Vancouver, BC (May 1, 2023): The BC Achievement Foundation has launched its 2023 Call for Nominations for the 15th annual Indigenous Business Award (IBA) program. Presented annually, the IBA program recognizes the contributions of extraordinary Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs across BC, while helping to elevate connections between the province’s Indigenous and non-Indigenous economies.
“The ambition, tenacity, and innovation of Indigenous entrepreneurs and their businesses drives them forward, strengthens our economy, and supports Indigenous economic empowerment and a shared prosperity for our province,” said Walter Pela, Chair of the BC Achievement Foundation. “I encourage everyone throughout British Columbia to nominate an outstanding Indigenous entrepreneur or Indigenous-owned business and #nominatenowbc,” he added.
“Our young people need to be inspired and we have a responsibility to uplift our youth so they know whatever they set their minds to they can achieve.” Chief David Jimmie 2022 IBA Award of Distinction recipient.
Nominations are invited from throughout the province and aim to showcase business excellence in the following categories: Young Entrepreneur, Business Partnerships, Community-Owned and Business of the Year awards for one-to-two-people, three-to-10-people, and enterprises with 11-or-more people.
By recognizing outstanding people and businesses, the IBA program highlights Indigenous entrepreneurship while modelling success for others to follow. Now in its 15th year, the program counts over 220 remarkable businesses among its alumni.
For more information about the BC Achievement Foundation or the IBA program, please visit www.bcachievement.com. #nominatenowbc
The IBA program is presented by BC Achievement in partnership with the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, and is generously supported by Vancity, Enbridge, TD, Teck, BC Hydro, BC Transit, CN, New Relationship Trust, Ovintiv, Pembina, Seaspan, Simpcw Resources Group, TELUS, Port of Vancouver – Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, Western Indigenous Pipeline Group, All Nations Trust Company, Bennett Jones, Coast Capital, Copper Mountain Mine, Dentons, FortisBC, Ledcor, and West Fraser.
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About BC Achievement
BC Achievement is an independent foundation established in 2003 that celebrates the spirit of excellence in our province and serves to honour the best of British Columbia. By recognizing the accomplishments of our province’s entrepreneurs, artists, community leaders, youth and volunteers, its award programs pay tribute to exceptional people, doing exceptional work, while carving a path forward for others to follow. www.bcachievement.com
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BC Achievement: Elevate Excellence. Share Success. Inspire Change.