BC’s top small business finalists announced for provincial awards contest

British Columbia - After receiving over 38,000 public votes, BC’s top small businesses have been announced as finalists in the Small Business BC Awards, an annual celebration of entrepreneurship.

The Small Business BC Awards, sponsored by Kwantlen Polytechnic University focus on honouring truly impactful businesses. For the past month, BC residents could both nominate their favourite businesses for an award and vote for the businesses creating the biggest impact in their community. The awards received 636 small business nominations in 88 communities across the province. Nominations represented businesses in a wide range of industries, from hospitality and service to technology and healthcare. 

“These awards are a testament to the dedication and perseverance of small businesses over the past two challenging years,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation. “I want to congratulate this year’s nominees and finalists for everything they’ve done for their communities across B.C. as we’ve worked through this pandemic. From implementing the B.C. vaccine card to shifting to online sales and services, small businesses have continually shown themselves to be a bright light in a challenging year. ​ As we celebrate the strength of entrepreneurs in all areas of this province, I invite all British Columbians to join me in supporting the small businesses in their communities.”

“From the number of votes received, it’s clear that BC residents appreciate how much small businesses have been through these past two years, and once again, they’ve come forward to show their support and appreciation,” says Small Business BC CEO, Tom Conway. “For these entrepreneurs, knowing they’re valued and appreciated by their communities is everything.” 

SBBC Business Impact Award - Top Five Finalists

The nominees for the SBBC Business Impact Award were narrowed down to the top 20 based on the most votes received, with a normalization process to allow for regional populations. An internal panel of business experts then judged the businesses to select the Top Five Finalists. 

This SBBC Business Impact Award, sponsored by Coast Capital Savings, 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. 

Amawilc, Mount Currie

Amawilc is a mindful business that consults with local companies, and non-profits to create policies that incorporate Indigenous ways of knowing and being, and practice decolonization.

Atlin Mountain Coffee Roasters, Atlin

Atlin Mountain Coffee Roasters roast organic specialty coffee with a conscience, offering coffees and blends from six origins, including a unique Whisky barrel aged coffee.

Friendly Composting Inc., Kamloops

Friendly Composting Inc. is a compost collection and local food delivery service that collects residential and commercial food scraps to turn into nutrient rich soil.

Lil’ Ronnie’s BBQ, Tofino

Lil’ Ronnie’s is a true wood fire BBQ & live music restaurant, providing a venue for people to enjoy delicious food and live music. 

Nature Bee, Saanichton 

Nature Bee produces beeswax wraps using locally-sourced materials to serve as an eco-friendly alternative to single-use plastics. 

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. A panel of past SBBC Award winners, business professionals and advisors will then select the winner, and the first and second place runners up. 

Premier’s People’s Choice Award - Top Five Finalists

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 by gaining the most online votes.

Afrofusion, Kamloops 

Afrofusion is a Black-owned business that provides tasty African and western cuisine to the people of Kamloops and beyond.

Meraki Beauty Bar, Burnaby 

Meraki Beauty Bar offers a range of cosmetic services, including permanent makeup, as well as training for new makeup artists. 

Nature Bee, Saanichton ​ 

Nature Bee produces beeswax wraps using locally-sourced materials to serve as an eco-friendly alternative to single-use plastics. ​ 

Soul Bite Food Inc., Coquitlam

Soul Bite Food Inc. produces a range of vegan foods inspired by traditional recipes from Eastern Europe and the Middle East. 

Tardigrada Design Studio, Vancouver ​ ​ 

Tardigrada Design Studio works with individuals and businesses to create multi-disciplinary designs that transform ideas into vibrant results.

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.

Small Business BC Awards Virtual Gala

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.

Prizes

The SBBC Business Impact Award category prizes include:

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. 

As the leading entrepreneurial awards competition in British Columbia, the Small Business BC Awards not only recognize the outstanding achievements of local entrepreneurs, they also provide a powerful platform for future success.

For more information about the Small Business BC awards and to nominate a small business in your community, visit smallbusinessbc.ca/awards.

Access our SBBC Awards community kit with digital assets for web and social at smallbusinessbc.ca/awards/get-involved/.

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About Small Business BC

Small Business BC provides entrepreneurs with the information and guidance necessary to build a solid foundation for their business. Through a wide range of products, services, education and resources there’s a piece that fits with every business. No matter what stage or what skill level, when an entrepreneur finds themselves asking “How do I…?” Small Business BC is the one to call.