The city of Maple Ridge is inviting city businesses to compete in its annual Innovation Challenge, with $10,000 in prizes up for grabs.
The annual competition rewards uniquely effective products, processes, and services.
This year’s competition introduces two new award categories – New Businesses and Established Businesses. Breakthrough technologies, new products, smartly simple processes, and improved customer experiences will be recognized. Businesses of all sizes are encouraged to apply or be nominated by other members of the community.
Businesses or residents can apply or nominate a business by Aug. 31, at MapleRidge.ca/ InnovationChallenge.
“Innovation isn’t reserved for large companies or the technology sector,” said Karen Hansen, city business outreach specialist. “Every business has the opportunity to think differently, improve how it operates, and create value for customers and the community. We’re proud to support a competition that celebrates entrepreneurial thinking and encourages businesses to keep pushing new ideas forward.”
Now in its sixth year, the city continues to offer a $10,000 cash prize pool to be split between two categories:
The New Businesses category recognizes start-ups and early-stage companies, typically less than five years old, that are developing or scaling innovative products, services, technologies, processes, or business models.
The Established Businesses category recognizes mature businesses that continue to invest in innovation by improving products, operations, partnerships, technologies, or market approaches to drive long-term success.
Both categories of this year’s challenge will feature a $3,500 first prize and $1,500 for second. All winners will also receive a business enhancement prize worth thousands donated by generous local sponsors including:
• SuperHR: Workplace success package
• Oakton Financial: One month of financial advisory services
• Markayting: Strategic marketing plan
• Ridge Meadows Chamber of Commerce: One-year membership + email blastAdditional prizes to be announced
Nominations can be made by anyone or businesses can apply themselves through the form at MapleRidge.ca/Innovation. Businesses of all sizes with a valid Maple Ridge commercial, industrial or home-based business license are eligible to be nominated. Businesses that applied in previous years may re-apply while previous winners must wait two challenge cycles before entering again.
Entries will be evaluated based on:
• Problem or Opportunity Clarity – well-defined business challenge
• Impact – Innovation has improved performance, generated revenue, or delivered value
• Originality – Innovation is new to the business, industry or marketplace
Finalists will be notified in September and will participate in a short video interview to showcase their innovation. Videos will be shared with the judging panel, the mayor, council, and the community. Winners will be announced in late October 2026, as part of Small Business Month.