The Small Business BC Awards is making a call to entrepreneurs to nominate who should win one of nine awards based on contributions to both local communities and the global economy.
Previously known as the “Successful You Awards”, the Small Business BC Awards celebrate the top small businesses across British Columbia. With nine diverse award categories, there’s one to suit every entrepreneur – whether they’ve been in operation for 15 years or they’re still creating a business plan.
The public is invited to nominate a local small business (defined as less than 50 employees) for a Small Business BC Award, while entrepreneurs can also nominate themselves. The contest is open for nominations until November 30.
“Every year we strive to increase the impact of the SBBC Awards so we can better support and celebrate the successes of BC small business owners. This year, we’re pleased to have added three new award categories and significantly increased the prizing with the support of our sponsors,” said Small Business BC’s George Hunter. “Every entrepreneur should consider nominating their business for an award because everyone who participates in this contest will benefit from exclusive access to business education, tools and resources to help them succeed, and of course, have the chance to be celebrated.”
All awards winners will receive a Premier’s Prize of $1,500 cash, a one-year all-access pass to Small Business BC education and experts, as well as business mentorship opportunities. New this year is the “Premier’s People’s Choice Award”, which recognizes the business that receives the most support from their community. The winner of this award will receive formal recognition from the Premier of British Columbia.
“IBC is thrilled to see the Small Business BC Awards grow again this year. Small businesses are one of the key drivers of the economy and job creation. An expanded awards program recognizes the importance of celebrating this vital role,” said the Insurance Bureau of Canada’s (IBC) Bill Adams. IBC is proud to return as title sponsor of the Small Business BC Awards for the fifth consecutive year.
Aside from the Premier’s People’s Choice Award, these awards are up for grabs: Best Company (sponsored by Telus), Best Community Impact (sponsored by VanCity), Best Concept (sponsored by MNP), Best Green Business (sponsored by Small Business BC), Best Employer (sponsored by WorkSafeBC), Best International Trade Business (sponsored by Livingston International), Best Online Marketer (sponsored by SageOne) and Best Workplace (sponsored by WellnessFits).
All nominated business owners will have to gain “as many votes as possible through social media, word of mouth, e-mail or any other means possible” by November 30. I can only imagine that will be really fun for everyone involved.
The top 10 highest voted nominees in each category will be announced as finalists on December 13. Those finalists will submit an application to the judges, who will decide the top five finalists from each category, announced on January 31. The top five finalists will present a ten-minute pitch to judges “to prove themselves to be one of the best in BC”. Past finalists have been featured on Global News, The Vancouver Sun, The Globe and Mail and Forbes Magazine.
The winners of each category will be announced at the Small Business BC Awards Ceremony in February 2014, at the Pan Pacific Vancouver.
“The Small Business BC Awards recognizes the contributions and achievements of BC small business owners – entrepreneurs just like you,” reads the website. “While the SBBC Awards are free to enter, the experience is priceless. All nominees receive valuable business education and support throughout the competition.”
Small Business BC provides entrepreneurs with the information and guidance necessary to build a solid foundation for their business. Through a wide range of products, services, education and resources there’s a piece that fits with every business.
