Canadian business insolvencies were, according to the Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy -. 

FedEx understands that financial pressures are providing significant challenges to small businesses in Canada. That鈥檚 why this year, FedEx awarded $150,000 in total prizes to Canadian small businesses across the country through its, providing meaningful support to help local entrepreneurs take their growth to new heights. 

Diverse winners, diverse stories 

This year鈥檚 16 winners highlight Canada鈥檚 diverse entrepreneurial pursuits, from baseball bats and children鈥檚 books, to kart racing facilities and craft suppliers. The FedEx #BackingSmall Business Contest underscores the company鈥檚 commitment to supporting small business owners across Canada. With the belief that small businesses are the heart of the economy, FedEx aims to empower local entrepreneurs with the resources they need to achieve their dreams. 

For Ejibola Adetokunbo-Taiwo, owner of and a winner of this year鈥檚 contest, 鈥渟hipping with FedEx has given us the wings to grow the brand and succeed in the marketplace. Without shipping, we would never have been able to get our products into the hands and homes of immigrants and new Canadians.鈥�

Located in Edmonton, Alberta, Simply Ejibola is a Black-owned, 100 per cent women-led brand, specializing in inspirational stationery, self-care and wellness products. Adetokunbo-Taiwo created the brand to symbolize hope and community and to inspire others to manifest their aspirations. 

Adetokunbo-Taiwo plans to use her $10,000 cash prize to expand her business across Canada and explore growth opportunities in the United States. 鈥淏eing an entrepreneur has given me the freedom to express myself and that is what drives my brand persona: freedom,鈥� she says. Now, FedEx is helping her share the company鈥檚 vision with new customers with an unexpected cash infusion. 

Another Western Canada winner, is based in the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia. They also received a $10,000 cash prize from FedEx in this year鈥檚 #BackingSmall contest. This family-run business, born from a passion for kart racing, has evolved into a state-of-the-art facility designed by Canadian racing legend Jacques Villeneuve and has a growing retail segment. Since opening in 2019, Kartplex has become a top destination for speed enthusiasts. 

鈥淪hipping is crucial to our business. We frequently send and receive parts, karts, supplies and products for our retail segment, where we anticipate significant growth in the coming years,鈥� the team says. 

Kartplex Racing plans to use their cash prize to launch an exciting new track and youth program called 'Light the Spark,' featuring a new fleet of electric karts - an innovative way to engage kids and do their part to limit emissions. Their advice for aspiring entrepreneurs? 鈥淟ove what you do! Enthusiasm is infectious and if you enjoy what you do, success is sure to follow.鈥� 

Visit to learn more about Simply Ejibola, Kartplex Racing, and other inspiring Canadian businesses in the 2024 FedEx #BackingSmall Business Contest.