Do you have a favourite small local business that you're always telling your friends about? Are you the owner of a small business? Are you amazed by a local young entrepreneur, or by a small business that makes the online experience great?
If you answered "yes" to any of the above, then get ready to submit a nomination for the 21st annual Small Business BC Awards, open to businesses throughout the province.
鈥淭he Small Business BC Awards are an opportunity to celebrate and support all small businesses, whether they鈥檙e a mom and pop shop in a small town, or a burgeoning brand in an economic hub,鈥� says Small Business BC CEO Tom Conway. 鈥淲hat makes this awards competition so unique is that it creates an even playing field where entrepreneurs can prove the strength and impact of their sweat equity, no matter where they are in BC.鈥�
Nominations are now open, and run through Aug. 16, 2024 at . All small businesses across B.C. are eligible to be nominated in four award categories.
The Premier鈥檚 People鈥檚 Choice Award is presented to a B.C.-based small business that can demonstrate the unwavering and loyal support of their community, while the Business Impact Award is for a business owner who shows that it's not just about profit margins; it's also about making a difference in their community.
The E-Commerce Experience Award is for a small business that presents a great online experience for its customers, whether it's on a desktop or a mobile. The Best Youth Entrepreneur Award puts the spotlight on the next generation of business leaders who have taken the entrepreneurial plunge at a young age, and are busy turning their passion into profit through their hard work and ingenuity.
Anyone cam nominate a small business in any of the categories. Once a small business is nominated, they must gain as many public votes as possible for their business, leveraging all the creative channels they can to spread the word about the nomination. Businesses can be nominated for the People鈥檚 Choice Award, and in one additional award category.
The Premier鈥檚 People鈥檚 Choice Award is decided exclusively by a public vote, after a normalization process to allow for regional population.
In the other three categories, top five finalists are selected based on public vote (after normalization) and written responses judged by internal business experts. The five finalists in each category are then invited to make a presentation to a panel of judges and tell them why their business should win the award. The panel 鈥� comprised of past Small Business BC Awards winners, business professionals, and advisors 鈥� will then select the winners.
Along with the title of top small business in BC, more than $20,000 in prizes is available to be won across the four award categories. On Nov. 1, 2024, the 21st annual Small Business BC Awards winners will be celebrated at a reception at the Vancouver Convention Centre.
