WHO’S ELIGIBLE?
Convenience store retailers (including dealers and franchisees) operating one to 20 stores in Canada are eligible to win. The Awards will celebrate small operators who are embracing new technologies, business practices, innovation, customer loyalty, profit-generating initiatives, and more, including business growth and responsible retailing.
WHO CAN NOMINATE?
Self-nominations are welcome and encouraged. In addition, nominations may be submitted on behalf of retailers by their supplier and distributor partners.
HOW TO ENTER
It’s easy. Submit an essay (maximum 500 words *note bullet points and other languages are welcome) that highlights outstanding accomplishments, initiatives and contributions by a single-store owner or small operator in the Canadian convenience store channel.
Entries should focus on aspects such as:
- How is the business unique?
- What about the store design, merchandise assortment and/or services offered make that store(s) stand out in the market?
- Why do customers prefer shopping there rather than at competitors?
- In what ways does the operator deliver exceptional customer service?
- In what ways does the operator provide exceptional value to customers?
- How does the operator embrace innovation?
- How does the operator contribute to the betterment of their community (i.e., donations, local event involvement, volunteer time)?
IS THERE A COST?
No. There is no fee for entry and no limit to the number of entries an individual can submit.
ENTRY DEADLINE
Nominations must be received by February 6, 2026. Winners will be notified mid-February and profiled in the May/June 2026 issue of Convenience Store News Canada, as well as via the All Convenience Newsletter and CCentral.ca. In addition, a virtual awards ceremony will be held in the spring to celebrate the winners.
WINNING RETAILERS
Retailers honoured as an Outstanding Independent will be spotlighted in the May/June 2026 issue of Convenience Store News Canada magazine, the All Convenience Newsletter and featured online at CCentral.ca
In order to encourage participation in the Outstanding Independents Awards Canada 2026 nomination and Summit attendance, CSNC will be recognizing the top OIA winner as a grand prize winner where they will be presented with an education sponsorship for a family member or donation to a charity of their choice.
All winners will receive rights to the Outstanding Independents Awards Logo and a window decal for their stores.
Winners will also receive a complimentary one-year membership to the Convenience Industry Council of Canada.
In addition, winners will receive a two-day pass to The 2026 Convenience U CARWACS Show, which includes the Industry Dinner, Two-morning Conference and Trade Show.
SMALL OPERATOR SUMMIT
CSNC will host a virtual awards presentation in May 2026 that will be the backdrop of a Small Operator Summit.
The Summit will be open to all operators across Canada and include keynotes, panel discussions and the awards ceremony.