Toronto, ON - Meridian Credit Union is proud to announce The SEED as the Ontario Votes Winner of the 5th Annual Small Business Big Impact Awards, recognizing a community driven organization making a meaningful impact on food access and food security in Ontario.
The SEED is a Guelph based community food organization and social enterprise that works to remove barriers to healthy food and address food insecurity at its root causes. Operating as a program of the Guelph Community Health Centre, The SEED focuses on dignity-based access to food rather than traditional charity, with the goal of building a more equitable and resilient local food system.
The organization delivers free community food programs alongside innovative revenue generating initiatives such as Groceries from The SEED, a sliding scale online grocery store that allows people to pay what they can afford while helping subsidize access for others. Through partnerships, food recovery, local food growing, and health linked programs, The SEED serves residents across Guelph Wellington and positions food access as a shared community responsibility. To learn more about The SEED and its work, visit https://theseedguelph.ca.
“Small businesses and social enterprises play a vital role in strengthening our communities,” said Matthew Seagrim, Chief Digital & Marketing Officer at Meridian Credit Union. “Congratulations to all of this year’s Small Business Big Impact Awards winners and finalists. The SEED’s community led approach demonstrates how innovation, dignity, and collaboration can create lasting positive change.”
The SEED was selected as the Ontario Votes Winner through public voting, reflecting strong community support and recognition of its impact. The organization is one of 15 businesses and social enterprises recognized through the 5th Annual Small Business Big Impact Awards, which celebrates leaders who go beyond business success to create meaningful social and economic outcomes across Ontario.
“We believe in a community without barriers to health and well-being. With nearly one in four households experiencing food insecurity across Guelph Wellington County, this $50,000 funding will be critical in supporting our operations and ensuring more families have access to the food they need. We are deeply honored to be named the Ontario Votes Winner,” said Kate Vsetula, Director of Community Programs and Development at the SEED.
This year, Meridian proudly recognized a total of 15 Small Business Big Impact winners across the province, each receiving a $10,000 award to support and scale the meaningful work they deliver in their communities. These organizations span diverse sectors including mental health support, employment services, community wellness, food security, arts and culture, education, and local economic development. Their stories and profiles can be found here. These winners represent the creativity, resilience, and purpose‑driven leadership at the heart of Ontario’s small business community.
To celebrate the 2025/2026 Small Business Big Impact Awards recipients, Meridian will host 6 Regional SBBI Dinners, bringing together winners, finalists, and community partners to recognize their achievements and the positive impact they continue to make in their communities.
Each award recipient receives recognition and promotional support as they continue building strong local communities. The Small Business Big Impact Awards is one of the many ways Meridian invests in organizations that help communities thrive.
About Meridian
We acknowledge the land on which we operate is the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishinaabe, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples and now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. We also acknowledge that Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 with the Mississaugas of the Credit.
Media Contact
Erick Bauer
Meridian Credit Union
[email protected]
416‑587‑4185