Tell Us Your Story. What motivated you to start your business? Why are you passionate about what you do?

In the early 2010s, our founder, Stephanie Sang, noticed that many Canadian small businesses were struggling to stay afloat. When she asked why these business owners hadn’t sought help through grant funding, she discovered that they were either unaware of available grants or didn’t understand how to apply for them. Stephanie knew that many grants existed specifically to help small businesses survive and thrive, and it was unfortunate that so many owners were either unaware of them or lacked confidence in the application process. Recognizing this common problem, she founded Granted Consulting to ensure that all Canadian businesses could access the grant funding available to them. To date, Granted Consulting has helped Canadian small businesses acquire over $100 million in grant funding.

Describe and demonstrate, including metrics, your community support. How do you support and uplift your community, and how do they show that support in return? Minimum 25 words, maximum 2500 characters.

Granted Consulting is dedicated to uplifting and supporting the Canadian small business community. To date, we have helped Canadian small businesses acquire over $100 million in grant funding, significantly contributing to their growth and sustainability. Our support extends to various industries, including technology, manufacturing, healthcare, and clean tech, among others, within the local community. We provide expertise and guidance, ensuring businesses can navigate the complex landscape of grant funding effectively. Our CEO, Stephanie Sang, known as the 'Grant Angel,' frequently speaks at numerous events hosted by prominent associations such as The Forum, Small Business BC, and industry-specific organizations. These speaking engagements provide valuable insights and foster a collaborative spirit within the community. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we recognized the urgent need for accessible information and resources. We hosted free webinars open to all, offering guidance on the various COVID-19 funding opportunities available to businesses across Canada. Our efforts helped numerous companies, including those unfamiliar with the application process, secure essential funding to weather the challenging period. The community's response has been overwhelmingly positive. Businesses we have assisted often share their success stories and express gratitude, which in turn, inspires others to seek similar support. This cycle of assistance and appreciation strengthens our bond with the community, creating a robust network of thriving small businesses. In summary, our commitment to community support is demonstrated through the substantial grant funding we help secure, our proactive educational initiatives, and the positive feedback and success stories from the businesses we assist. Our efforts have not only uplifted individual companies but have also contributed to the overall resilience and growth of the local business ecosystem.

Why do you deserve to win the Business Impact award?

Granted’s mission is to help Canadian companies acquire grant funding to grow and thrive. Beyond funding, many of the grants we help secure aim to support young professionals and marginalized groups in the workforce, advance green initiatives for environmental sustainability, and upskill existing employees to keep businesses competitive in a changing landscape. Without matching companies to these types of grants, many people and businesses may not have the means to reach their goals. Thus, our work not only provides financial support to companies but also contributes to a better society by facilitating grants that drive positive social and environmental outcomes.

Tell Us About Your Culture. How are you creating a sustainable and healthy workplace where everyone feels welcome? Provide examples of leadership you show in interactions with clients, vendors, contractors, staff and others.

At Granted Consulting, we are committed to fostering a sustainable and healthy workplace where everyone feels welcome. Our culture is built on the principles of diversity, inclusion, and respect for both mental and physical well-being. We understand the importance of work-life balance and prioritize our staff’s health. Unlike many companies that have reverted to full-time office work, we maintain a flexible policy requiring staff to come in only one day per week. This approach promotes teamwork and culture bonding while allowing employees to enjoy the benefits of remote work. Our team is a vibrant mix of individuals from diverse backgrounds, including members from across the world who have relocated to Canada and local and countrywide Canadians. We value and respect their opinions and beliefs, ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard and considered in decision-making processes. To further strengthen our team spirit, we host annual gatherings where we fly everyone to Vancouver for a team event day. These in-person meetups boost morale, facilitate team building, and create lasting connections among staff members. In our interactions with clients, vendors, contractors, and others, we lead with integrity and a commitment to building strong, respectful relationships. We have initiated partnerships within the community through our portal partnerships, offering discounts and fostering collaboration that benefits all parties involved. Our leadership in creating a welcoming and supportive workplace is evident through our policies, diversity, and commitment to staff well-being. We believe that a happy, healthy team is the foundation of our success and are dedicated to maintaining a culture that reflects these values.