Eligibility 1.The Canadian Independent Grocer of the Year program is open to members of the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers and Association des détaillants en alimentation du Québec. 2.All participating stores must be open for business a minimum of one year as of October 2017. 3.Stores entering the size or specialty category that have received a Gold Award are not eligible to win a National or Regional Award for three consecutive years. 4.Previously participating stores that do not participate in any given year due to renovations will not be penalized in terms of continuity working towards their Achievement Awards.