Small Business BC Opens Nominations and Voting for the 13th Annual Small Business BC Awards

VANCOUVER, Oct. 1, 2015 /CNW/ - Small Business BC, the province's premier resource centre for entrepreneurs, announces the official opening of the 13^th Annual Small Business BC Awards, recognizing the outstanding achievements of BC's entrepreneurs. Submissions are now open for 10 award categories, including a new award category for Best Apprentice Training.

The Small Business BC Awards are the most visible awards program in BC for small business owners and entrepreneurs. A key part of the Awards' mission is to celebrate the contributions new and existing businesses registered in BC, with fewer than 50 employees, make to their local communities and the global economy.

"Small business makes up 98 per cent of all businesses in the province and employs more than one million British Columbians," says George Hunter, CEO at Small Business BC. "These businesses are critical to the economic health of every community in BC and we are delighted to acknowledge those making a difference."

The contest is open for nominations and voting from October 1, 2015 to November 30, 2015. The public is invited to nominate their favourite small businesses for a Small Business BC Award. Entrepreneurs may also nominate themselves. Businesses can compete in the following award categories: 

Premier's People's Choice Sponsored by the Province of British Columbia	Best Emerging Entrepreneur Sponsored by Yellow Pages
Best Apprentice Training Sponsored by Industry Training Authority	Best Employer Sponsored by WorkSafeBC
Best Community Impact Sponsored by Vancity	Best International Trade Sponsored by Livingston International
Best Company Sponsored by Dell	Best Online Marketer Sponsored by Sage
Best Concept Sponsored by MNP LLP	Best Workplace Sponsored by WellnessFits

"Small businesses are the backbone of communities across BC," says Premier Christy Clark, "The Premier's People's Choice Award is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate a small business that goes the extra mile for its neighbours."

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 proud to once again be a part of the Small Business BC Awards. Small businesses are the economic drivers of our province and these awards recognize the hard-working and resourceful entrepreneurs in BC," said Bill Adams, Vice-President, Western and Pacific, IBC. "On behalf of IBC, I wish all the skilled nominees good luck in this year's competition."

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, 2015.

The Top 10 highest voted nominees in each category will be announced as finalists on December 11, 2015, and then go on to submit an application that judges will use to determine the Top 5 finalists from each category, announced on January 29, 2016. The Top 5 finalists will present a ten -minute Dragons' Den-style pitch to judges to prove themselves as one of BC's best.

The winners of each category will be announced at the Small Business BC Awards Ceremony on February 25, 2016 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.

About Insurance Bureau of Canada

Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is the national industry association representing Canada's private home, auto and business insurers. Its member companies make up 90% of the property and casualty (P&C) insurance market in Canada. For more than 50 years, IBC has worked with governments across the country to help make affordable home, auto and business insurance available for all Canadians. IBC supports the vision of consumers and governments trusting, valuing and supporting the private P&C insurance industry. It champions key issues and helps educate consumers on how best to protect their homes, cars, businesses and properties.

P&C insurance touches the lives of nearly every Canadian and plays a critical role in keeping businesses safe and the Canadian economy strong. It employs more than 118,000 Canadians, pays $6.7 billion in taxes 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, [email protected]