The 2011 British Columbia Aboriginal Business Awards

Submissions accepted until September 30, 2011
Please be sure that your submission/nomination is in the office of the BC Achievement Foundation on or before September 30, 2011.

For tips on completing a BC Aboriginal Business Award Submission, please click here.

Download Submission Form (pdf, 967k)


The British Columbia Aboriginal Business Awards celebrate the accomplishments of the province's Aboriginal business sector and its contribution to the economy of British Columbia.

These awards honour business acumen in seven categories. An independent jury of Aboriginal business experts review the nominations and select the recipients in accordance with the awards' criteria.

All Aboriginal business people in British Columbia are eligible for these awards. 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 creating opportunities through a joint venture agreement, or you are growing a business from the ground up as an entrepreneur, these awards 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 BC Aboriginal Business Award recipients 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.

Overview

All Aboriginal businesses in British Columbia are eligible to apply. Whether you are a small entrepreneur growing from the ground up or a large community-owned enterprise, these awards recognize and celebrate your achievements.

In British Columbia's competitive and changing marketplace, it is important to focus on ways to set your business apart from the rest. Recognition by your peers and the community will position your business as a leader to current and potential customers, as well as to your employees and the community-at-large.

Award Categories

Young Female Aboriginal Entrepreneur
The Young Female Entrepreneur award recognizes achieved success in the start-up and operation of a new or existing business by a female entrepreneur under the age of 30.

Young Male Aboriginal Entrepreneur
The Young Male Entrepreneur award recognizes achieved success in the start-up and operation of a new or existing business by a male entrepreneur under the age of 30.

Business of the Year Awards
Businesses must be at least 51 per cent Aboriginal-owned and operated. The Business of the Year Award recognizes business achievement and celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit in three categories:

• a one-to-two person enterprise
• a two-to-10 person enterprise
• a 10 or more person enterprise

Community-Owned Business of the Year Award
To be eligible for this award, businesses must be 100 percent community-owned. This award will celebrate the contribution this unique business undertaking has made to capacity building and strong economic foundations in British Columbia's Aboriginal communities and the wider economy.

Joint Venture Business of the Year Award
The Joint Venture Award promotes and celebrates efforts that contribute to the economic well-being of the area; increases the employment of Aboriginal people; provides learning or training opportunities to Aboriginal people and businesses; and shows a commitment to the community in which they operate. The joint venture can be with either an Aboriginal or non-Aboriginal partner.

Eligibility

• All nominees must be Aboriginal (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit).
• Individuals and businesses are welcome to nominate themselves of be nominated by a second party.
• Individuals and businesses may enter in one category only.
• Nominators must ensure that they have the approval of the individual or business they are nominating.
• Submissions will be considered for two years.
• Non-profit or charitable groups, government agencies and institutions are not eligible for these awards.

Award Criteria

The judges' panel will evaluate submissions guided by the viability, sustainability and competitiveness of your business. The judges' panel will select a first place recipient and up to two second place outstanding business achievers.

Selection of Award Recipients

An independent panel of judges representing Aboriginal business expertise throughout British Columbia will adjudicate the BC Aboriginal Business Awards. The judges' panel will be solely responsible for the review, evaluation and selection of award-recipients and their selection will be final. Recipient and Outstanding Business Achievers will be invited to Gala Presentation Ceremony as complimentary guests. Travel and accommodation expenses will be paid by the BC Achievement Foundation.

How Do I Enter the BC Aboriginal Business Awards?

The 2011 Call for Submissions form is available here (pdf, 967k).

Help with Submissions

Should the nominator (or nominee) require assistance with the "Nomination Package Requirements", the Foundation staff is available to assist with its completion.

When is the Deadline for Submissions?

Submissions will be accepted until September 30, 2011.

Award Recognition

Recipients and Outstanding Business Achievers will be honoured at a Gala Presentation Ceremony and Dinner at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Vancouver. Over 500 guests will be in attendance, including a blend of Aboriginal leadership, political and senior business leaders, family and friends. Click here for ticket information.

Privacy Policy

The British Columbia Achievement Foundation is committed to protecting the privacy of people through responsible management of information received. Submissions are confidential between the nominee/nominator and the awards' program. To view the complete privacy policy, click here or call the office for a copy.

2011 Advisory Board

Jacob Beaton
President, CopperMoon Communications Inc.

Marlane Christensen
President, Industry Council for Aboriginal Business

John Claxton
UBC Professor Emeritus, Ch'nook Aboriginal Business Program

Greg D'Avignon
President and Chief Executive Officer, Business Council of BC

Paulette Flamond
Chair, Aboriginal Business Service Network

Cliff Fregin
Chief Executive Officer, New Relationship Trust

Peter Lantin
COO, Tribal Resources Investment Corporation

Judith Sayers
Entrepreneur-in-Residence, Faculty of Business, University of Victoria

Ruth Williams
Chief Executive Officer, All Nations Trust Company

Supporting Organizations

The BC Aboriginal Business Awards are supported by:

• BC Assembly of First Nations
• First Nations Summit
• Métis Nation BC
• Union of BC Indian Chiefs
• BC Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation

Award Sponsors

Further Information

British Columbia Achievement Foundation
info@bcachievement.com
T. 604.261.9777
Toll Free 866.882.6088 (in BC)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the definition of a business?
A. A business is an entity designed to provide goods and/or services to consumers.

Q. Can the business statement (parts 1 and 2) be in point form?
A. Yes, in a readable style.

Q. What is the definition of a joint venture business?
A. A joint venture is an entity formed between two or more parties to undertake economic activity together. The parties agree to create a new entity by both contributing equity, and they then share in the revenues, expenses and control of the enterprise.

Q. Can you or your business be nominated in more than one category?
A. No, you or your business can only be nominated in one category. Entries should choose the category which best represents and highlights their successes.

Q. Does a certain percentage of a joint venture have to be Aboriginal-owned?
A. No, but one of the joint venture partners must be Aboriginal.

Q. Does the business have to be registered?
A. No, but the business must provide goods and/or services to consumers.

Q. If I am 30 years old can I enter the Youth Entrepreneur of the Year Award category?
A. No, the youth category has been defined as under 30.

Q. Can I send in the nomination package electronically?
A. Yes, we welcome submissions that are sent electronically.

Q. Is there a fee for entering?
A. No, there is no fee for entering.

Q. When will award recipients be notified?
A. The award recipients will be announced in October 2011.

Q. Where will the award recipients be published?
A. Award recipient postings will appear on the British Columbia Achievement Foundation website and distributed to the provincial media.

Q. When identifying the number "persons" the business enterprise employs, and selecting the category under Business of the Year which is dependent on employee numbers, should occasional employees be included in the total?
A. No. Please identify full or part-time permanent staff only. If there are times that you increase the number of employees for short periods of time this can be included in your business statement section.