BC's top entrepreneurs announced at Small Business BC Awards

BRITISH COLUMBIA, Feb. 28, 2014 /CNW/ - The top small businesses in British Columbia were announced last night as the winners of the 11^th annual Small Business BC Awards.  

The winners, in nine categories, proved their excellence by competing against 417 businesses from 55 communities throughout the province during the course of a rigorous five-month contest.

"This year's Small Business BC Awards were a tremendous success with record-breaking participation. The competition was tough and winning was a big achievement for those who came out on top. Congratulations to the winners and to all of the competitors who consistently showcase the talent and excellence that represents B.C.'s growing small business sector," said Bill Adams, IBC Vice-President, Western and Pacific.

In order for the winners to establish that they are truly among the best in B.C. each had to gain votes from the public to be shortlisted to the top ten, then submit an extended application detailing why they deserved to be named one of B.C.'s best. Once selected as a top five finalist, they went on to face a panel of judges, pitching their case as to why they should be awarded as a winner.

The businesses that proved to be top in BC are as follows:

Best Company: Save Everyday, Vancouver
Best Concept: Medeo Corporation, Vancouver
Best Employer: Fully Managed Inc., Vancouver
Best Green Business: Eclipse Awards International Inc., Vancouver
Best Online Marketer: Make It Productions Inc., Vancouver
Best Community Impact: Bamboletta Dolls Ltd., Cowichan Bay
Best Workplace: i-worx Enterprises Inc., North Vancouver
Best International Trade: Xanatos Marine Ltd., North Vancouver

The first-ever Premier's People's Choice Award was also handed out last night to Fruiticana Produce from Surrey, B.C. This award went to the company that proved they had the support of their community by receiving the most online votes.

"We created the Premier's People's Choice Award to recognize small businesses at the heart of their communities," said Premier Christy Clark. "Congratulations to Fruiticana Produce and to all the nominees. By expanding your businesses and spurring innovation, you are all contributing to the growing culture of entrepreneurship in British Columbia."

Premier Christy Clark and the Province of British Columbia are also sponsoring the Premier's Prize of $1500 cash to the winners of all nine award categories.

"The selection process was extremely tough with such strong, smart and innovative entrepreneurs representing our province," said CEO of Small Business BC, George Hunter. "We are extremely proud to help showcase the diverse talent and tremendous determination that exists amongst B.C.'s entrepreneurs. We congratulate the winners of the Small Business BC Awards and hope to see even more businesses recognized for their success next year."

The Small Business BC Awards Contest is hosted annually by Small Business BC to celebrate the top small businesses from across British Columbia. Small Business BC is a premier resource centre, providing entrepreneurs in B.C. with the information and guidance necessary to build a solid foundation for their business. More information on this year's winners can be found at www.sbbcawards.ca

Winning a Small Business BC Award can serve as a launching point for many small businesses, offering recognition, raising awareness and creating opportunities for exposure. Nominations for the Small Business BC Awards open on October 1, 2014; all businesses in B.C. are encouraged to participate 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.
Visit www.smallbusinessbc.ca

About Insurance Bureau of Canada: Insurance Bureau of Canada is the national industry association representing Canada's private home, car and business insurers. Its member companies represent 90% of the property and casualty (P&C) insurance market in Canada. The P&C insurance industry employs over 114,000 Canadians, pays more than $7 billion in taxes to the federal, provincial and municipal governments, and has a total premium base of $40 billion.

SOURCE: Insurance Bureau of Canada

Media Contact: Sara Couper, Communications Manager, Small Business BC, 604-775-5607, [email protected]