True North

Q: How much funding can be received?

True North Funds up to 25000% of admissible expenses.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The application deadline for this grant program is November 5, 2025. Applicants must submit their complete application before this date to be considered for funding.

Q: Is the True North a grant, loan, or tax credit?

True North is a Grant and Funding

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the True North?

True North is funded by Purolator

Q: Who is eligible for the True North program?

To be eligible for the True North program, you must: • Small business legally registered in Canada • 50 employees or less • In good financial standing (not in bankruptcy or insolvency)

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the True North?

You can contact Purolator by email at support@purolator.com or by phone at 1888SHIP-123.

Q: Where is the True North available?

The True North program is available across Canada.

Q: Are startups eligible for the True North program?

Yes, startups are eligible to apply for the True North program.

Last Update: September 22, 2025

Canada

Financial support and recognition for outstanding Canadian small businesses

At a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $25,000

Timeline

Open Date : September 10, 2025
Closing date : November 5, 2025

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

All industries

Funds Providers

Purolator

Program status

Open

Overview

The Purolator True North Small Business Grant Contest offers up to $25,000 in cash plus $500 in shipping credits to support Canadian small businesses making a positive impact in their communities. The program recognizes and rewards businesses for their contributions to teams, customers, and local development across Canada.

Financing terms and conditions

Five grant prizes of $25,000 CAD cash, each accompanied by $500 in Purolator shipping credits.
Thirty-three finalist prizes, each consisting of a $500 Visa gift card.
Twelve nominator prizes, each consisting of a $500 Visa gift card.

Activities funded

Initiatives by Canadian small businesses that strengthen their local communities.
Projects that demonstrate innovation, entrepreneurship, and support Canadian values.
Programs or activities that contribute to the well-being of Canadians at local, national, or international levels.
Efforts that help make a positive impact on teams, customers, or community members.

Eligibility

The business must be based in Canada and legally licensed or registered to operate in Canada.
The business must have 50 employees or fewer.
The business must be in good financial standing, with no petition in bankruptcy or insolvency, and remain so throughout the contest period.
To be eligible for certain reserved prizes, the business must have a Purolator Business Account in good standing and have made at least one shipment with Purolator between November 5, 2024 and November 5, 2025.

Who is eligible?

Canadian small businesses

Who is not eligible

Small businesses not based in Canada.
Companies not legally licensed or registered to operate in Canada.
Businesses with more than 50 employees.
Businesses currently under bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings.
Companies owned or nominated by Purolator Inc. directors, executives, or employees involved with the development or execution of the grant program (additional restrictions may apply per Contest Rules).

Eligible expenses

Cash prize of $25,000, which recipients are free to use in any way that legally benefits their business.
$500 in Purolator shipping credits for Grant Prize recipients.

Eligible geographic areas

Companies established in Canada

Selection criteria

Quality of Content – 35%
Impact, Business Model and Values – 60%
Community Support – 5%

How to apply

Check eligibility requirements

Review the eligibility criteria for small businesses based in Canada
Ensure your business is legally registered, has 50 employees or less, and is in good financial standing
Verify special criteria if you are a Purolator customer

Prepare required information

Gather information about your business and its impact on the community
Prepare detailed examples and supporting data
Plan your answers to main questions before submitting

Fill out and save the nomination form

Complete the nomination form online
Ensure all required fields marked with an asterisk are filled
Carefully copy written responses from your draft
Save a copy of your submission for your records

Submit the nomination online

Submit the completed nomination form online before November 5, 2025, 11:59:59 p.m. ET
Confirm receipt of your nomination confirmation email, if applicable

Await evaluation and follow up

Wait for contest administrators to evaluate entries during the judging period
Be prepared to provide supplementary materials (e.g., business information or a short video), if requested
Monitor your email for follow-up communication regarding finalist or further steps

Additional information

All prizes are valued in Canadian dollars and include HST.
The $25,000 cash prize for Grant Prize winners can be used in any way that legally benefits the recipient's business.
Finalist and nomination prize winners will be determined partly by random draw after eligibility is confirmed.
The nomination form recommends saving responses in a separate document to prevent data loss due to technical issues.

Contacts

support@purolator.com

1888SHIP-123

Canada

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the True North Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the True North. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.