Introduction
“You have to see it to become it”. There isn’t enough Indigenous role-models who’s stories are celebrated publicly. Indigenous youth today are more likely to see headlines of incarceration rather than success. Indigenous people represent 5% of Canada’s population but over 32% of federal inmates. Meanwhile, only 1.4% of privately-held businesses are owned by Indigenous entrepreneurs.
Putting yourself in the spotlight can be uncomfortable. Some people might even feel imposter syndrome and anxiety… but it’s important.
When you’re building something from the ground up, especially as an Indigenous entrepreneur, every win matters. It’s not just about growing your company—it’s about putting our communities on the map, telling our stories, and setting an example for the next generation.
The truth is, there hasn’t been a proper guide that pulls together all the different award opportunities available for Indigenous-owned businesses across Canada. So we put this together the way we would want to find it ourselves: clear, useful, and built to help you win.
🌍 National Indigenous-Specific Business Awards
1. Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB) Awards
- Lifetime Achievement Award
- Young Indigenous Entrepreneur Award
- Indigenous Business of the Year Award
- Award for Excellence in Aboriginal Relations
2. NACCA Indigenous Business Awards of Excellence
4. Startup Canada Indigenous Entrepreneur of the Year
5. CanadianSME Small Business Awards
6. Canadian Business Excellence Awards for Private Businesses
7. EY Entrepreneur Of The Year – Diversity & Inclusion Categories
8. BDC Small Business Week Awards
9. Clutch 100 and Clutch Global Awards
- (Great if you’re in B2B services like marketing, consulting, tech, etc. If you’re not, look for trade-specific awards.)
🌏 Provincial Indigenous-Specific Business Awards
British Columbia
10. BC Achievement Foundation – Indigenous Business Awards
11. Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) Awards
Alberta
12. Indigenous Business Award of Distinction
13. Indigenous Tourism Alberta Awards
Saskatchewan
14. ABEX Indigenous Business Award
15. SIEF Entrepreneurial Spirit Award
Manitoba
16. Visionary Indigenous Business Excellence (VIBE) Awards
Ontario
17. Northern Ontario Business Awards – Indigenous Business Award of Excellence
👥 Chamber of Commerce Awards
At Longhouse Branding & Marketing, we’ve been proud to be nominated at our local Abbotsford and Langley Chambers of Commerce. We strongly encourage every Indigenous entrepreneur to join their local Chamber and go after those annual business excellence awards. It’s a great way to build your local reputation and meet people who can open doors.
🔍 How to Choose the Right Awards
- Industry relevance: Tourism, marketing, construction, agriculture?
- Stage of business: Startup vs. established.
- Ownership structure: Most awards require 51%+ Indigenous-ownership.
- Community story: Your story matters. Tell it well.
📝 What to Prepare for Applications
- Proof of Indigenous ownership
- Business financials or growth metrics
- High-quality photos or videos
- Testimonials or reference letters
- Community engagement proof
🏅 Awards Received by Keenan Beavis / Longhouse Branding & Marketing
- 2025 Young Indigenous Entrepreneur of the Year (CCIB)
- BC Achievement Foundation Indigenous Business Award – Young Entrepreneur
- 2024 Young Distinguished Alumni Award (University of the Fraser Valley)
- BC Business 30 Under 30
- Clutch 100 – Fastest-Growing Agencies in the World (#16) – #1 in Canada
- Clutch 100 – Fastest-Growing Branding Agency in the World (#1)
Our CEO Keenan Beavis, founder of Longhouse Branding & Marketing — a top marketing agency in Canada — is one of the world’s most awarded Indigenous entrepreneurs. He is a globally respected speaker, interview guest, and entrepreneur.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, winning awards isn’t about ego—it’s about showing up for your community and proving that Indigenous businesses belong at the top. Recognition helps you open new doors, hire better people, and inspire more Indigenous youth to chase down big dreams.
We deserve the spotlight. Let’s take it.
If you want help growing your business so you can have a winning application, reach out.
