Local businesses Manatee Holdings and Excel Career College are seeking votes from the Courtenay community to become finalists in the provincial Small Business BC Awards 鈥� previously known as the Successful You Awards.
Manatee Holdings is nominated for the Best Green Business Award, which recognizes businesses with an outstanding commitment to environmental sustainability through leadership and actions that influence green practices.
Manatee was a pioneer in the development of the food diving fisheries in the mid-70鈥檚. The company then developed revolutionary open ocean ranching models that focus on sustainability practices and fitting into the natural ecology in beneficial ways.
Excel is nominated for Best Company and Best Workplace. The former recognizes the business that best demonstrates exceptional leadership, and has a proven track record of growth and profitability. The latter recognizes leadership in encouraging mental and physical health in employees through education, incentives and activities.
In a small town with fluctuation in economy and policies, Excel Career College has shown leadership, sustainability, growth and resiliency in many ways over the past 23 years.
In order to move on in the contest as a top 10 finalist, Manatee and Excel need as many votes as possible by Nov. 30. Visit www.sbbcawards.ca.
A small business is defined as less than 50 employees. Entrepreneurs can nominate themselves.
The top 10 nominees will be announced as finalists Dec. 13. They then submit an application which judges use to determine the top five finalists from each category, announced Jan. 31.
The winners will be awarded at ceremony Feb. 27 at the Pan Pacific Vancouver.
Winners will receive the Premier of B.C.鈥檚 $1,500 cash prize, a one-year all-access pass to Small Business BC education and experts, as well as business mentorship opportunities.
