(July 5, 2021) StartUP Sault Ste. Marie is excited to announce the winners of the recent Small Business Superhero Campaign to support and recognize local small businesses that have stepped up for their customers during the pandemic.

StartUP Sault, in partnership with Startup Canada, asked the community to nominate a small business or entrepreneur, who they felt was deserving of recognition and a $50 gift basket of local goodies from Hogan’s Homestead, Cornucopia Popcorn Co., Jeannette’s Custom Cakes, Outspoken Brewing, Scott Coffee Co., and Northern Superior Brewing.

The community delivered with over 100 nominations. And along with those nominations were asked to tell us why the business was so deserving. “We received some wonderful responses that truly showcased how amazing these businesses are and the lengths they went to provide top service even during the most difficult times of the pandemic,” stated StartUP Sault President, Nevin Buconjic.

The top five nominees were The Breakfast Pig, The Refinery, OC Beauty, The Soup Witch and Feeding Your Soul Café!

Some of the comments received about each nominee included:

“The owner and staff at The Breakfast Pig are amazing people who never faltered through the pandemic. They gave food, love, and support to our community consistently, despite their own hardships. I can’t think of people more deserving of a thank you…they would be surprised and that’s the best part; their acts of kindness are so pure.”

“The Refinery has been doing online workouts daily to help their clients in mind and body. They’ve been hit hard financially by COVID but are always smiling and helping to make a difference in women’s lives and bring women up!”

“Since day one of the pandemic (truthfully since they opened) OC Beauty kicked into high gear to get safety supplies out to everyone in need. Most importantly the hospitals. They are always doing what they can to help out our community!”

“The Soup Witch opened during the pandemic and have been steadily contributing to local charities such as organizing Soup Drives for the Soup Kitchen and donating to the Zonta Club as well as ARCH Hospice. They are so friendly, upbeat, positive and care about our community. We love those Witches!”

“Feeding Your Soul Café is a local family business that managed to get through the pandemic with grace and never gave up on staying positive. They always offer amazing service along with creative, fun and delicious meals.”

Congratulation to all the winners. We hope that your nominations and the positive feedback received will help reinforce that you are valued in this community. Keep up the great work and enjoy your gift baskets!