The downtown Calgary skyline at night. Stock image. Photo: Ahmed Zalabany / Unsplash
Ava Industries, a Calgary company whose cloud-based medical records software was built by physicians, has been named Small Business of the Year at the Calgary Chamber of Commerce's 2026 Small Business Awards.
The Chamber announced the 10 winners Friday at its 43rd annual awards, presented by Alberta Blue Cross. This year's program drew 335 applicants across 10 categories, the Chamber says.
"This year's winners and runners-up showcase the changing nature of Calgary's small business ecosystem, spanning energy, technology, health care, successful social entrepreneurship and so much more," said Deborah Yedlin, the Chamber's president and CEO.
Small businesses made up 94 per cent of businesses in Calgary in 2025, according to the Chamber.
The 2026 winners
Servus Credit Union Small Business of the Year: Ava Industries. Its electronic medical records platform now supports more than 8,500 health-care professionals and clinics in Alberta, B.C. and Ontario.
Doane Grant Thornton Emerging Growth Award: HomeFree Homecare. It pairs physician oversight with dedicated care teams so people with complex medical needs can stay in their own homes.
RBC Inclusion Award: Pedesting. Its free app helps pedestrians find accessible routes, entrances, elevators and ramps around Calgary.
Air Canada Community Champion Award: Devon & Lang. The underwear company donates a pair to organizations supporting people in vulnerable communities with every purchase, and aims to give away more than 500,000 pairs over 10 years.
AlphaKOR Innovation Award: AbaData. It has spent more than 20 years building software and GIS mapping tools for the energy industry.
ATB Indigenous Entrepreneurship Award: 49 Native Design. Founded by J. Nathan Rainy Chief, a member of Kainai First Nation, it makes apparel and accessories that bring Indigenous culture and storytelling into contemporary design.
CPA Alberta Social Entrepreneurship Award: cSPACE Projects. It runs creative hubs, studios and programs for Calgary artists, non-profits and entrepreneurs.
TikTok People's Choice Award: Audiology Innovations. Founded by Dr. Carrie Scarff, the locally owned clinic has offered hearing tests and hearing technology in Calgary since 2005.
Avenue Magazine Made in Calgary Award: AFTI WatchDog. Its platform lets oil and gas operators monitor wellsites remotely, spot leaks and catch production problems without routine trips to the field.
Rogers Business Small Business Leader of the Year: April Hicke, founder and CEO of Toast, which works to advance women in tech through recruitment, community and technology.
Winner details are from the Calgary Chamber.
