2023 Key Business Award Nominations & Categories
The Greater Westside Board of Trade is excited to announce the launch of nominations for the 22nd annual Key Business Awards presented by Coast Capital.
The awards recognize excellence among business and non-profit organizations throughout the Greater Westside.
Businesses and non-profits can be nominated in 12 separate categories between September 11 and October 6. Those nominated will then take part in an interview with our independent judges to continue to the next stage of the process.
A business only needs to be nominated once to qualify per category and past winners from the previous three years are ineligible to win in the same category.
The finalists in each category were announced at at celebration lunch on January 25th.
CATEGORIES & AWARD WINNERS
Tourism & Hospitality-Sponsored by 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 Hero Security
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 Snap Photography
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 City of West Kelowna
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 TBC
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
Honors 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
This nominee is under 35 years of age and has demonstrated innovation through the establishment of a new business, product or idea or has introduced new concepts or strategies within an existing organization. They have developed a solid business plan that has led to individual and business success, including marketing and promotional strategies, product research, customer commitment, employee relations and community involvement.
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, stands behind its products and services, demonstrates a good value for the price and establishes good relationships with its customers.
Large Business –Sponsored by Pushor Mitchell
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.
Platinum Service Provider- Sponsored by Kelowna International Airport
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 Gorman Bros.
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.
Citizen of the Year
For a local businessperson who, through their personal vision, expertise, dedication, and performance in general 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
- 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