2020 may have been memorable for altogether different reasons, but before we all commenced social distancing, we held our 17th Annual Small Business BC Awards at the Vancouver Convention Centre. We didn’t realize it at the time, but due to the pandemic, it was the last time we held our Awards at this venue.

2020’s winners ranged from a Ultimate Frisbee program in Burnaby to an environmentally-friendly food company in Gibsons who turn food waste into tasty soups. Over the course of 5 months, over 600 small businesses were nominated, from 70 communities, with 35 elevator pitches to a set of industry experts which culminated in an Awards Gala with over 550 attendees at the Vancouver Convention Centre.

The Small Business BC Awards have been celebrating the success of small business owners for 17 years, shining a light on the hard-working and dedicated entrepreneurs in this province. In partnership with Canada Post, our 2020 awards gala hosted over 500 attendees at the Vancouver Convention Centre, honouring small business in our province.

17th Annual Small Business BC Award Winners

PREMIER’S PEOPLE’S CHOICE
​Presented by the Province of British Columbia
​
Griottes Polyglottes, Vancouver

Griottes Polyglottes offers to awaken the French in you. Griottes Polyglottes’ goals are to help you recover what you learned and to overcome your fear of speaking whilst having fun. Their method is based on acting and improvisation.

​BEST COMMUNITY IMPACT
​Presented by Vancity
​
Ginger Jars, Gibsons

Ginger Jars exist to lessen the impact of food waste on our communities, both environmentally and financially. Their goal is to curb waste from retail and farm cycles, and process usable product into healthy, delicious food.

BEST COMPANY ​
​Presented by Small Business BC ​
​
Twirling Umbrellas, Kelowna

Twirling Umbrellas is a digital agency – they focus on transforming brands through best-in-class digital experiences. They’ve helped hundreds of BC businesses ranging from exciting new start-ups to non-profits.

BEST EMPLOYER
​presented by ADP
​
​Emelle’s Catering, Vancouver

Emelle’s has been catering the Lower Mainland of BC for 20 years. By focusing on the basics like treating their staff right and being an inclusive employer, giving highly-custom and personal menus, and making food with fresh local ingredients.

BEST IMMIGRANT ENTREPRENEUR ​
​Presented by BDC
​​
High Beam Dreams,Gibsons

High Beam Dreams converted Gibsons United Church, with love and sweat, into an events space that serves the local community. With unique character and appealing design make it a perfect location for weddings, art and music events.

​BEST INNOVATION
​Presented by Western Economic Diversification Canada
​
Kinzoo, Vancouver

Kinzoo is a kid-friendly messenger app with an easy-to-use interface. Parents can rest assured that Kinzoo is a private space, with no advertising, you can exchange messages, videos and pictures.

BEST MARKETER
​Presented by Small Business BC
​
Emelle’s Catering, Vancouver

Emelle’s has been catering the Lower Mainland of BC for 20 years. By focusing on the basics like treating their staff right and being an inclusive employer, giving highly-custom and personal menus, and making food with fresh local ingredients.

​BEST YOUTH ENTREPRENEUR
​Presented by Kwantlen Polytechnic University ​
​
Elevate Ultimate, Burnaby

Elevate Ultimate provides high quality Ultimate Frisbee programs for kids aged 6-19. Their mission is to pass on skills and values that will transcend the field, such as sportspersonship, personal accountability, and open-mindedness.