Tell Us Your Story. What motivated you to start your business? Why are you passionate about what you do?

City Sports + Physio began its journey in 1981 as a small, private physiotherapy clinic founded by two passionate physiotherapists. Their vision was clear: to provide dedicated care to individuals recovering from injuries sustained in both work and recreational activities, filling a critical gap left by the limitations of the public health system. Over the years, our clinic has evolved significantly. What started with just two physiotherapists has now grown into a multidisciplinary team of 13 physiotherapists, 5 massage therapists, 3 kinesiologists, and 1 pilates instructor. This expansion mirrors the increasing demand for specialized healthcare services in our community. What motivates us at City Sports + Physio is our unwavering commitment to helping our clients regain and maintain their physical health and well-being. We are driven by the challenges our patients face in their journey towards recovery and rehabilitation. Every success story, every milestone achieved, reaffirms our dedication to what we do. In today's landscape, the demand for our services is greater than ever. With a Primary Care Physician shortage and an aging population that values staying active, more people come to us first, as their primary care practitioner. We are not just treating injuries; we are empowering our clients with the knowledge and tools to proactively manage their health. Our passion lies in making a difference in people's lives. Whether it's enabling an athlete to return to their sport, aiding in the recovery of a workplace injury, or supporting an older adult in maintaining their mobility and independence, we are privileged to be part of our clients' journeys to better health. At City Sports + Physio, we believe in personalized care and evidence-based practice. Our team is dedicated to staying at the forefront of our field, constantly learning and adapting to ensure we provide the highest standard of care possible. Our motivation to start and grow this business stems from a deep-seated commitment to improving the lives of those we serve. We are driven by the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in our community, helping individuals of all ages and backgrounds achieve their health and wellness goals. And it shows in the longevity of some of our patients who have been with us for 25+ years. This is why we are passionate about what we do at City Sports + Physio—because every day, we have the privilege of helping others live their best lives.

Describe and demonstrate, including metrics, your community support. How do you support and uplift your community, and how do they show that support in return? Minimum 25 words, maximum 2500 characters.

We are committed to uplifting our community through various initiatives focused on health and well-being. Pro Bono Services: Since 2016, we’ve partnered with Covenant House Vancouver to provide pro bono physiotherapy for homeless youth. These individuals face complex challenges and require specialized care. Our trauma-informed care addresses their needs & helps them manage their health proactively, ensuring access to quality care that might otherwise be out of reach. Educational Workshops: We offer regular workshops on injury prevention, rehabilitation exercises, and health maintenance for local businesses and offices in the downtown core. These sessions empower individuals with practical knowledge and skills, fostering a healthier and more informed community. Partnerships with Local Organizations: Since 1996, we have supported the annual Beach Soccer Blast tournament on Spanish Banks Beach by providing emergency first aid and athletic taping. This event also serves as a mentorship opportunity for UBC physiotherapy students, allowing them to gain hands-on experience. Donations from our taping services benefit Kidsport, a charity that ensures all children can participate in sports. Trail Maintenance: Before the COVID-19 pandemic, we adopted the “Bridle Path” trail on Mount Seymour with the North Shore Mountain Bike Association. We organized six maintenance days each year, working with local trail builders. Post-pandemic, we continue to host 1-2 trail days annually to maintain the trails. Many of our clients and staff enjoy outdoor activities in the North Shore mountains, so this effort helps us give back to our local environment. Winter Shoe Drive: For 20 years, we’ve organized an annual shoe drive. Our staff and clients donate shoes and boots, which we distribute to downtown eastside shelters. This initiative provides essential footwear to those in need during the colder months. Support for Our Professions: We ensure all our therapists are members of their provincial associations: the Physiotherapy Association of BC, the Massage Therapy Association of BC, and the BC Association of Kinesiologists. These organizations advocate for high standards of care & represent our interests to government bodies & the public. By maintaining our membership, we support their efforts to promote quality healthcare. Our community supports us by referring over 65% of our clientele and leaving more than 300 five-star Google reviews.

Why do you deserve to win the Business Impact award?

City Sports + Physio deserves to win the Small Business BC "Business Impact Award" due to our significant contributions to the community, our dedication to fostering an inclusive and respectful workplace, and our impactful initiatives that align with the core values of the award. We are leaders in promoting health and well-being in the city, benefiting our community and setting a standard for how small businesses can positively impact our society. As a small business with no HR team, no IT team, and no marketing team, all of our business in run by us, the healthcare professionals who help our clients. Winning this Business Impact will assist us in being able to hire another small business to help with some internal marketing and IT efforts we have been putting off due to lack of resources.

Tell Us About Your Culture. How are you creating a sustainable and healthy workplace where everyone feels welcome? Provide examples of leadership you show in interactions with clients, vendors, contractors, staff and others.

Our culture is centered on fostering a respectful, diverse, and inclusive environment for all whether you are a staff member, a patient, or a vendor. Everyone feels welcome. Examples of Leadership in Our Interactions: 1. Training and Education: o Respect in the Workplace: All our staff undergo training with Respect Group Inc., completing their “Respect in the Workplace” online course. This training equips our team with the skills to interact with colleagues and clients in a respectful and inclusive manner. o Diversity and Inclusion: We also provide our staff with LGBTQ2+ Diversity and Inclusion Training from the Canadian Diversity Initiative. This ensures that our workplace is supportive of all identities and experiences. 2. Respectful Client Care: o Our downtown core location attracts a diverse clientele, representing a wide range of religions, races, genders, and ages. We are committed to treating all individuals with the same level of respect and care that we would expect for ourselves. This commitment ensures that every client feels valued and respected. 3. Inclusive Environment: o We actively promote a culture of inclusivity within our team. By integrating comprehensive training and maintaining a focus on diversity, we ensure that all interactions—whether with clients, vendors, or staff—are conducted with sensitivity and respect. 4. Mentorship: o We lead by example. Our in-house mentorship program for therapists helps build strong skills, knowledge and sound healthcare. This approach helps build strong, collaborative relationships and fosters a positive, supportive environment for everyone involved. Through these efforts, we create a workplace that not only meets the diverse needs of our clientele but also supports the well-being and inclusion of our entire team.