Introducing the PLANT Forward Bursaries!

Grow boldly, Lead with purpose.

‍Garden Centres Canada (GCC) is proud to introduce the PLANT Forward Bursary. The two awards are designed to support and recognize professional growth within the garden centre retail sector. Building on GCC’s commitment to strengthening the next generation of retail leaders, these awards provide meaningful opportunities for emerging and established professionals to expand their skills, leadership capacity, and industry connections.

Future Leader Award — Up to $3,000

This award supports rising professionals aged 40 or younger who demonstrate strong potential in the garden retail industry. Recipients will receive up to $3,000 to attend the Garden Centres Canada (GCC) Summit, gaining exposure to national-level discussion, innovation, and networking with peers and leaders from across the country.

Retail Leadership Award — Up to $7,000

This award recognizes exceptional leadership within the garden centre retail profession. Retail employees or owners who exemplify dedication, innovation, and service to the industry may receive up to $7,000 to attend the International Garden Centre Association (IGCA) Congress, an unparalleled opportunity for global learning and connection.

Both awards reflect GCC’s ongoing commitment to investing in professional excellence, encouraging leadership development, and celebrating the individuals shaping the future of the independent garden centre sector.
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The future of garden retail will be shaped by the individuals we empower today, the PLANT Forward Bursary is our commitment to supporting passionate, innovative professionals who will lead our industry forward.

Robin Godfrey, Chair of Garden Centres Canada.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for either award, applicants must:

Be employed by an independent garden centre that is a current GCC member in good standing through its provincial association.
Meet any additional criteria outlined for their specific award program.
Only one application per candidate.

Use of Funds

Award funding may be applied toward:

Event registration
Travel
Accommodation
Other pre-approved professional development expenses related to the GCC Summit or IGCA Congress

Funds may not be used for:

Personal costs
Unrelated travel
Non–industry events

All travel must comply with CNLA policies and guidelines.

For retailers seeking to encourage internal talent or nominate rising leaders, this is a meaningful opportunity to invest in your team — and in the future of our industry. The application can be completed using the form at the link below, or send us a video of you answering the questions. If you choose to go the video route please provide the link in the video area at the end of this application.

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Apply Now

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