Awards

Celebrate Indigenous Businesses

The NEDC Business Awards celebrate the accomplishments of Indigenous businesses on Vancouver Island.

Whether you are a small business owner or a sole proprietor running a business out of your home, managing a large staff of a community-owned enterprise, or you are growing a business from the ground up as an entrepreneur, these awards will recognize and celebrate your achievements.

The award categories allow for the unique strengths and diversity within the business community and recognize motivation, focus and achievable goals. The NEDC Indigenous Business Award recipients will serve as an example of excellence and inspiration while showcasing best practices to be shared amongst all business people, whether they are those already involved in business or those considering a business career.

Awards Categories

This award is to acknowledge successful businesses that are majority-owned and operated by an individual under the age of 36.

Judging Criteria: Financial Viability, Management, Marketing, Customer Service, Innovation, Business Exposure, Years of Operation

This award is to acknowledge businesses in operation less than 4 years.

Judging Criteria: Financial Viability, Management, Marketing, Customer Service, Innovation, Business Exposure, Years of Operation

This award acknowledges businesses demonstrating outstanding success.

Judging Criteria: Financial Viability, Management, Marketing, Customer Service, Innovation, Business Exposure, Community Involvement, Years of Operation

This award acknowledges entrepreneurs who have made significant & sustained contributions to the advancement of Indigenous business.

Judging Criteria: Financial Viability, Management, Marketing, Customer Service, Innovation, Business Exposure, Community Involvement, Years of Service

This award acknowledges innovative businesses that are leading through creativity & breakthrough thinking.

Judging Criteria: Financial Viability, Management, Marketing, Customer Service, Innovation, Business Exposure, Community Involvement, Years of Service

Nominate a deserving business for an NEDC Award

These awards will honour businesses in five categories. A committee will review the nominations and select the recipients in accordance with the awards’ criteria. The awards will be presented at an awards ceremony celebrating aspiring entrepreneurs and Indigenous business in our region.

Award Winners

2023 Best Sales Business

Naas Foods

Stephen Dennis

Tofino, BC
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2023 Best Service Business

Bright Smile Clear Skin

Melida Gus

Langford, BC
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2023 Best Youth-Owned Business

R Barker Contracting

Ryan Barker

Port Alberni, BC
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2023 Best New Business

Bare Bones Fish House & Smokery

Lance Dodding & Vishal Dewli

Port Alberni, BC
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2023 Business of the Year

Pearson Tire

Justine & Curtis Schmidt

Port Alberni, BC
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Previous Winners

2022
Best Retail Business
Ravensong Soap & Candle
Campbell River, BC
2022
Best Service Business
Salish Eye Productions
Chemainus, BC
2022
Business of the Year
Bigfoot Donuts
Food & Drink | Courtenay
2022
Best New Business
BillyBeauty Inc.
Retail, Professional Services | Port Alberni
2022
Best Youth-Owned Business
Cedar House Gallery
Retail | Ucluelet
2018
Best Youth-Owned Business
Van Isle Auto Brokers
2018
Business of the Year
Nuu-chah-nulth Seafood LP
Food & Drink | Port Alberni
2018
Best New Business
Iron Dog Books
Retail | Vancouver
2018
Best Arts & Cultural Business
Awatin Arts
Retail | Campbell River
2018
Special Recognition
EFC Business Services
Professional Services | Calgary
2018
Best Service Business
Promontory Hummingbird Child Care Centre
Professional Services | Chilliwack
2017
Best Youth-Owned Business
Ellis R Trucking
2017
Outstanding Business Achievement
Kaa-in Services Inc.
Professional Services | Port Alberni
2017
Best Environmental Business
Kleekhoot Gold Maple Syrup
Food & Drink | Port Alberni
2017
Outstanding Business Achievement
Tsawaayuus (Rainbow Gardens)
Tourism | Port Alberni
2017
Best New Business
Action Packed Charters
Tourism | Port Alberni
2017
Business of the Year
Kilshaw’s Auctioneers
Professional Services | Victoria