2021 Key Business Award Nominations & Categories

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.

The 20th Annual Key Business Awards, presented by the Greater Westside Board of Trade, recognizes businesses, organizations and individuals located on the Greater Westside, who have achieved excellence in the community through their own abilities, efforts, and initiatives

CATEGORIES

Tourism & Hospitality- Kelly O’Bryan’s

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 – Sponsored by TBC

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.

Arts and Entertainment- Sponsored by Hergott Law

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- Sponsored by TBC

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-Sponsored by TBC

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 – Sponsored by Westbank First Nation

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-Sponsored by WK Group LLP

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.

Young Entrepreneur of the Year – Sponsored by TBC

An entrepreneurial individual, aged 40 or under who has been in business for at least 1 year, demonstrating exceptional leadership.

Small Business – Sponsored by TD Benefits

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 and services, stands behind its products and services, demonstrates a good value for the price and establishes good relationships with its customers, specifically during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Large Business –Sponsored by TBC

A large business with 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, specifically during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Platinum Service Provider-Sponsored by TBC

A business that provides consistent service excellence, exceptional 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- Sponsored by TBC

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.

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