Ontario Made Awards

The Ontario Made Awards recognize manufacturers and retailers who actively support local production and help customers discover Ontario-made products. Whether you are just starting to use the Ontario Made logo or a seasoned program participant, your efforts matter. 

Applying for the awards is a powerful opportunity to amplify your brand, gain province-wide visibility, and earn recognition that sets you apart in a competitive marketplace. If you’re proud of what you make and where you make it, this is your moment to stand out. 

Ontario Made Awareness Award

For manufacturers amplifying the Ontario Made brand and logo 

This award recognizes Ontario manufacturers that have made the Ontario Made brand a consistent, prominent part of how they present themselves to customers. You’re not just displaying a logo, you’re using your platforms and voice to help customers understand what buying Ontario-made means and why it matters. The focus is on clear, consistent use of the brand to help consumers identify Ontario-made products. 

Who should apply: Manufacturers who actively use the Ontario Made logo (whether that’s on packaging, your website, marketing materials and/or digital channels) 

CRITERIA:

• Usage of the Ontario Made logo (such as your website, social media, email signatures, product displays, marketing materials, etc.) 
  
• Ontario Made messaging woven into your brand story and customer communications 
  
• Genuine efforts to educate people on why Ontario-made products matter 
  
• Align your brand identity with "Ontario Made" and "support local" messaging in a visible, customer-facing way  
  
• Demonstrate the impact of using the Ontario Made logo  

Manufacturer Spotlight Award

For manufacturers strengthening Ontario's local supply chain  

This award recognizes Ontario manufacturers that contribute to strengthening the province’s local supply chain through sourcing and collaboration. It is intended for companies that prioritize Ontario-based suppliers, materials, and services, and make deliberate choices to keep production, investment, and value in the province. The focus is on building a more connected and resilient Ontario manufacturing industry. 

Who should apply: Manufacturers that prioritize Ontario-based sourcing, build collaborative relationships with local suppliers and manufacturers, and take active steps to grow and strengthen the Ontario manufacturing industry. 

CRITERIA:

• Source materials and/or services from Ontario-based suppliers and service providers  
• Real partnerships with other Ontario Made manufacturers  
• Support the growth of other Ontario manufacturers (e.g., mentorship, shared resources, contract manufacturing)  
• Intentional steps taken to localize or reshore parts of your supply chain  
• Tangible impact on local supply chain development (e.g., increased local spend, new partnerships, reduced reliance on imports)  

Bonus consideration: 

• Manufacturers that promote the Ontario Made brand through initiatives or partnerships  

Retailer Spotlight Award

For retailers actively bringing Ontario-made products to more customers  

This award recognizes Ontario retailers that actively strengthen the province’s local supply chain by sourcing from Ontario manufacturers, opening shelf space for local producers, and building real partnerships that help Ontario businesses grow. It is about making local sourcing a genuine commitment and demonstrating what that looks like in practice.  

Who should apply: Retailers that actively seek out Ontario manufacturers, invest in long-term supplier relationships, and make intentional decisions to strengthen Ontario’s local supply chain.  

CRITERIA:

• Retailers that prioritize sourcing Ontario-made products  
• Long-term supplier relationships with Ontario manufacturers (e.g., consistent purchasing, exclusive products, etc.)  
• Concrete efforts to help Ontario manufacturers access shelf space or scale within retail  
• Collaborate with local suppliers on joint initiatives (product bundles, promotions, in-store features, events, etc.)  
• Demonstrate measurable impact on local procurement, supplier growth, or supply chain stability 
   

Bonus consideration:  

• Retailers that actively promote the Ontario Made brand within your retail environment or through customer communications 

The nomination form is designed to be quick, simple and example-driven.

• Visit www.ontariomade.awardsplatform.com
• Answer short questions - bullet points are welcome, full paragraphs are not required 
• Share links to social media posts, websites, or campaigns 
• Include examples of your Ontario Made activities and initiatives (include photos or screenshots as evidence) 
• You can save your progress and return later – there is no pressure to complete the application in one sitting 

 For additional information on the Ontario Made Awards, including frequently asked questions, please click here to download an overview document. 

For any questions, please contact Rebecca Schuetz at rebecca.schuetz@cme-mec.ca

A strong application is simple, clear, and supported by real examples of your Ontario Made activity.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Provide specific examples rather than general statements 
• Include supporting evidence such as photos, links, screenshots, packaging, or social media posts 
• Focus on real actions over size or scale - small efforts still matter 
• Show consistent use of Ontario Made messaging or branding 
• Highlight how you support or promote the wider Ontario Made community 
  

Click here to meet previous Ontario Made Award winners and finalists.