Six small-business awards you should know about
Six small-business awards you should know about
Raise your business’s profile at one of these annual ceremonies
Small-business owners devote a huge amount of time and energy to developing, launching and running their companies, and it’s important to recognize and celebrate those efforts and successes. Fortunately, there are numerous annual competitions that honour all the hard work that goes into being a Canadian entrepreneur.
Why enter an awards competition for entrepreneurs? It’s a great way to raise your business’s profile locally or even nationally, and entering offers excellent networking opportunities, allowing you to share your story and ideas with a wider audience.
Here are six to consider.
Established in 1992, the annual ceremony hands out a dozen awards recognizing business excellence and sustainability. To qualify, a business must have operated in Alberta (and still be in operation) for at least three years and must employ Albertans. Categories include Diversity Leadership, Young Entrepreneur, Woman Entrepreneur and a Premier’s Award of Distinction.
Deadline: October 31, 2017
These awards celebrate B.C. entrepreneurs who are contributing to their communities as well as the global economy. Nominees must be the founder and/or owner of the business, and their company must be a registered B.C. business. In addition to their award, winners receive a $1,500 prize and a one-year all-access pass to all Small Business BC seminars.
Deadline: November 30, 2017
Arguably the most prestigious award out there for entrepreneurs, this annual competition is open to the owner or CEO of a privately owned Canadian business that’s been in operation for at least three years. The awards are divided into five regions (Pacific, Prairies, Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic) – regional winners then compete nationally, and the national winner goes on to compete in EY’s global awards opposite winners from more than 60 countries worldwide.
Deadline: April 27, 2018
The 26th annual event takes place in 2018, and is open to women entrepreneurs whose businesses have been in operation for at least three full years by the application deadline. Categories include Micro-Business and the Staples Start-up Award, and honours are also handed out for Social Change (a registered charity or not-for-profit dedicated to social change) and Trailblazer.
Deadline: spring 2018
The annual awards celebrate entrepreneurial accomplishments, and also aim to strengthen and increase awareness of Canada’s entrepreneurial community. Next year, 17 awards – both regional (Atlantic, Quebec, BC, the North, Ontario, Prairies) and national – in four categories will be handed out, in categories that include Woman Entrepreneur, Senior Entrepreneur and Entrepreneur of the Year.
Deadline: summer 2018
2018 will mark the 18th annual event, which is presented by the Halifax Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by RBC. Nominees must have an active business located or operating in Halifax, and the company’s headquarters must be located in Nova Scotia. Categories include New Business, Export Business, Innovative Business and Business Leader of the Year.
Deadline: August 31, 2018