2025 Nanaimo Business Awards

• If you are under 40 – this award is for you! Young entrepreneurs have what it takes to make it in business – a good idea, vision, and understanding of their marketplace and the unique qualities of a successful business operator – passion, drive, energy, and creativity.

• This award recognizes businesses with up to 10 employees. This includes startups, entrepreneurs, and businesses who’ve entered into this business movement. 

• This award recognizes a company in any industry for excellence as a business who engages in innovative practices, is outstanding as a pioneer in their field and are focused on positively impacting the community through more than their workforce weight. These business show promise for growth and increased positive stimulus as a community economic driver.

• The Community Builder of the Year Award honours a business, non-profit organization, or public sector agency that demonstrates a commitment to the community beyond their usual business practices; has a long-term desire to build diverse, inclusive and balanced communities; makes a sustainable and tangible impact in the region; and displays a clear commitment to social responsibility.

• These are the people who take your dreams and ideas from paper and turn them into reality: contractors, builders, electricians & plumbers, roofers, carpenters, you get the gist. 

• Recognize Indigenously owned and operated businesses – ground breakers or long-standing operations. We’re looking forward to many nominations demonstrating the diversity of our community

16. People’s Choice: 

• This award will go to any business who YOU think deserves it! VOTE NOTE https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PeoplesChoiceAwardVoting 

Nominees: 
 

17. Not-For-Profit:  

• This award is presented to a registered not-for-profit organization which, through its activities and initiatives creates tangible benefits to individuals and/or the community at large which demonstrates ongoing achievements for the well-being of those it directly involves. 

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18. Innovation Award: 

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19. Women in Business:  

• The Women in Business Award honours a female who is the founder, CEO, President, or Senior Executive of a company who exhibits business leadership and vision; displays a significant commitment to the success of both their business and the region as a whole; serves as a positive role model or mentor for other business people; and exemplifies professional behaviour maintaining an upstanding reputation in the business community and region as a whole.

Sponsored by: 
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20. New Business of the Year: 

• This award is presented to a new business in operation for not more than three (3) years. This business is recognized for its excellence in the areas of management, branding, marketing, product development and quality, staff training and customer service.

• This award celebrates an organization that demonstrates exceptional dedication to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within their business and the broader community. It recognizes champions who move beyond rhetoric, showcasing unwavering support for underrepresented or marginalized groups through tangible actions and enduring initiatives.

• This award honours a downtown business that has demonstrated exceptional resilience, adaptability, and commitment to excellence while navigating unique challenges of operating on Nanaimo's core. This business has shown unwavering dedication to its customers, employees, and the revitalization of downtown. The award celebrates innovation, perseverance, and the ability to thrive while contributing to the vibrancy and growth of the downtown core.