Small business owners across BC are invited to compete for $40,000 in prize money as Small Business BC celebrates the 20th anniversary of the province’s largest award contest for entrepreneurs, the Small Business BC Awards.
What started out as a simple business planning contest has evolved to become the largest and most recognized awards program dedicated to small businesses in Western Canada. Over 6,000 businesses, from every industry and every community in BC, have competed to be named one of the top small businesses.
“Over the past 20 years, SBBC has been honored to shine a spotlight on BC’s entrepreneurs, celebrating those who put everything on the line to pursue their dreams,” said SBBC’s CEO, Tom Conway.
“To mark our 20th anniversary, we’re thrilled to be returning to an in-person gala where a $40,000 prize purse will be shared among four winning businesses. To help make this year the most inspirational award ever, we’re asking the public to nominate a small business that has impacted your community.”
“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and as a former business owner myself, I’m always overjoyed to hear about their success,” said Brenda Bailey, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development & Innovation.
“I hope British Columbians can join me in recognizing their local businesses by nominating them for the Small Business BC Awards. I look forward to celebrating the successful recipients in June.”
nominated a Business for the Small Business BC Awards
Every year, the Small Business BC Awards are held as an opportunity to bring attention to the small businesses having a positive impact in our province. To acknowledge and support their hard work, British Columbians are encouraged to nominate their own business or to put forward a local business that has had a strong impact on their community.
Each winner will be awarded with $10,000 in prize money, a top business title, and 1-year of free advisory support from SBBC. Award nominations are open from January 16 to March 10.
The 20th Anniversary of the Small Business BC Awards features four award categories. Businesses can enter a total of two categories – the Premier’s People’s Choice Award and one of three Business Pitch Categories (Business Impact, E-Commerce, and Youth). The Premier’s People’s Choice Award is decided exclusively by a public vote.
In the three business pitch categories, the Top five finalists are selected based on public vote and written responses judged by internal business experts.
Finalists then proceed to pitch their business to a panel of BC business leaders who decide the winner of each award category.
Learn more about the awards and nomination process.
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