Why Take Part
The Small Business BC Awards are Western Canada’s largest awards competition devoted to small business. Each year our Awards celebrate the hard-working entrepreneurs that make our province such a special place. In 2022, our Awards will feature two categories: The Business Impact Award, and our returning Premier’s People’s Choice Award. Nominations and voting run from January 20 to February 28, and we’ll be announcing our winners in a virtual ceremony on April 28.
Taking part is easy, and our nominees can look forward to the following perks:
Prize Money
Our finalists and winners will split a prize pool worth $15,000.
Business Clarity
Discover key insights and tips to help grow your business.
Brand Exposure
Access powerful marketing opportunities just by taking part.
Community Connection
Meet and learn from entrepreneurs and mentors in your industry.
Support Throughout Event
Nominees receive ongoing support from SBBC staff throughout.
Finalist Prize Package
Finalists receive free SBBC education, media shareables and more.
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Lynn-Marie Angus of Sisters Sage highlights the importance of community in their inspiring Best Community Impact win in 2021.
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FAQs
How are SBBC Award winners chosen?
To win the contest, you must be the top performer in the following stages of the contest:
Nomination Application and Voting: The Top 5 companies in our Business Impact Award will be decided on based on a combination of the number of votes received as well as the content of their application. This is why it’s important to get your network involved right away! Our Premier’s People’s Choice Award is decided entirely by a public vote.
Top 5 Finalists: The Top 5 Finalists in our Business Impact Award will be required to make a ten minute pitch to a panel of business experts, explaining why their business trumps the other finalists in the category. If you can convince the judges that your business really is the best, then you’ll be selected as the winner.
How will judges assess my nomination?
When completing your nomination, the answers you provide will be examined as part of our judging process, along with your votes, to determine the top 5 finalists in each category. Don’t be shy in sharing your successes!
I live in a small town. How can I compete with businesses in big cities?
We understand that all BC communities are different sizes and that different businesses have different sized networks. To level the playing field, votes will be normalized against British Columbia Regional District Population Figures.
Once my business is nominated, how do I get votes?
Once your business is nominated you’ll be given a dedicated page on this site where you can send your supporters to vote for you. Brag about your business through social media, e-mail and on-site promotions. Let your customers, employees and colleagues know about your nomination through whatever ways you can think of. Shout it out from the rooftops!
Why are there only two award categories this year?
In the 2022 Small Business BC Awards, there are 4 opportunities to win a cash prize.
Our Business Impact Award has prizing for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place and the Premier’s People’s Choice is awarded to one winner.
This format provides more value to our winners with a total prize pool of $15,000! Our nomination criteria also ensures the vast majority of BC-based small businesses qualify for participation.
Learn More About the Awards
Dive into our SBBC Awards articles and find key tips for preparing your nomination, inspiration from previous winners and all the information you need to find success.