Provincial Competition Kicks Off to Award BC’s Top Small Businesses

British Columbia—Small businesses across BC are invited to compete for BC’s biggest entrepreneurship awards as the 21st Annual Small Business BC Awards open for nominations. ​ 

Whether you’re a business owner, a fan of a local hangout, supporter of an amazing service, or inspired by an entrepreneurial undertaking—this is the moment to celebrate the businesses that impact our lives with a Small Business BC Award nomination. 

“The Small Business BC Awards are an opportunity to celebrate and support all small businesses, whether they’re a mom and pop shop in a small town, or a burgeoning brand in an economic hub,” said Small Business BC CEO, Tom Conway. “What 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.” 

“Everyone has their favourite small business that is more than just a business, it’s a community hub, where people can gather and make memories together,” said Brenda Bailey, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation. “The Small Business BC Awards are an excellent opportunity to tell the stories of our local small businesses and show them how important they are to our communities and all of us throughout B.C.”

All small businesses in BC can be nominated for the Small Business BC Awards, with nominations open until August 16, 2024 at sbbc.co/nominate. Nominations will be accepted in four award categories:

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.

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.

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.

Best Youth Entrepreneur

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

The Awards Process

Nominations

Award nominations are open until August 16, 2024. Nominations can be submitted at sbbc.co/nominate. Once a small business is nominated, they must gain as many public votes as possible for their business, leveraging all creative channels. Businesses can be nominated for the People’s Choice Award, plus one additional award category. Voting is collected on the SBBC website until August 16, 2024.

Top Five

The Premier’s People’s Choice Award is decided exclusively by a public vote, after a normalization process to allow for regional population. In the other three business pitch categories, Top 5 Finalists are selected based on public vote (after normalization) and written responses judged by internal business experts.

Winners

The Top Five businesses for the three Business Pitch categories will be invited to present to a panel of judges, pitching why their business should win the award. The panel of past Small Business BC Awards winners, business professionals, and advisors will then select the winners.

Prizes

Along with the title of top small business in BC, over $20,000 in prizes are to be won across the four award categories.

21st Annual Small Business BC Awards Reception

On November 1, 2024, the 21st Annual Small Business BC Awards winners will be awarded and celebrated at a reception at the Vancouver Convention Centre. Tickets go on sale in the Fall.

Sponsorship 

Sponsorship opportunities are available for the 21st Small Business BC Awards for partners who would like to give back to the entrepreneurial community. Investments are available to support the ​ Small Business BC Awards and the tens of thousands of entrepreneurs who come to Small Business BC for support. Learn more about sponsorship opportunities.

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About SBBC

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