VANCOUVER, B.C., Nov. 10, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- There are only three weeks left to submit nominations for the 15th Annual Small Business BC Awards, presented by Small Business BC and Canada Post.
So far, there are over 400 nominees from communities across British Columbia, including Summerland, Terrace, Coquitlam, Victoria and beyond.
Nominations for the largest small business awards contest in the province are open until November 30, 2017, so there is still time to nominate in one of the following 10 categories:
| Premier’s People’s Choice Sponsored by the Province of British Columbia | Best Apprentice Training Sponsored by Industry Training Authority |
| Best Community Impact Sponsored by Vancity | Best Company Sponsored by Sage |
| Best Concept Sponsored by Rogers | Best Employer Sponsored by TruShield |
| Best Immigrant Entrepreneur | Best Innovation |
| Best International Trade Sponsored by UPS | Best Marketer |
Nominated business owners are tasked with gaining as many votes as possible through social media, word of mouth, e-mail or any other means possible.
Each award winner will receive the Premier’s Prize of $1,500 cash, a one-year All-Access Pass to Small Business BC education products and services, and access to the amazing marketing and PR opportunities that the awards present.
“The hardworking entrepreneurs who create and operate small businesses are so critical to our communities and economy,” said Lise Côté, General Manager of Consumer & Small Business Marketing at Canada Post. “Canada Post is proud to partner with them, knowing that their success makes our company and our country stronger.”
But the celebrations do not stop there. This year for the first time, Small Business BC, the Province of British Columbia and the Small Business Roundtable are also encouraging members of the public to nominate their community for the Open for Business Awards. The Open for Business Awards recognize the communities that best demonstrate they are promoting and adopting business friendly initiatives in their region.
“We are delighted to see the nominations coming in for the Open for Business Awards, in many of the communities we work with across the province,” says George Hunter, CEO at Small Business BC. “We see first-hand the impact a thriving community can have on a business, and we’re excited to celebrate that.”
“Small businesses continue to drive B.C.'s strong, sustainable economy and create good jobs for British Columbians across the province,” says Premier John Horgan, “It's important to recognize leaders and innovators in small business for their contributions to our province, and I am delighted to support this year's awards and the work of Small Business BC.”
The winners will be announced at the Small Business BC Awards Gala on February 23, 2018 at the Vancouver Convention Centre.
More details on what happens after nominations are submitted for both the Small Business BC Awards and Open for Business Awards can be found at www.sbbcawards.ca.
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.
About Canada Post
Canada Post is Canada's primary postal operator, providing service to more than 16 million addresses and delivering nearly 8.4 billion items in 2016. They are committed to providing innovative physical and electronic delivery solutions that create value for customers, small business and Canadians.
About the Province of British Columbia
The B.C. government recognizes that small businesses are the heart and soul of our communities, and the backbone of our economy. Small business plays a vital role in developing both the economic and social fabric of our province. The Small Business Branch, through the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training, is committed to supporting and developing small businesses throughout the province in every stage of the business lifecycle. It’s part of our goal to make B.C. the most small-business friendly jurisdiction in Canada.
About the Small Business Roundtable
The permanent Small Business Roundtable was established in 2005 to engage in a dialogue with small business owners to identify the key issues and opportunities facing small businesses in British Columbia, and to develop recommendations for small business and government on strategies to enhance small business growth and success.