Small Business BC and the Province of British Columbia have announced the finalists for the Open for Business Awards and the cities of Cranbrook and Kimberley are in the final three for medium-sized communities, along with Salmon Arm.

“The communities selected have proven their support for their local small businesses by adopting business-friendly best practices in their region,” Small Business BC explained.

“The Open for Business Awards are an important opportunity to recognize leadership from municipalities and First Nations throughout B.C. that have created a more welcoming small business environment,” said Bruce Ralston, Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology. “This year’s finalists have demonstrated new and innovative ways of supporting small businesses and good jobs for British Columbians by improving services and reducing regulatory burden in their communities.”

This year, 31 communities from across the province presented case studies on one of their initiatives to the awards judges for review to prove why their community is the best and most supportive of small business.

The Open for Business Awards finalists are as follows:

Large Community Finalists

Campbell River
Penticton
Prince George

Medium Community Finalists

Cranbrook
Kimberley
Salmon Arm

Small Community Finalists 

Chetwynd
Lumby

First Nations

Nisga’a Lisims

“We are very happy to partner with the Province to deliver the Open for Business Awards and bring to the forefront communities that deserve to be recognized for their support of small business,” said George Hunter, CEO at Small Business BC. “It’s important to recognize not only the small businesses of B.C., but also the local governments who support them and create space for them to flourish. Being able to present the Open for Business Awards at the Small Business Awards Gala creates a unique opportunity to celebrate both small businesses and the communities they thrive in.”

In partnership with the BC Small Business Roundtable, Small Business BC will host the Open for Business Awards at the Small Business BC Awards Gala on February 23, at the Vancouver Convention Centre, where the winners of each category will be announced.

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