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

BRITISH COLUMBIA, Oct. 1, 2014 /CNW/ - Small business owners have the opportunity to be recognized as one of BC's top entrepreneurs for their contribution to their local community and to the global economy as part of the Small Business BC Awards.

The Small Business BC Awards celebrate the top small businesses and rising stars across British Columbia. With ten diverse award categories this year, there's one suited for every entrepreneur – whether they own a company operating for over 15 years or they're still creating a business plan.

The contest is open for nominations from October 1, 2014 to November 30, 2014. The public is invited to nominate their favourite small businesses, defined as less than 50 employees, for a Small Business BC Award. Entrepreneurs may also nominate themselves. Business owners can compete in the following award categories:

Best Company sponsored by TELUS	Best Workplace sponsored by WellnessFits
Best Concept sponsored by MNP	Best International Trade sponsored by Livingston International
Best Employer sponsored by WorkSafeBC	Premier's People's Choice sponsored by the Government of British Columbia
Best Online Marketer sponsored by Sage	*Best Immigrant Entrepreneur sponsored by S.U.C.C.E.S.S.
Best Community Impact sponsored by Vancity	*Best Emerging Entrepreneur sponsored by Futurpreneur and the Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation
*This year's new award categories

New this year is the Best Emerging Entrepreneur Award, which recognizes a young individual who contributes to the social, cultural and economic well-being of their communities. This individual has demonstrated community leadership and entrepreneurial initiative, and has a strong vision for change. Also added this year is the Best Immigrant Entrepreneur Award, which recognizes an outstanding new Canadian who has started a successful business in BC. This individual has overcome adversity, exhibits leadership both in their community and within their business, and has strong track record of business growth.

"Every year we strive to increase the impact of the SBBC Awards so we can better support and celebrate BC small business owners. This year, we're pleased to add two new award categories," says George Hunter, CEO at Small Business BC. "Our small business community is driven by hard working committed individuals from diverse backgrounds who understand both the value of community and the opportunity to live and work in our wonderful province. That's why we felt it important to add the categories Best Emerging Entrepreneur Award and Best Immigrant Entrepreneur Award to the contest."

Each award winner will receive the Premier's Prize of $1,500 cash, a one-year All-Access Pass to Small Business BC education and resources, and one-on-one business mentorship opportunities with notable advisors from the award sponsors.

"IBC is pleased to be a part of the Small Business BC Awards which recognize the strength and talent of entrepreneurs. Small businesses are one of the key drivers of the economy and job creation – which is why we're delighted to have been lead sponsor of this event for the last six years," says Bill Adams, IBC Vice-President, Western and Pacific.

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, 2014.

The top 10 highest voted nominees in each category will be announced as finalists on December 12, 2014, then go on to submit an application which judges will use to determine the top five finalists from each category, announced on January 30, 2015. The top five finalists will present a ten-minute Dragons' Den-style pitch to judges to prove themselves to be one of BC's best.

The winners of each category will be announced at the Small Business BC Awards Ceremony on February 26, 2015 at the Pan Pacific Vancouver Hotel.

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.

To view media releases and other information, visit the media section of Small Business BC's website at www.smallbusinessbc.ca. Follow SBBC on Twitter @smallbusinessbc or like us on Facebook.

About Insurance Bureau of Canada
Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is pleased to celebrate 50 years as a valuable resource for insurance information. Since 1964, IBC has been working with governments across Canada to make our communities safer, championing issues that directly affect Canadians and the property and casualty (P&C) insurance industry. IBC is the national industry association representing Canada's private home, car and business insurers. Its member companies represent 90% of the P&C insurance market in Canada. The private P&C insurance industry employs over 118,600 Canadians, pays more than $7 billion in taxes and levies to the federal, provincial and municipal governments, and has a total premium base of $48 billion.

SOURCE: Insurance Bureau of Canada

Media Contact: Mark Blendheim, Communications Manager, Small Business BC, Direct: 604-775-5607 | Cell: 604-339-4759, [email protected]