BC’s Top Small Business Awards Finalists Announced

British Columbia - With over 400 small businesses representing 75 small towns and big cities in BC, the top three finalists in four award categories have been announced as part of the annual Small Business BC Awards competition.

“We are so impressed by the variety of businesses represented in the top three finalists this year, from newcomers to veterans, spanning regions as small as Ucluelet and as large as Vancouver,” said Small Business BC CEO, Tom Conway. “Yet they all share a common thread; each has showcased their connection to their community and the meaningful impact they’ve made.”

After working to garner the support of their communities and gain as many votes as possible, the top five nominees in the E-Commerce Experience, Business Impact, and Best Youth Entrepreneur categories pitched to a panel of judges why their business should win. The competition was then narrowed to the top three finalists in those award categories. The Premier’s People’s Choice Award is decided exclusively by a public vote, after a normalization process to allow for regional population.

On November 1, 2024, the 21st Annual Small Business BC Awards winners will be awarded - over $20,000 in prizes amongst the four award categories - and celebrated at the Vancouver Convention Centre. Tickets are available now at smallbusinessbc.ca/awards.

Small Business BC Awards Finalists

Business Impact Award

The Business Impact Award is sponsored by BCAA Small Business Insurance and goes to the business owner(s) making a difference in their community. For this business, it’s not just about profit margins; it’s about purpose, passion, and a commitment to creating positive change.

Ahous Adventures, Tofino: Ahous Adventures invites visitors to explore Ahousaht territories through the lens of the people who have lived on and stewarded their lands and waters since time immemorial.

Employ to Empower, Vancouver: Employ to Empower is a Vancouver-based charity that empowers people to overcome barriers through entrepreneurship. They focus on providing personalized support.

Sea to Sky Sourdough BReD, Whistler: Sea to Sky Sourdough BReD is a plant-based bakery located in Whistler Creekside. They are a previous winner of the Best Youth Entrepreneur category. 

E-Commerce Experience Award

As Canadians increasingly turn to online shopping, the E-Commerce Experience Award, sponsored by FortisBC, goes to a small business that presents a frictionless experience for their customers online. Whether it’s on mobile or desktop, this business succeeds online and provides a best-in-class experience for their customers.

Atome Bakery, Vancouver: Atome Bakery is the first French-inspired artisan online bakery delivery company in North America, shipping ready-to-bake frozen sourdough bread and pastries to your door.

Sapiens Child Design Inc., Vancouver: Sapiens Child is a family-owned brand dedicated to crafting high-quality, Montessori-inspired furniture that's purpose-built for kids.

Smoking Gun Coffee Roasters, Chilliwack: Smoking Gun Coffee Roasters offers locally roasted, ethically sourced, small-batch coffee roasted in Chilliwack. 

Best Youth Entrepreneur

The Best Youth Entrepreneur Award, sponsored by the Kwantlen Polytechnic University, spotlights the next generation of business leaders who have taken the entrepreneurial plunge at a young age, 35 and under. These game-changers have turned passion into profit through grit, hustle, and ingenuity. 

Noble Yoga, Vernon: Noble Yoga is a yoga and integrative multi-sensory wellness studio and community hub. They offer an in-house retail boutique featuring premium yoga clothing.

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.

AWL Together Leather, Vancouver: Awl Together Leather is a custom leatherwork and shoe repair studio located in East Vancouver.

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 BC-based small business that can demonstrate the unwavering and loyal support of their community.

Mint Cleaning, Ucluelet: Mint Cleaning offers small-batch cleaning products that optimize results while being eco-friendly, all-natural and non-toxic. They are a previous winner of the E-Commerce Experience category. 

West Coast Karma, Comox Valley: Unique, comfortable clothing and accessories decorated with hand-drawn, nature-inspired designs. 

BAK’D Cookies, New Westminster: BAK’D cookies are not like your typical cookies. They are BIG cookies, made locally, with high quality ingredients.

For more information about the Small Business BC Awards finalists 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