Maple Ridge, BC – July 29, 2026 – Businesses across Maple Ridge are invited to apply to showcase their creativity and ingenuity as they compete for more than $10,000 in cash and service prizes in the 2026 Innovation Challenge, an annual competition that honours uniquely effective products, processes, and services in our city.
This year’s competition introduces two new award categories—New Businesses and Established Businesses—recognizing that innovation happens at every stage of business growth. From breakthrough technologies and new products to smartly simple processes and improved customer experiences, 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 August 31, 2026 at MapleRidge.ca/InnovationChallenge.
“Some of the best innovations don’t always make headlines – they happen every day as local businesses find better ways to solve problems, serve customers, and strengthen our community,” said Mayor Dan Ruimy. “The Innovation Challenge celebrates the entrepreneurs and business leaders who are constantly improving, adapting, and helping position Maple Ridge as a community where innovation can thrive. Good luck to our applicants and their amazing ideas.”
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, sponsored by Ridge Meadows College, 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, sponsored by Pitt Meadows Plumbing & Mechanical Systems Ltd., 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 $3500 first place winner and $1500 second place winner. All winners will also receive a valuable 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 blast
- Additional prizes to be announced
“Innovation isn’t reserved for large companies or the technology sector,” said Karen Hansen, 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.”
How Can Businesses and Residents Participate?
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 by Sept and will participate in a short video interview to showcase their innovation. Videos will be shared with the judging panel, Mayor and Council, and the community. Winners will be announced in late October 2026 as a part of Small Business Month. Event details to be announced in September.
Learn more or nominate a business today at MapleRidge.ca/Innovation.
For additional information, contact Karen Hansen, Business Outreach Specialist at KHansen@MapleRidge.ca
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Media contact:
Pardeep Purewal, Senior Manager Corporate Communications and Public Engagement
T 604 466 4319 C 778 955 4249 E Media@MapleRidge.ca