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 featured two categories: The Business Impact Award, and our returning Premier’s People’s Choice Award.
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.
“Winning an SBBC Award has opened so many doors for us”
Learn how Ed and Natasha Tatton of Whistler’s BReD found new opportunities after winning our 2021 Best Youth Entrepreneur Award
BReD
Best Youth Entrepreneur Award Winner, 2021
“I never thought our little business could win something like this”
Lynn-Marie Angus of Sisters Sage highlights the importance of community in their inspiring Best Community Impact win in 2021.
Sisters Sage
Award Winner, 2021
“I love the idea of bringing people together and creating community”
Discover how Sadaf Rahimi leaned on BC’s Afghan community to propel Charcuterie Vancouver to our Best Immigrant Entrepreneur Award in 2021.
Charcuterie Vancouver
Best Immigrant Entrepreneur Award Winner, 2021
“I create to celebrate my culture and this process of creation has given me meaning”
Read the incredible story of Jaimie Davis, founder of Jada Creations and our Best Solopreneur Award winner 2021.
Jaimie Davis
Best Solopreneur Award Winner, 2021
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.