The pandemic has taken its toll on businesses across the globe, perhaps none have felt the results of restrictions more than small, independent businesses. For all of those that have been affected, and even closed their doors, there are amazing stories of adaptation, perseverance, success, and community spirit all across BC.
Small Business BC (SBBC) has recently announced the winners of its 18th Annual Small Business BC Awards, highlighting great stories from British Columbia entrepreneurs. As this year has been anything but status quo, SBBC adapted its usual in-person Awards Gala to an online celebration spread across 4 days in early May.
Over the virtual celebration six deserving winners were announced, capping a competition that saw 937 award nominations in88 communities across BC narrowed down by public vote to spectacular shortlists. The shortlisted businesses then made their virtual pitches to the SBBC Awards judging panel, who had the difficult task to select just one winner in five of the award categories; Best Community Impact, Best Immigrant Entrepreneur, Best Innovation, Best Solopreneur, Best Youth Entrepreneur. The six category, Premier’s People’s Choice award is voted on by the public.
After watching the nominee video biographies, it must have been a hard task for the judges to select just one winner from each category.
The winners of the 2021 Small Business BC Awards are;
Best Community Impact: Sister Sage – Vancouver BC
Best Immigrant Entrepreneur: Charcuterie Vancouver – Vancouver BC
Best Innovation: Matador – Vancouver BC
Best Solopreneur: Jada Creations – Terrace, BC
Best Youth Entrepreneur: Sea to Sky Sourdough BReD
Premier’s People’s Choice: Bigfoot Donuts, Courtenay BC
Visit smallbusinessbc.ca to watch the awards show broadcasts, the nominee and winners’ biographies, and to learn more about what Small Business BC does to support small business and entrepreneurs in your community.