Small Business BC Awards Seeking Nominations for BC's Best Small Businesses

BRITISH COLUMBIA, Oct. 1, 2013 /CNW/ - Small business owners have the opportunity to be recognized as top entrepreneurs in British Columbia for their contributions to their local communities and to the global economy as part of the Small Business BC Awards.

The Small Business BC Awards, previously known as the Successful You Awards, celebrate the top small businesses across British Columbia. With nine diverse award categories, there's one to suit every entrepreneur - whether they've been in operation for 15 years or they're still creating a business plan.

The public is invited to nominate a local small business, defined as less than 50 employees, for a Small Business BC Award. Entrepreneurs can also nominate themselves. The contest is open for nominations from October 1, 2013 to November 30, 2013.

"Every year we strive to increase the impact of the SBBC Awards so we can better support and celebrate the successes of BC small business owners. This year, we're pleased to have added three new award categories and significantly increased the prizing with the support of our sponsors," says Small Business BC CEO, George Hunter. "Every entrepreneur should consider nominating their business for an award because everyone who participates in this contest will benefit from exclusive access to business education, tools and resources to help them succeed, and of course, have the chance to be celebrated."

New this year is the Premier's People's Choice Award which recognizes the business that receives the most support from their community. The winner of this award will receive formal recognition from the Premier of British Columbia.

All awards winners will receive a Premier's Prize of $1,500 cash, a one-year all-access pass to Small Business BC education and experts, as well as business mentorship opportunities.

"IBC is thrilled to see the Small Business BC Awards grow again this year. Small businesses are one of the key drivers of the economy and job creation. An expanded awards program recognizes the importance of celebrating this vital role," says Bill Adams, IBC Vice-President, Western and Pacific. IBC is proud to return as title sponsor of the Small Business BC Awards for the fifth consecutive year.

Nominations open on October 1, 2013. Business owners can compete in the following award categories:

Best Company sponsored by TELUS	Best Community Impact sponsored by Vancity
Best Concept sponsored by MNP	Best Green Business sponsored by Small Business BC
Best Employer sponsored by WorkSafeBC	Best International Trade Business sponsored by Livingston International
Best Online Marketer sponsored by SageOne	Best Workplace sponsored by WellnessFits

All nominated business owners will be tasked with gaining as many votes as possible through social media, word of mouth, e-mail or any other means possible by November 30, 2013.

The top 10 highest voted nominees in each category will be announced as finalists on December 13, 2013, then go on to submit an application which judges will use to decide the top five finalists from each category, announced on January 31, 2013.  The top five finalists will present a ten-minute pitch to judges to prove themselves to be one of the best in BC.

The winners of each category will be announced at the Small Business BC Awards Ceremony in February 2013, at the Pan Pacific Vancouver.

More details on the Small Business BC 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.
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 approximately 90% of the private property and casualty insurance market in Canada. The P&C insurance industry employs 118,600 Canadians, pays more than $7 billion in taxes to the federal, provincial and municipal governments, and has a total premium base of $46 billion.

 

SOURCE: INSURANCE BUREAU OF CANADA

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