Call for Nominations! 2020

The Annual Key Business Awards, presented by the Greater Westside Board of Trade, recognize businesses, organizations and individuals located on the Greater Westside, who have achieved excellence in the community through their own abilities, efforts, and initiatives.

In a year of challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Greater Westside Board of Trade is providing an opportunity to highlight and recognize the West Kelowna and Westbank First Nation business community and the incredible individuals contributing to our community’s response and recovery!

This year we have added a couple of new awards plus a few changes to our previous Award Categories so please read carefully.

CATEGORIES

Tourism & Hospitality

A business, organization, or individual(s) that: supports the tourism and hospitality industries and actively encourages the growth of the Greater Westside as a must-see destination. The nominee offers and/or promotes an outstanding visitor experience and increases the visibility of the Greater Westside.

Technology and Innovation Award 

The Technology and Innovation Award recognizes a business that develops advanced or innovative technologies to meet the needs of industry. This business contributes to making the Greater Westside a strong and rapidly growing innovation economy, and is creating a positive impact in their industry and community.

Innovation: The winning business supports Research and Development to create advanced and innovative technology concepts, products, methods and services.

Adoption: The business demonstrates how the adoption of their technology has positively impacted the way organizations or industries are doing business.  This impact is apparent through elements such as increases in efficiency, revenue and economic development.

Collaboration: This business works with partners and organizations to promote the commercialization of advanced and innovative technology.

Arts and Entertainment Award

An individual, business, organization or a particular event that contributes to a vibrant community by celebrating arts, culture and/or heritage. Awarded for originality, ingenuity, and resourcefulness within the creative sector (music, dance, visual art, literature, decorative and applied Art).

Home Based Business of the Year

This award is presented to a business operating from home for more than 1 year, that has gained a positive reputation and demonstrates excellence in innovation management, marketing, customer service and integrity.  Business must have a valid business license on the Greater Westside.

Community & Public Service

An individual, group or non-profit organization whose participation in the community has significantly benefited others. The nominee has contributed by giving back to the community with time, product, donations and/or support.

Indigenous Business 

An Indigenous business that exemplifies entrepreneurship and demonstrates outstanding contribution to the ideals and vision of Indigenous people. The Indigenous owner must have a 51% or better share in the business.

New Business

Honours a new business (2 years or less from the date of incorporation or first day of operation) that is achieving outstanding business performance in a short period of time, demonstrates exceptional promise for continued growth and serves as an inspiration for other new businesses.

Entrepreneurial Spirit 

Demonstrated innovation through the establishment of a new business, product or idea or has introduced new concepts or strategies within an existing organization, has developed a solid business plan that has led to individual and business success and/or has sound business practices, including marketing and promotional strategies, product research, customer commitment, employee relations and community involvement. Including new businesses or new initiatives specifically related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Small Business – Service or Retail (under 15 employees)

A small business with less than 15 employees, the nominee has demonstrated excellence in quality, value, innovative marketing and customer service. This business is proactive in market trends, provides a variety of products, stands behind its products and services, demonstrates a good value for the price and establishes good relationships with its customers, or specifically during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Large Business – Service or Retail (16 + employees)

A large business more than 16 employees, the nominee has demonstrated excellence in quality, value, innovative marketing and customer service. This business is proactive in market trends, provides a variety of products, stands behind its products and services, demonstrates a good value for the price and establishes good relationships with its customers, or specifically during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Platinum Service Provider

A business that provides consistent service excellence, worthy staff and/or products that go above and beyond customer expectations to achieve that ultimate customer event. The business establishes trust by keeping clients well informed, offering proactive service and a positive, enjoyable experience.

Environmentally Sustainable Business

Created to recognize businesses and organizations that successfully implement environmentally sustainable practices as part of their overall business plan. The award aims to further educate business owners about the benefits of integrating green strategies in their business and activities that reduce energy and materials consumption and/or eliminates waste and pollution, and for either the continued or enhanced commitment to these principles throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Citizen of the Year

For a local businessperson who, through their personal vision, expertise, dedication, and performance in general or specifically related to the COVID-19 pandemic, has been an outstanding role model for business development and excellence.

Submit nomination forms online:

2020 KBA Nomination Form

Key Eligibility Rules:

• Nominees must have a business location in West Kelowna or WFN and a valid West Kelowna business license, except for “Citizen of the Year”
• Nominees for “Citizen of the Year” must be a West Kelowna or WFN resident, or be a volunteer/employee of a West Kelowna or WFN-based organization
• Self-Nominations ARE accepted
• An award may not be issued for every category, depending on the applications received
• A nominee may be issued an award for a category other than the one for which they were nominated
• A business or individual is ineligible to win the same award category more than once in three years