KELOWNA – After another challenging year for entrepreneurs, Small Business BC is asking residents to help celebrate the small businesses they love by nominating entrepreneurs who are making a difference in their community for the annual Small Business BC awards.
“At the heart of every small business is an entrepreneur whose drive and determination pushes them, even as they face challenges and hurdles in their path,” says Small Business BC CEO, Tom Conway. “The SBBC Awards is about celebrating that entrepreneurial spirit and supporting small businesses that inspire us all. I encourage all BC residents to nominate a business that has helped strengthen your community.”
The Small Business BC Awards are held annually as an opportunity to bring attention to the small businesses making a big difference in our province. As a show of support, British Columbians are encouraged to put forward local businesses that have not only embraced the challenge of entrepreneurship, but have also gone above and beyond to invest in their communities. Winners will be awarded with top business titles, sharing $15,000 in prize money.
The Small Business BC Awards, sponsored by Kwantlen Polytechnic University, have been adjusted this year to feature two award categories, focusing on honouring truly impactful businesses and allowing winners to receive larger cash prizes and more business support.
Award nominations are open until February 28, 2022 and can be submitted at sbbc.co/nominate. Over 400 nominations have been received so far. Businesses can be nominated by both members of the public and by the business owners themselves, showcasing their hard work and dedication through this competition.
Okanagan SBBC Award Winners
Last year, West Kelowna business Artemex Mexican Handcrafts was a finalist for the Best Immigrant Entrepreneur Award which recognizes an outstanding new Canadian who has started a successful business in BC.
Local past winners of the SBBC Awards include.
Twirling Umbrellas, Kelowna – Best Company Award
Winecrush, Penticton – Best Concept Award
Float Space, Kelowna – Best Emerging Entrepreneur
The SBBC Business Impact Award, sponsored by Coast Capital Savings, goes to business owner(s) who are truly making a difference. These hard-working individuals embrace the challenge of entrepreneurship, display their business savvy, and take positive action to invest in their community. They are navigating the rapidly changing business landscape, especially throughout the pandemic, and leveraging the challenge to improve their business while also finding new ways to serve their community.
The Premier’s People’s Choice Award is sponsored by the Province of British Columbia, is presented to a BC-based small business that can demonstrate the unwavering and loyal support of their community by gaining the most online votes.
Award nominations are open from January 20, 2022 to February 28, 2022. Nominations can be submitted at sbbc.co/nominate. Once a small business is nominated, they must gain as many public votes as possible for their business, leveraging all creative channels. Voting is collected on the SBBC website until February 28, 2022.
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