BRUCE WILLIAMS
VICTORIA – The 2025 Greater Victoria Business Awards were presented Wednesday, June 4, in front of an audience of 350 at the Lecture Theatre in the Victoria Conference Centre.
“What a great evening celebrating business in Greater Victoria and the incredible successes so many organizations are having even in these times. We needed that,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “The words of encouragement and the respect for all the finalists really represents our business community’s sense of camaraderie — especially among those aspiring to be the best at what they do.”
The recipients, listed below, distinguished themselves across 14 Business Award categories, including outstanding customer service, sustainable business practices, emerging businessperson and innovation.
An independent panel of prominent business leaders chose the finalists from a wide range of entries.
“There are so many businesses that deserve their moment in the spotlight, and all of this year’s recipients are amazing inspirations for other entrepreneurs and organizations,” Chamber Chair Christina Clarke said. “It’s never easy for the panel to narrow the field to two finalists and then choose a recipient. We’re grateful for the effort and integrity of everyone who was part of the selection process, and we can’t wait to continue celebrating tonight’s finalists in the weeks and months ahead.”
The Chamber previously announced Josue Dubon as Chamber Member of the Year and Cathy Scott as Chamber Award of Distinction recipient.
The Award of Distinction signifies achievement, resourcefulness and determination and recognizes a business leader who makes a positive contribution to the economy and our community overall. The Chamber Member of the Year award recognizes an engaged, passionate and committed individual who fosters relationships with the community and advocates on behalf of business and has taken an active role with the Chamber Board or a Chamber Committee.
2025 Award Recipients and Finalists
Business of the Year (1-10 Employees)
- Alley Kat Signs and Marketing
- This Week’s Lunch – Recipient
Business of the Year (11-39 Employees)
- LIDA Construction
- Prince of Whales – Recipient
Business of the Year (40+ Employees)
- Phillips Brewing and Malting – Recipient
- Red Barn Market
New Business of the Year
- DermaLight Clinic
- FORGE Technical Solutions – Recipient
Non-Profit of the Year
- Garth Homer Society
- Victoria Brain Injury Society – Recipient
Business Person of the Year
- Hana Akai, Level Up Salon Suites
- Tessa McLoughlin, KWENCH – Recipient
Community Builder of the Year Island Savings
- Victoria Native Friendship Centre – Recipient
Emerging Business Person of the Year
- Inderbir Singh, Western Canada Security – Recipient
- Kane Hammontree, Solve Energy
Innovation Award
- Hakai Energy Solutions
- Rifflandia Entertainment Company – Recipient
Outstanding Customer Service
- Ooh La La Cupcakes + Cakes
- The Green Kiss – Recipient
Outstanding Workplace of the Year
- Green Island Builders
- Brentwood Bay Resort – Recipient
Sustainable Business Practices
- The Root Cellar Village Green Grocer
- Schneider Electric – Recipient
Chamber Member of the Year
Josue Dubon, DesignWealth
Chamber Award of Distinction
- Cathy Scott, Departures Travel
Bruce Williams is current Chamber CEO
