Small business owners across B.C. are invited to compete for $40,000 in prize money as SBBC celebrates the 20th anniversary of the province’s largest award contest for entrepreneurs, the Small Business BC Awards.
“Over the past 20 years, SBBC has been honoured to shine a spotlight on B.C.’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 awards ever, we’re asking the public to nominate a small business that has impacted your community.”
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 a one-year of free advisory support from SBBC.
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, 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.
Premier’s People’s Choice Award
It takes a community to grow a small business. It also takes a community to win the Premier’s People’s Choice Award. This unique award category, 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.
Business Impact Award
The Business Impact Award is sponsored by BCAA and goes to the business owner(s) making a difference in their community. Alongside an aptitude in areas like sales, marketing, logistics, finances and operations, their business has taken positive action to invest in the community and views social responsibility as an integral part of their success.
E-Commerce Experience Award
As Canadians increasingly turn to online shopping, the E-Commerce Experience Award goes to a small business that presents a frictionless experience for their customers online. Whether it’s on mobile or desktop, this business converts visitors into purchasers through an easy-to-navigate store experience and clear, measurable digital marketing strategy.
Best Youth Entrepreneur
Across British Columbia, young entrepreneurs are creating new jobs and shaping our provincial economy with their energy and ingenuity. The Best Youth Entrepreneur Award is sponsored by the Kwantlen Polytechnic University and exists to reward this entrepreneurial spirit, saluting a business leader aged 35 and under who is succeeding.
Award nominations are open from now until March 10 and can be submitted at: sbbc.co/nominate.
