BC’s Best Small Business Owners Announced at Celebration of Entrepreneurship

British Columbia - With over 400 small businesses representing 75 small towns and big

November 1, 2024 - After months of competing for one of the top titles in small business, the winners of the Small Business BC Awards were announced at tonight’s ceremony. 

The Small Business BC Awards is a celebration of entrepreneurship where entrepreneurs are recognized for their exceptional achievements and community contributions. 

“This year we celebrate 21 years of honouring the entrepreneurs that build our communities and make a difference in our everyday lives. Each year it gets more difficult to select the winners because of the incredible passion and creativity that drives them. We are so fortunate to support these entrepreneurs who inspire us each and every day,” says Small Business BC, CEO, Tom Conway.

“When British Columbia’s small businesses succeed, we all benefit,” says the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan). “PacifiCan is proud to work with partners like Small Business BC to support the ambitions of entrepreneurs across our province. On behalf of the Government of Canada, congratulations to all of today’s award winners and nominees. Your hard work, talent and resilience are creating good jobs and building strong communities that are propelling B.C. forward.”

To select the winners, 400+ nominees across 75 BC communities - big and small - ​ received more than 41,000 public votes. The top five in each award category pitched to a panel of judges why their business should win. The competition was then narrowed to the top three finalists and the winners were selected. The People’s Choice Award is decided exclusively by a public vote, after a normalization process to allow for regional population.

Business Impact Award Winner: Employ to Empower, Vancouver

Employ to Empower is a Vancouver-based charity that empowers people to overcome barriers through entrepreneurship by focusing on providing personalized support. They were selected as winners of the 2024 Business Impact Award, sponsored by BCAA Small Business Insurance, after being recognized for the difference they are making in their community and their commitment to creating positive change.

E-Commerce Experience Award Winner: Smoking Gun Coffee Roasters, Chilliwack

Smoking Gun Coffee Roasters offers locally roasted, ethically sourced, small-batch coffee, roasted in Chilliwack. They were honoured with the ​ E-Commerce Experience Award, sponsored by FortisBC for their successful e-commerce shopping platform that not only sells coffee and brew gear but provides a fun and unique online experience with appealing visuals and interesting information and recipes. Events like their annual virtual blind coffee tasting help the business maintain a personal connection with their customers. 

Best Youth Entrepreneur Award Winner: CAYA Health Centre, Vancouver

CAYA Health Centre is on a mission to create safe spaces that empower and support people in their journeys toward better mental, physical, and social health. The Best Youth Entrepreneur Award, sponsored by the Kwantlen Polytechnic University, shone a spotlight on Caya as the next generation of business leaders who have turned their passion into profit through grit, hustle, and ingenuity at a young age, 35 years and under. ​ 

People’s Choice Award Winner: ​ West Coast Karma, Comox Valley

Unique, comfortable clothing and accessories decorated with hand-drawn, nature-inspired designs, West Coast Karma proved the unwavering support and loyalty of their community. This Vancouver Island company gained more votes than any other business in this category, earning them the People’s Choice Award . 

For more information about the winners and photos, visit: smallbusinessbc.ca/awards.

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About Small Business BC

Small Business BC is an independent non-profit organization that exists to elevate every BC business. Our doors are open to everyone in BC, at every step of the business journey. Whether we offer the service you need or connect you to another source, our goal is the same – to help you succeed. smallbusinessbc.ca