Business Awards of Distinction

Award Categories and Judging Process

To nominate yourself or your favorite business, see our Nominations Guidelines

1. Business of the Year

Sponsored by Columbia National Investments

This exceptional award will go to a business able to demonstrate outstanding leadership and vision, successful performance, substantial growth and is seen as an inspiration to other businesses in the community.

2. Best Home-Based Business Award

Sponsored by Wheatberries

The best home-based business award is given to a business operating a successful business from their home location. Must be in business longer than 12 months and registered locally or provincially as an active business on the Sunshine Coast.

3. The Peter Thomson Rising Star Award

Sponsored by Aspire

In honor of Peter Thomson this award will be presented to the business that has been in operation between 13 – 36 months that shows leadership, ingenuity and the promise of growth.

4. Innovation Leadership Award

Sponsored by Wakefield Homes

The Innovation Leadership Award is given to the organization that has demonstrated outstanding achievement in using innovative methods in their business including but not limited to the Internet and modern technology.

5. Young Entrepreneur in Business Award

Sponsored by Just Business Magazine

The Young Entrepreneur in Business Award is to showcase a local young person(s) who has successfully launched a new full time enterprise which has proven to be a productive and satisfying experience. The following eligibility criteria must be met for this award:

Owner/Owners must be less than 35 years of age
Demonstrates, through good business planning, a consistent growth and development pattern.

6. Customer Service Excellence Award

Sponsored by Gibsons Community Initiatives Association

Awarded to a business that provides a positive first impression to visitors to their company and consistently demonstrates a commitment to exceptional customer service to residents and visitors alike, practicing customer service consistently and sincerely.

7. Going Green Award

Sponsored by Town of Gibsons

The business has made a conscious effort to make their business environmentally friendly and sets an example for the business community. The recipient must meet all of the following criteria:

Makes an effort to purchase supplies locally
Practices water and energy conservation
Makes an effort to reduce, recycle and reuse in their daily business.

8. Tourism Ambassador Award

Sponsored by Community Futures

This award recognizes an individual, business or organization reflecting exceptional leadership in the Sunshine Coast tourism industry. Through their actions they help the Sunshine Coast realize distinction as a high quality tourism destination.

9. Community Spirit & Support Award

Sponsored by Sechelt Plumbing

This award honors business owners whose actions and decisions have made a positive impact on our community and who are making social responsibility a part of their daily operations.

10. Diversity Leadership Award

Sponsorsed by the Shishalh Nation

This award will be presented to the business that embraces diversity in their workforce through encouragement, respect and inclusion. By eliminating discrimination and barriers, the business creates a welcoming, respectful and inclusive workplace for all employees.