Applications will be open March 1–31

The FirstOntario 1Awards are back!

Applications for the 2026 FirstOntario 1Awards coming soon

Consider pitching for prizes that could help your business get to the next level. The FirstOntario 1Awards are back again to offer support to local businesses that are on the brink of something big! Eligible owners have been grinding it out for more than two years with a crew of 50 people or less, and are stationed nearby (Hamilton, Halton, Brant, Niagara and the surrounding areas).

You can show measurable growth over the last few years, innovation and a connection with your community – just like our previous winners!

Apothecary Kitchen

Electric Diner

ImaginAble Solutions

Main Stage Rehearsal Studios

Willard’s Ice Cream

Chosen finalists are invited to attend an interactive pitch workshop in April, hosted by The Thornton Group, before presenting at Hamilton Stadium in front of our panel in May.

Stay tuned for full details – coming March 1!

April 24

Interactive workshop for finalists care of The Thornton Group

May 8

Pitch day at Hamilton Stadium

May 28

Winner reveal: breakfast gala hosted by Carmen’s Event Centre

There's more to win than just cash

Professional services are provided by 1Awards partners. Think about how they could benefit your business.

Agro Zaffiro	Get assistance with commercial leases, real estate purchases, employee contracts, handbooks and workplace policies. Get advice on corporate and employment law matters, health and safety directives, human rights and accommodations of employees, terminations, layoffs, WSIB, statutory leaves and work from home policies.
KPMG	Experts will help you identify 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.
Play	Take advantage of specialized support with marketing, communications, digital strategies and web design.
Giant Shoe Creative	Partner with experts in media production to craft compelling narratives that reach and resonate with your audience.
The Hamilton Spectator	Winners take home a free print advertising package with a total value of $30,000.
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.
Weever	Receive a business consultation package in the areas of finance, HR and sales to help answer questions and guide you through your next stage of growth.

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.

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.

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.

Play

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

Giant Shoe Creative

Partner with experts in media production to craft compelling narratives that reach and resonate with your audience.

The Hamilton Spectator

Take advantage of a free print advertising package with a total value of $30,000.

Weever

Receive a business consultation package in the areas of finance, HR and sales to help answer questions and guide you through your next stage of growth.

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!

Get to know previous winners and their unique businesses

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