Family Business of the Year Award

2026 Small Business Awards | Greater Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber of Commerce

Requirements

Awarded to a family-owned/operated small business/organization that, in the past year, has:
• Demonstrated a strong commitment to family values while maintaining a successful and sustainable business
• Successfully balanced family involvement with sound business practices, leadership, and long-term planning
• Achieved measurable success as a business
• Made a positive impact on employees, customers, and/or the local community through exceptional service, workplace culture, or community involvement
• Had no more than 20 paid employees* and have at least 2 family members involved in the management, daily operations, and/or long-term vision of the company.

*Refers to permanent employees. Hiring outside contractors or freelancers to outsource specific tasks or projects doesn't count as paid employees.

Before completing your Submission Kit, we encourage you to refer to this page to see "What Makes a Winning Kit"!