How the ScaleUP Awards work

Anyone. Customers, partners, peers and a company’s own team can all nominate.

Yes. You can nominate a company you lead or work for, or put forward another company using the same nomination form.

No. You can select “Not sure, leave it with ScaleUP” on the nomination form.

That’s up to the nominator. The nomination form lets them choose whether their identity is shared with the company.

The company must complete an application to accept its nomination and be considered. Applications open January 5 and close February 12, 2027. A panel of judges selects the Finalists.

The eligibility check is optional. A company can still be nominated when those details are unknown. It will need to confirm that it meets all program requirements when applying.

Nominations stay open until February 5, one week before applications close on February 12, 2027.

Yes. You can nominate as many companies as you like.

You’ll see a confirmation message straight away. We will let you know when applications open on January 5, but we don’t send updates on a company’s application status.

Applications open January 5 and close February 12, 2027. Completing the application is how a company accepts its nomination.

Yes. A company can apply directly between January 5 and February 12, 2027.

One application with revenue, employee headcount and exports from the past 3 years, plus 4 written answers of up to 500 words each. We recommend downloading the application template and submitting your application all at once before February 12.

Yes, you can apply in multiple relevant award categories.

Late applications aren’t accepted. The company can apply for the 2028 ScaleUP Awards.

Yes. Applications are reviewed only by the ScaleUP Awards selection committee. Revenue and employee numbers are never published.

No. It’s free to nominate a company and apply for the ScaleUP Awards.

Companies must meet all four requirements: based in BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Yukon or the Northwest Territories; operating for at least 3 years; $3M–$100M in annual revenue; between 10 and 250 employees.

Companies must meet all four requirements to be considered. If you’re not sure about a detail, you can still nominate; the company confirms its eligibility when applying.

Yes, if they meet all four requirements.

Yes, as long as its headquarters is in Western Canada.

No. Once a Finalist, always a Finalist.

No. Any eligible company can be nominated and apply.

A panel of judges reviews applications and selects the Finalists. Assessment includes growth over the past 3 years and how the company differentiates within its industry or sector.

No. A nominated company must apply and meet the eligibility criteria to be considered. Judges then select 3 Finalists in each award category, and the winners are announced live at the Awards Gala in Calgary on June 16, 2027.

Growth over the past 3 years (revenue, employees and exports) and how the company stands out in its industry.

An independent panel of 20 founders, operators and business leaders. Judge profiles will be published once applications close.

Finalists will be contacted the week of April 5, 2027. They will be invited to attend a Finalist Retreat in Calgary on April 22, 2027.

You’ll receive an email from the ScaleUP team the week of April 5, 2027. You’ll be invited to join an onboarding call where you’ll receive details about the April 22 media shoot and executive retreat as well as your complimentary passes to attend the Summit and the Awards Gala in Calgary June 14–16, 2027.

No. Every selected Finalist remains a ScaleUP Finalist, whether or not they win.

Yes. The Finalist package includes 2 complimentary passes for founders and executive leaders to attend the Gala, with a 25% discount on additional Gala passes.

It’s chosen from all 2027 Finalists by the judges and a public vote, which opens in May 2027. There’s no separate nomination or application.

Anyone can submit one vote online for one Finalist leader in May 2027. Votes are combined with the judges’ scores to choose the winner.

No. In 2027 the public vote is part of the Entrepreneur of the Year award.

The Awards Gala takes place on June 16, 2027 at the Percheron Ballroom at the BMO Centre in Calgary, Alberta. It closes ScaleUP Week, which also includes the ScaleUP Kickoff Party and Summit on June 14 and 15.

Live at the Awards Gala on June 16, 2027.

Yes. Tickets go on sale in early 2027. Finalists receive 2 complimentary passes, and past Finalists receive exclusive discounts.