2016-2017 Small Business BC Awards
On February 23, 2017 we announced the ten winners of the 14th Annual Small Business BC Awards at the Pan Pacific.
With a room full of entrepreneurs and small business influencers we celebrated the best businesses of our province and how much small business contribute to our economy.
2016-17 Small Business BC Award Winners
Premier’s People’s Choice
Sponsored by the Government of British Columbia
Sea to Sky Air, Squamish was created so that you don’t have to be a seasoned hiker, a backpacker, or a bold adventurer to experience the super, natural Squamish attractions that lay in our protected parks, ecological reserves, and conservancies. In their small aircraft and floatplanes everyone has the chance to experience the enjoyment of being amongst ancient mountains, plateaus, valleys, lakes, rivers, fjords, and wetlands, without the need for expert knowledge or backcountry equipment. They hope that once you see what’s out there you’ll want to protect it, too.
Best Apprentice Training
Sponsored by the ITA and KPU
Ironside Design Manufacturing Inc., Chilliwack started as a blacksmith shop in 1902. In 1965, they established their self as the leading supplier of complete pipe manufacturing systems in the corrugated steel pipe industry, after designing one of the world’s first machines to make helical lock-seam pipe. Today, Ironside is a well-known manufacturing facility of a wide variety of products, known for their reliability and long service life, enabling their operators to run efficient and profitable pipe factories around the world. While still maintaining its Parts & Repair Division that serves the metal-working needs of their local community.
Best Community Impact
Sponsored by Vancity
Rainbow’s Roost, Kamloops, is a farm dedicated to people rediscovering the fun and health benefits of outdoor activities, and healthy eating. With busy and hectic lives, people have forgotten how to be healthy. The result is epidemic health issues in Canada, and around the world. They hope that by educating and empowering their visitors they will counteract this epidemic.
Best Company
Sponsored by Sage
Rocky Point Ice Cream, Port Moody produces hand-crafted, small batch ice cream using as many local ingredients as possible. A family business committed to providing a superior product, exceptional customer service, while supporting their community.
Best Concept
Sponsored by Rogers
Winecrush, Penticton collects the left-over material from local winery’s after they press their grapes for their finest vintages, dehydrate it and mill it into a fine powder and infuse it into unique food products. This process keeps plant material out of landfills and gives vineyards a break from the complexities of composting.
Best Employer
Sponsored by TruShield
Central Kitchen + Bar, Kelowna is a gastropub focused on people first. Their vision is to create a third place away from home and work where their guests can celebrate food, drink and watch other in comfort, all while building a community. At Central Kitchen + Bar, they recognize that the whole is no greater than the sum of its parts and that their business’s success is dependent on individuals they hire who they inspire and help develop into their best selves.
Best Immigrant Entrepreneur
Sponsored by Small Business BC
Lilián Cazacu Notary Corporation, Langley is committed to providing valuable solutions to everyday legal needs by building authentic relationships through a personable approach and an excellent service.
Lilián Cazacu moved to Canada 10 years ago without speaking any English, but with a passionate desire to give his family a better future in Canada. Since his degrees, both Master and Ph.D. in Law, were not accepted in Canada, he went back to school to get another Master in Legal Studies at SFU, and started his Notary practice. After two years in business, his company now has five employees and continues to grow each year.
Best Innovation
Sponsored by BC Innovation Council
Terramera, Vancouver, Terramera makes it possible to move away from damaging chemicals in pesticides and fertilizers. Their naturally sourced, proven-effective, plant based products transform agriculture for sustainability in the modern era. Their aim: to make homes, food, and farming safer, healthier, and more abundant for our world.
Best International Trade
Sponsored by UPS Canada
Wize Monkey, Vancouver
Wize Monkey sources their unique Coffee Leaf Tea from their third founder’s farm in Nicaragua. They are the world’s first vertically integrated coffee or tea company as they manage the product from “Earth to Cup” and it is entirely traceable.
Best Marketer
Sponsored by Yellow Pages
The Argosy, Prince Rupert is an ever-evolving space, showcasing local art and artisans and celebrating the spirit that makes the west coast great. With funky found and re-purposed items you might not see anywhere else, as well as that unique piece of furniture or a Persian carpet for your floors, The Argosy is that unusual treasure you won’t come across anywhere else.
Proving Excellence
The winners had proved their excellence during the course of a five-month rigorous contest where they gained votes from the public, submitted an application and pitched to a panel of judges.
“This year, we saw an incredible level of participation in the Small Business BC Awards. Their efforts to build a vibrant economy in B.C. deserve the respect of all British Columbians and the Small Business BC Awards are the best way to celebrate and acknowledge their success and contribution,” commented George Hunter, CEO, Small Business BC