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SBBC seeks nominations for Small Business BC Awards
To honour the many entrepreneurs making a difference in their communities, Small Business BC (SBBC) invites nominations for the annual Small Business BC Awards, presenting top business titles and $15,000 in prize money.
The Small Business BC Awards are held annually as an opportunity to bring attention to the many 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.
The Small Business BC Awards 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.
“Business owners have handled the incredible challenges of the last two years with determination, resiliency and kindness,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation. “The Small Business BC Awards are one way we can come together to show our local entrepreneurs how much we appreciate everything they are doing to keep people safe and healthy, while continuing to serve our communities. I encourage everyone to show some love and appreciation for their favourite local businesses by nominating them for a Small Business BC Award, and to continue supporting local in their communities.”
“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,” said 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.”
Award nominations are open from January 20 to February 28, and can be submitted at sbbc.co/nominate. 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.
SBBC Business Impact Award
This SBBC Business Impact Award 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.
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 B.C.-based small business that can demonstrate the unwavering and loyal support of their community by gaining the most online votes.
The businesses with the most votes in the SBBC Business Impact Award category (after a normalization process to allow for regional populations) will be narrowed down to the top 20, then judged by an internal panel of business experts to select the Top Five finalists.
The Top Five businesses for the SBBC Business Impact Award will be invited to present to a panel of judges, pitching why their business should win the award. The panel of past SBBC Award winners, business professionals and advisors will then select the winner, and the first and second place runners up.
The winner of the Premier’s People’s Choice award will be selected based on the most votes, after a normalization process to allow for regional populations.
On April 28, 2022, a virtual gala will be hosted by Small Business BC to announce and honour the winners of the 19th Annual Small Business BC Awards.
The SBBC Business Impact Award category prizes include:
1st place: $8,000;
2nd place: $4,000;
3rd place: $1,500.
The winner of the Premier’s People’s Choice Award will receive $1,500.
All winners and top five finalists will receive an extended business education and advisory package from Small Business BC to support their continued business growth.
For more information about the Small Business BC awards and to nominate a small business in your community, visit smallbusinessbc.ca/awards.
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