26 Small Canadian Businesses Everyone Should Know About

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Canada is home to a thriving community of small businesses. These small enterprises are the backbone of the economy, the heart of local culture, and the unsung heroes of innovation and community building. Here are 26 small Canadian businesses that everyone should know about.

Peace by Chocolate – Antigonish, Nova Scotia

Founded by the Hadhad family, Syrian refugees who settled in Nova Scotia, Peace by Chocolate is a heartwarming tale dipped in rich, handmade chocolate. They started in a tiny shed and now ship across North America. With community support, they rebuilt their chocolate enterprise, blending Syrian flavors with Canadian ingredients. Their products are now sold in over 1,000 stores across Canada, and the company employs around 75 people. Plus, Peace by Chocolate donates 3–5% of its profits to the Peace on Earth Society, supporting global peace initiatives. Their slogan? “One Peace Won’t Hurt.”

East Van Roasters – Vancouver, British Columbia

A social enterprise making small-batch chocolate and coffee, East Van Roasters provides employment and training for women recovering from addiction. EVR is renowned for its bean-to-bar chocolate and in-house roasted coffee, crafted from ethically sourced, organic beans from regions like Peru, Ethiopia, and Madagascar. Also, beyond its products, EVR fosters community engagement through initiatives like “Winnow Wednesdays,” where patrons can participate in the chocolate-making process.

The Green Beaver Company – Hawkesbury, Ontario

Green Beaver’s products are certified organic, vegan, and cruelty-free, emphasizing sustainability and health. Notably, Green Beaver introduced Canada’s first certified organic mineral sunscreen in 2011 with support from the National Research Council. And, with a commitment to transparency and quality, the company has expanded its reach internationally, maintaining its roots in Canadian values and environmental stewardship.

Fable – Vancouver, British Columbia

Launched in 2019, Fable was founded by Joe Parenteau, Jeff Yi, and Kaelem Cahill with a mission to offer ethically made, high-quality home essentials that are both beautiful and responsible. Their stoneware is hand-finished in Portugal using locally sourced, recycled clay and non-toxic, lead-free glazes, which means you’re not just eating off a plate—you’re making a statement.

SQUISH Candies – Montreal, Quebec

This is Canada’s first gourmet candy boutique. SQUISH Candies, established in Montreal in 2014 by Sarah Segal, is North America’s first artisanal gummy boutique, offering over 100 gourmet flavors crafted with natural ingredients like real fruit, herbs, and spices. As a female-founded, proudly Canadian business, SQUISH emphasizes inclusivity and sustainability, providing extensive vegan and no-sugar-added options to cater to diverse dietary needs.

Well Told Health – Toronto, Ontario

Well Told Health creates plant-based, clean-label vitamins that are backed by science. Publicly traded on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol WLCO, Well Told Health has expanded its distribution across Canada and into the U.S., with products available in select Walgreens locations. Plus, the brand’s commitment to transparency and wellness has garnered attention, with Ruffo being recognized in The Globe and Mail’s 2023 Game Changers report.

Kotn – Toronto, Ontario

Kotn makes elevated basics from ethically sourced Egyptian cotton. Kotn’s commitment to social impact is evident through its funding of 23 schools in Egypt, promoting education in the communities it partners with. As a certified B Corporation, Kotn ranks among the top apparel brands in North America for social and environmental performance. And, with retail locations across Canada and the U.S., including Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, and New York City, Kotn continues to expand its reach.​

Earth Group – Edmonton, Alberta

Earth Group sells water, coffee, and tea with a twist: 100% of profits go to the United Nations World Food Programme. Their product line includes Earth Water, packaged in eco-friendly aluminum bottles, and Earth Coffee, which is fair trade and organic. Notably, Earth Group is the only company globally authorized to display the WFP logo on its products. To date, they’ve provided over 4 million school meals.​

Cedar & Sage – Montreal, Quebec

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Cedar & Sage Co., nestled in Banff, Alberta, is a distinguished Canadian wellness studio renowned for its holistic approach to health. Specializing in massage therapy, yoga, meditation, and energy healing, it offers a sanctuary for those seeking rejuvenation amidst the Rockies. The studio also features private infrared saunas and hosts mountain retreats, emphasizing a deep connection with nature.

Local Laundry – Calgary, Alberta

This apparel company makes Canadian-made clothing and donates 10% of profits back to local charities. All Local Laundry garments are responsibly crafted in Canada, from milling and dyeing to sewing and printing, adhering to Canadian labor and environmental standards. Also, the brand’s commitment extends beyond quality products; it actively supports local charities and initiatives, fostering a strong sense of community.​

Onyx Coffee Lab – Toronto, Ontario

Onyx Coffee Lab, founded in 2012 by Jon and Andrea Allen, is a standout specialty coffee roaster and café based in Rogers, Arkansas. While its primary operations are in the U.S., Onyx has garnered international acclaim, including in Canada. The company is renowned for its commitment to transparency, direct sourcing, and meticulous roasting practices. They even provide detailed information about the origin, cost, and quality scores of their coffees, fostering trust and education among consumers.

Red Canoe – Toronto, Ontario

Red Canoe designs heritage-inspired apparel with logos from iconic Canadian symbols like the CBC, the RCAF, and even bush planes. With two locations in Toronto—the Junction (2989 Dundas St. W) and the Distillery District (17 Trinity St.)—Red Canoe has become a destination for those seeking quality, locally crafted garments. The brand’s commitment to Canadian craftsmanship is evident in products like their ‘Crew Base’ long-sleeved shirt, which is sewn right in Toronto.​

Province Apothecary – Toronto, Ontario

Province Apothecary, founded by Julie Clark in Toronto, Ontario, is a standout Canadian small business celebrated for its commitment to organic, plant-based skincare. Born out of Clark’s personal struggle with eczema, she began crafting remedies in her kitchen, leading to the establishment of a brand that now sources certified organic, wildcrafted ingredients from each Canadian province.

SMPL – Calgary, Alberta

If IKEA and Iron Man had a Canadian baby, it might be SMPL in Calgary, Alberta. SMPL (yes, no vowels, just vibes) is a design-forward modular furniture company crafting sleek, sustainably built office pods, booths, and workspaces that scream, “I’m productive but also kind of a design snob.” Perfect for modern offices or your overly ambitious home setup, their pods offer peace, privacy, and power outlets.

Milk Jar Candle Company – Calgary, Alberta

Milk Jar Candle Company is a scent-sational Canadian biz doing more than just making your home smell like a dream. Founded in 2016 by Holly Singer, this feel-good company crafts 100% soy wax candles that are phthalate-free, paraben-free, and basically guilt-free. Hand-poured with love and local vibes, each candle packs eco-friendly charm with a crackling wooden wick.

The Curated Market Co. – Halifax, Nova Scotia

More than just a pretty shopfront, The Curated Market Co. host pop-ups, support marginalized creators, and make shopping local feel cool again. You’re not just buying stuff—you’re investing in someone’s dream. Located in Halifax’s Hydrostone Market, they’re proof that retail therapy can be ethical.

Peace Collective – Toronto, Ontario

Fashion meets philanthropy. Cause they’re not just about looking good, for every item sold, Peace Collective supports mental health initiatives and meals for children in need. That’s fashion with a side of philanthropy. Proudly repping the 6ix since 2014, they’ve collaborated with everyone from the Toronto Raptors to Roots, and even dropped gear that’s comfy enough for a cottage weekend but cool enough for Queen West.

Birch Bark Coffee Co. – Ottawa, Ontario

Birch Bark Coffee Co. is the brainchild of Ottawa-based entrepreneur Mark Marsolais-Nahwegahbow, an Indigenous man on a mission to perk up your mornings and solve the First Nations water crisis. This socially driven company brews more than just beans; every bag of their certified organic, fair-trade coffee helps fund water purification systems for Indigenous homes without clean drinking water.

Fridays Off Fabric Shop – Calgary, Alberta

An indie fabric boutique for modern makers. If you’re into sewing, quilting, or just hoarding textiles, this place is your candy store. What started in a basement (yes, the classic entrepreneurial tale) has blossomed into a brick-and-mortar boutique and online haven for creative souls coast to coast. Bonus: their Instagram (@fridaysofffabricshop) is pure eye candy.

Tentree – Vancouver, British Columbia

Based in Vancouver, Tentree is the Canadian eco-champion turning your hoodie habit into a reforestation mission. For every item sold, they plant ten trees—yes, ten! So, your wardrobe gets comfier while the planet gets leafier. Since 2012, they’ve planted over 100 million trees globally (that’s like giving Earth a leafy beard). Their clothes are sustainably made from materials like organic cotton, hemp, and recycled polyester. Plus, every product comes with a tree code to track your planted forest.

Wildcraft – Toronto, Ontario

Affordable natural skincare made in small batches. Founded by Laura Whitaker in 2014, Wildcraft operates out of Toronto’s east end, making it hyper-local and hyper-lovable. Their bestsellers like the Clarifying Face Serum and Buff Face & Body Scrub have glowing reviews—literally and figuratively. Bonus: their packaging is minimalist-chic and refillable, because sustainability isn’t just a buzzword here. In a world of mass-produced mayhem, Wildcraft keeps it down-to-earth.

Lohn – Toronto, Ontario

Meet Lohn—a small but mighty scent studio nestled in Toronto, Ontario, where candles aren’t just wax and wicks, they’re full-blown sensory escapades. Founded by two fragrance-loving pals, Lohn (which means “reward” in Estonian) blends handmade magic with ethical vibes. They craft their candles with sustainable coconut and soy wax, essential oils, and clean-burning cotton wicks.

Bookhou – Toronto, Ontario

Started in 2002 (before “artisan” became a lifestyle), Bookhou champions the slow design movement. Arounna’s now-famous punch needle tutorials even sparked a global fiber arts revival—yep, she’s the Beyoncé of punch needle. Their products are not just pretty—they’re functional, sustainable, and very Canadian in that humble-but-exceptional way. You’ll find their wares in cool shops worldwide, but everything’s still made right in their Toronto studio.

Baked by Melissa – Montreal, Quebec

Baked by Melissa is a bite-sized cupcake empire that’s sweet, sassy, and proudly Canadian (well, Canadian now—Melissa Ben-Ishay started in NYC, but we’re claiming it like we do with Ryan Reynolds). The Montreal location is an indie gem, whipping up guilt-free mini cupcakes that pack more flavor than your ex’s Spotify playlist. From Cotton Candy to Tie-Dye Swirl (because why not?), Every 1-inch delight is baked fresh daily and somehow disappears in under two seconds.

Drizzle Honey – Calgary, Alberta

Drizzle Honey is Calgary’s sweet success story that’s buzzing with innovation and heart. Founded in 2015 by environmental scientist Aja Horsley, this women-owned company began with rooftop beehives and has since evolved into a B Corp-certified brand. Drizzle offers raw, unprocessed honey sourced from bee-friendly hives free of pesticides and GMOs. Their lineup includes superfood-infused varieties, such as ginger, turmeric, and hot honey with a spicy kick.

Piloti – Toronto, Ontario

Born in motorsports and beloved by car enthusiasts, Piloti makes driving shoes that are as functional as they are sleek. Their lineup includes models such as the Drift, Shift, and Competizione, crafted from premium materials like Italian leather and suede. Piloti’s passion for racing extends beyond footwear; they have been official sponsors of events like the Honda Indy Toronto, outfitting staff with their performance-driven apparel. Whether you’re a motorsport enthusiast or someone who appreciates finely crafted shoes, Piloti offers a blend of comfort, style, and performance that’s hard to beat.​

22 Times Canadian Ingenuity Left the U.S. in the Dust

When people think of innovation, they often picture Silicon Valley. However, Canada has a history of innovation, too. Whether it’s redefining sports, revolutionizing medicine, or just showing America up at its own game, Canadian inventors, thinkers, and dreamers have had their fair share of mic-drop moments. Here are 22 times Canadian ingenuity left the U.S. in the dust.

22 Times Canadian Ingenuity Left the U.S. in the Dust

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