Creative

Work with experts in digital media production to articulate and deliver your message to a growing audience.

Mohawk Centre for Entrepreneurship

Enjoy access to Surge Mentorship, Mohawk services and merchandise, podcast and broadcast services, badging program and micro-centre services through the Agency and the Consultancy.

The Hamilton Spectator

Be seen with a comprehensive advertising package to promote your business.

Think about your perfect pitch!

Finalists get 15 minutes plus a quick question and answer period to make your application come to life.

Tell the judges who you are and what you love to do!

Use numbers, examples and samples to show what you’ve already accomplished.

Explain what you need to keep going and how the 1Awards prizes can help.

Proudly show your dedication to your community!

Thank you to everyone who applied

Take a look at our incredible previous winners and their unique businesses.

Learn more

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2024 FirstOntario 1Awards winners revealed

Four winners share $200,000 in prizes

Hamilton’s Barton Lettuce, DSRT Co. and Nonno’s Plant-Based Butcher joined Simcoe’s Speech Hens as the 2024 FirstOntario 1Awards winners.

Important Dates

April 25

May 9

May 22

Thanks to everyone who applied, to all of the finalists who worked so hard on their pitches, and to our partners and sponsors for helping to deliver this support to our small business communities.

There's more to win than just cash

Agro Zaffiro LLP

PLAY

Weever

KPMG

Giant Shoe Creative

Mohawk Centre for Entrepreneurship

The Hamilton Spectator

Think about your perfect pitch!

Thank you to everyone who applied

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Financial Literacy