Hamilton businesses come out on top in 2025 1Awards

Steeltown businesses have risen above the rest in the
annual 1Awards competition
for the second year in a row.
The contest, hosted by FirstOntario Credit Union, gives local businesses in Hamilton, Halton, Brant, Niagara and the surrounding regions a chance to showcase their ideas as they vie for prizes of cash and in-kind services.
Among the 10 contenders, Apothecary Kitchen, Electric Diner, Main Stage Rehearsal Studios, ImaginAble Solutions and Willard's Ice Cream gave the winning pitches — meaning they'll share the $200,000 in cash and professional in-kind services.
'Small businesses are the heart and soul of our communities and we're happy to continue to support them,' Joanne Battaglia, senior vice-president of marketing at FirstOntario, said in a statement.
The winners of this year's 1Awards competition. From left, Kristy van Beek (Apothecary Kitchen); Charlotte Ross, Matt Willard and Sarah Rodenhizer (Willard's Ice Cream); Clara Fama, Emily Kawaguchi and Melissa Heyes (ImaginAble Solutions); Justin Dobbin and Kelly Ng (Main Stage Rehearsal Studios); and Erika Puckering and Jamie Ewing (Electric Diner).
The finalists for the competition, now in its 13th year, included Me-Tour Inc. (Hamilton), Plan B Organic Farms (Hamilton), Premier Homecare Services London (London), Unbound Movement (Hamilton) and Food for Good Inc. (Niagara Falls).
Here are this year's winners:
This Hamilton Farmers' Market stall offers plant-based meals and zero-waste grocery items, such as soups, stews, salads and pastas. The menu also features smoothies, breakfast and dessert options and sides, as well as meal programs.
This Hamilton company specializes in creating assistive technology to help improve the lives of those living with disabilities. Their product, Guided Hands, aims to assist those with limited hand mobility in doing everyday activities.
This Steeltown eatery brings a retro flair to the city's dining scene, with '80s-themed menu items dotting its brunch, dinner, dessert and drink offerings. The restaurant also hosts trivia nights, dance parties and movie nights.
This rehearsal space in downtown Hamilton spans more than 30,000 square feet and offers monthly and hourly studios, a showcase room and podcast and dance studios, as well as retail and equipment rental services.
This east Hamilton ice cream shop focuses on small, handmade batches of ice cream, with a range of flavours from London Fog and toasted marshmallow to classic chocolate and vanilla bean. The facility is nut-free, and vegan options are available.

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