Third Annual Grant Contest open to Small Businesses with Up to 99 Employees
TORONTO, Oct. 6, 2014 /CNW/ – ADP Canada today announced that its popular Small Business Grant contest has returned for a third year, with six $10,000 grants available to small businesses in Canada. The contest opens for entries on October 1, 2014, with the first of six monthly voting periods beginning on November 1st. The contest has been extended this year to companies with up to 99 employees, and the final voting period closes on April 30, 2015. Winning companies will also receive up to $3,500 in waived payroll services for one year.
Applicants enter the contest by visiting ADPGrant.ca, sharing their business story, and describing what they would do to improve their business with $10,000 and they can then invite their customers, employees, friends, and family to show their support by voting for their submission online. Starting this year, entrants will also be able to upload videos.
ADP first launched the grant program in October 2012. Winners from the 2013-2014 contest included a wide range of small businesses from different industries and regions across Canada, all with a common desire to grow and improve their businesses. Tania’s Place, an Ontario-based centre that helps adults with physical and developmental disabilities, was the first winner from Fall 2013. Executive Director Francie Trajkovski used the grant to help pay down renovation costs after moving to a larger location to service their growing clientele. In turn, this helped free canadian grants up capital for Trajkovski to hire another full-time staff member, allowing the creation of three new spaces for client families.
“The ADP Small Business Grant was really a lifeline for us,” said Trajkovski, noting with the financial pressure from the renovation alleviated, they can now look ahead to better serving the community. “The money awarded to us by ADP was not just for Tania’s place, but for the whole community we serve. It is allowing me to plan for the future so that the business can grow and we can provide services to more families in the area.”
“The incredible response to the ADP Grant Contest and the success stories we’re hearing from our winners remind us that small businesses are the economic heart of a community. Investments in small business are really investments in our communities,” said Greg Secord, President, ADP Canada. “We are pleased this year to invite even more entrepreneurs to share their stories.”
Montreal-based EVOO, a restaurant specializing in French cuisine, used the grant money to create a new dining space to encourage repeat customers and stay competitive. “Almost overnight, we saw an increase in the volume of customers coming in, and we are selling more because people are staying longer,” said Peter Saunders, co-chef and co-owner, EVOO. “We were able to fully refurbish the dining room, and the investment has kept us competitive.”
EVOO’s plans for the future include adding new staff as volume continues to grow, and offering existing staff more training and opportunities. “Our staff is vital to our success, and the ADP Small Business Grant is creating new opportunities for us and our employees.”