Calgary’s Solarbotics claims top prize in FedEx small business contest
by CM staff
FedEx awards $100,000 in to 31 small businesses across Canada.
Photo: CNW Group/Federal Express Canada Corporation.
MISSISSAUGA — FedEx Express Canada, a subsidiary of FedEx Corporation, continued its support for small businesses across Canada with the conclusion of the 2023 FedEx #BackingSmall Business Contest.
As $100,000 in grants was distributed to 31 small businesses, the spotlight fell on Solarbotics, the Calgary-based seller of “hobby robotics and electronics,” as the recipient of the $25,000 grand prize. Solarbotics—which has been in operations for over a quarter-century— was randomly selected from more than 3,700 entries from small businesses across the country.
“The FedEx #BackingSmall Business Contest is a testament to our unwavering commitment to supporting and empowering small businesses. Through this program, FedEx aims to provide our contest winners with the resources and recognition they deserve,” said Ann-Marie McIntosh. “It’s our way of fostering growth, igniting innovation, and helping these small businesses soar to new heights. We are proud to play a part in their success stories.”
In addition to Solarbotics’ $25,000 grant, FedEx also awarded $10,000 grants to the following fives businesses: (listed in alphabetical order)
“We’re very excited. This is just beyond, we’re just blown away. We do appreciate everything that FedEx has given to us over the last 30 years of business,” said Dave and Cheryl Hrynkiw, of Solarbotics. “A week before Covid hit, we were planning on signing a lease for a bigger space. We pulled the plug on it not knowing what this whole pandemic thing was going to be. With this money, we can now look at moving to a bigger space, getting more people involved, and growing our business.”
