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Category

• Business Leader of the Year - Sponsored by MNP

  This award recognizes and outstanding individual that excels in leadership in their company and community. The Leader of the year has measurable outcomes within their career in a leadership role and is an influential person in their industry, community and company.

  For those nominated in an additional category, you will need to submit a separate application for the nomination to be reviewed by our independent judging panel.

  Our independent judging panel will review all applications and shortlist to three (3) finalists. Judges will assign a numerical score to the specific category criteria which applicants should note in their responses.

• Excellence in Arts & Entertainment - Sponsored by Hergott Law

  This award category recognizes individuals, businesses, organizations or a particular event that contributes to a vibrant community by celebrating arts, culture and/or heritage.

  For those nominated in an additional category, you will need to submit a separate application for the nomination to be reviewed by our independent judging panel.

  Our independent judging panel will review all applications and shortlist to three (3) finalists. Judges will assign a numerical score to the specific category criteria which applicants should note in their responses.

  PLEASE NOTE: BEFORE SUBMITTING YOUR FINAL ENTRY, PLEASE REVIEW THE JUDGING CRITERIA AND WEIGHT FOR THIS PARTICULAR AWARD TO ENSURE YOU ARE ALIGNING WITH AND SATISFYING THE MEASURES THE JUDGES ARE EVALUATING.

• Excellence in Agriculture - Sponsored by TD Benefits

  Recognizes a farming or food processing business that shows leadership and commitment to agriculture or food production, emphasizing innovation, sustainability, and community support.

  For those nominated in an additional category, you will need to submit a separate application for the nomination to be reviewed by our independent judging panel.

  Our independent judging panel will review all applications and shortlist to three (3) finalists. Judges will assign a numerical score to the specific category criteria which applicants should note in their responses.

  PLEASE NOTE: BEFORE SUBMITTING YOUR FINAL ENTRY, PLEASE REVIEW THE JUDGING CRITERIA AND WEIGHT FOR THIS PARTICULAR AWARD TO ENSURE YOU ARE ALIGNING WITH AND SATISFYING THE MEASURES THE JUDGES ARE EVALUATING.

• Excellence in Business Ethics - Sponsored by Better Business Bureau

  This award recognizes a business or organization (profit or non-profit) that demonstrates a sustained and visible commitment to ethical business practices. Applicants must be in good standing with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and have a minimum rating of B or higher. BBB Accreditation/ membership is not required.

  For those nominated in an additional category, you will need to submit a separate application for the nomination to be reviewed by our independent judging panel.

  Our independent judging panel will review all applications and shortlist to three (3) finalists. Judges will assign a numerical score to the specific category criteria which applicants should note in their responses.

  PLEASE NOTE: BEFORE SUBMITTING YOUR FINAL ENTRY, PLEASE REVIEW THE JUDGING CRITERIA AND WEIGHT FOR THIS PARTICULAR AWARD TO ENSURE YOU ARE ALIGNING WITH AND SATISFYING THE MEASURES THE JUDGES ARE EVALUATING.

• Excellence in Community Impact - Sponsored by Rogers Business

  This award recognizes a business, society, or organization that has demonstrated exceptional social leadership and made a measurable difference in the community. Nominees should show how their initiatives, services, or programs have created lasting and positive impact, fostering inclusivity, support, and well-being for individuals or groups within the community.

  For those nominated in an additional category, you will need to submit a separate application for the nomination to be reviewed by our independent judging panel.

  Our independent judging panel will review all applications and shortlist to three (3) finalists. Judges will assign a numerical score to the specific category criteria which applicants should note in their responses.

  PLEASE NOTE: BEFORE SUBMITTING YOUR FINAL ENTRY, PLEASE REVIEW THE JUDGING CRITERIA AND WEIGHT FOR THIS PARTICULAR AWARD TO ENSURE YOU ARE ALIGNING WITH AND SATISFYING THE MEASURES THE JUDGES ARE EVALUATING.

• Excellence in Environmental Impact - Sponsored by Okanagan College School of Business

  This award is presented to a business whose practices show leadership in environmental sustainability and innovation. The nominee demonstrates measurable positive environmental impact and community stewardship.

  For those nominated in an additional category, you will need to submit a separate application for the nomination to be reviewed by our independent judging panel.

  Our independent judging panel will review all applications and shortlist to three (3) finalists. Judges will assign a numerical score to the specific category criteria which applicants should note in their responses.

  PLEASE NOTE: BEFORE SUBMITTING YOUR FINAL ENTRY, PLEASE REVIEW THE JUDGING CRITERIA AND WEIGHT FOR THIS PARTICULAR AWARD TO ENSURE YOU ARE ALIGNING WITH AND SATISFYING THE MEASURES THE JUDGES ARE EVALUATING.

• Excellence in Equity, Diversity & Inclusion - Sponsored by Coast Capital Savings

  Awarded to a business which is majority-owned by an Indigenous person(s), community, or organization, demonstrating entrepreneurship, leadership, and positive impact within the Indigenous and broader community.

  NOTE: To be eligible for this award the company or organization must have a minimum of five full-time employees.

  (I,e. inclusive hiring practices that are regularly reviewed to ensure they evolve to remain relevant over time; a dedication to provide ongoing training opportunities that increase workplace skills; acts as a community role model with a focus on an inclusive & diverse culture through creation of a respectful work environment; leading action to remove barriers to promote engagement and inclusion of multiple groups)

  For those nominated in an additional category, you will need to submit a separate application for the nomination to be reviewed by our independent judging panel.

  Our independent judging panel will review all applications and shortlist to three (3) finalists. Judges will assign a numerical score to the specific category criteria which applicants should note in their responses.

  PLEASE NOTE: BEFORE SUBMITTING YOUR FINAL ENTRY, PLEASE REVIEW THE JUDGING CRITERIA AND WEIGHT FOR THIS PARTICULAR AWARD TO ENSURE YOU ARE ALIGNING WITH AND SATISFYING THE MEASURES THE JUDGES ARE EVALUATING..

• Excellence in Tourism - Sponsored by Tourism Kelowna

  This award recognizes a business that has demonstrated exceptional performance in the tourism or hospitality sector. The nominee must consistently deliver high-quality products or services which enhance the visitor experience and contribute to the growth and reputation of tourism in the Central Okanagan and beyond. The business should show commitment to excellence, customer satisfaction, and sustainable tourism practices.

  For those nominated in an additional category, you will need to submit a separate application for the nomination to be reviewed by our independent judging panel.

  Our independent judging panel will review all applications and shortlist to three (3) finalists. Judges will assign a numerical score to the specific category criteria which applicants should note in their responses.

  PLEASE NOTE: BEFORE SUBMITTING YOUR FINAL ENTRY, PLEASE REVIEW THE JUDGING CRITERIA AND WEIGHT FOR THIS PARTICULAR AWARD TO ENSURE YOU ARE ALIGNING WITH AND SATISFYING THE MEASURES THE JUDGES ARE EVALUATING.

• Excellence in Not-for-Profit - Sponsored by Kelowna International Airport/Edmonton International Airport

  This award honours a registered non-profit organization that demonstrates exceptional leadership, service, and impact in the community. The recipient shows strong commitment to its mission, delivers meaningful results, and exemplifies ethics, collaboration, and innovation in addressing local needs.

  For those nominated in an additional category, you will need to submit a separate application for the nomination to be reviewed by our independent judging panel.

  Our independent judging panel will review all applications and shortlist to three (3) finalists. Judges will assign a numerical score to the specific category criteria which applicants should note in their responses.

  PLEASE NOTE: BEFORE SUBMITTING YOUR FINAL ENTRY, PLEASE REVIEW THE JUDGING CRITERIA AND WEIGHT FOR THIS PARTICULAR AWARD TO ENSURE YOU ARE ALIGNING WITH AND SATISFYING THE MEASURES THE JUDGES ARE EVALUATING.

• Indigenous Business of the Year - Sponsored by Pushor Mitchell LLP

  Awarded to a business which is majority-owned by an Indigenous person(s), community, or organization, demonstrating entrepreneurship, leadership, and positive impact within the Indigenous and broader community.

  To be recognized this business must have distinguished itself for excellence, innovation, and customer service.

  For those nominated in an additional category, you will need to submit a separate application for the nomination to be reviewed by our independent judging panel.

  Our independent judging panel will review all applications and shortlist to three (3) finalists. Judges will assign a numerical score to the specific category criteria which applicants should note in their responses.

  PLEASE NOTE: BEFORE SUBMITTING YOUR FINAL ENTRY, PLEASE REVIEW THE JUDGING CRITERIA AND WEIGHT FOR THIS PARTICULAR AWARD TO ENSURE YOU ARE ALIGNING WITH AND SATISFYING THE MEASURES THE JUDGES ARE EVALUATING.

• Mid-size Business of the Year - Sponsored by TBA

  This award recognizes business that have 16-50 employees and demonstrated outstanding achievement, growth, and community impact. The business should show strong leadership, operational success, and positive workplace culture.

  For those nominated in an additional category, you will need to submit a separate application for the nomination to be reviewed by our independent judging panel.

  Our independent judging panel will review all applications and shortlist to three (3) finalists. Judges will assign a numerical score to the specific category criteria which applicants should note in their responses.

  PLEASE NOTE: BEFORE SUBMITTING YOUR FINAL ENTRY, PLEASE REVIEW THE JUDGING CRITERIA AND WEIGHT FOR THIS PARTICULAR AWARD TO ENSURE YOU ARE ALIGNING WITH AND SATISFYING THE MEASURES THE JUDGES ARE EVALUATING.

• Large Business of the Year - Sponsored by Doane Grant Thornton

  This award recognizes business that have 51+ employees and has demonstrated outstanding achievement, growth and community impact. The business should show strong leadership, operational success and positive workplace culture.

  For those nominated in an additional category, you will need to submit a separate application for the nomination to be reviewed by our independent judging panel.

  Our independent judging panel will review all applications and shortlist to three (3) finalists. Judges will assign a numerical score to the specific category criteria which applicants should note in their responses.

  PLEASE NOTE: BEFORE SUBMITTING YOUR FINAL ENTRY, PLEASE REVIEW THE JUDING CRITERIA AND WEIGHT FOR THIS PARTICULAR AWARD TO ENSURE YOU ARE ALIGNING WITH AND SATISFYING THE MEASURES THE JUDGES ARE EVALUATING.

• Rising Star Business of the Year - Sponsored by Argus Properties

  This award celebrates promising startups and emerging companies which demonstrate strong growth potential, innovation, and community involvement. It is open to new businesses in operation for less than 3 years. Franchises are not eligible.

  For those nominated in an additional category, you will need to submit a separate application for the nomination to be reviewed by our independent judging panel.

  Our independent judging panel will review all applications and shortlist to three (3) finalists. Judges will assign a numerical score to the specific category criteria which applicants should note in their responses.

  PLEASE NOTE: BEFORE SUBMITTING YOUR FINAL ENTRY, PLEASE REVIEW THE JUDGING CRITERIA AND WEIGHT FOR THIS PARTICULAR AWARD TO ENSURE YOU ARE ALIGNING WITH AND TO ENSURE YOU ARE ALIGNING WITH AND SATISFYING THE MEASURES THE JUDGES ARE EVALUATING.

• Small Business of the Year - Sponsored by Prospera

  This award recognizes a small business (1-15 employees) that have demonstrated outstanding achievement, growth, and community impact. The business should show strong leadership, operational success, and positive workplace culture.

  For those nominated in an additional category, you will need to submit a separate application for the nomination to be reviewed by our independent judging panel.

  Our independent judging panel will review all applications and shortlist to three (3) finalists. Judges will assign a numerical score to the specific category criteria which applicants should note in their responses.

  PLEASE NOTE: BEFORE SUBMITTING YOUR FINAL ENTRY, PLEASE REVIEW THE JUDGING CRITERIA AND WEIGHT FOR THIS PARTICULAR AWARD TO ENSURE YOU ARE ALIGNING WITH AND TO ENSURE YOU ARE ALIGNING WITH AND SATISFYING THE MEASURES THE JUDGES ARE EVALUATING.

• Technology Innovator of the Year - Sponsored by University of British Columbia - Okanagan

  This award recognizes an individual, business, or organization that has demonstrated outstanding innovation in the development, application, or commercialization of technology. Nominees should show measurable impact on their industry, customers, or community through a forward-thinking approach.

  Our independent judging panel will review all applications and shortlist to three (3) finalists. Judges will assign a numerical score to the specific category criteria which applicants should note in their responses.

  PLEASE NOTE: BEFORE SUBMITTING YOUR FINAL ENTRY, PLEASE REVIEW THE JUDGING CRITERIA AND WEIGHT FOR THIS PARTICULAR AWARD TO ENSURE YOU ARE ALIGNING WITH AND SATISFYING THE MEASURES THE JUDGES ARE EVALUATING.

• Top Sales Professional of the Year (Inaugural)- Sponsored by TBA

  This award recognizes a sales professional who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in generating business growth, fostering customer satisfaction, and applying innovative strategies in a sales role. Open to individuals from any sector or industry.

  For those nominated in an additional category, you will need to submit a separate application for the nomination to be reviewed by our independent judging panel.

  Our independent judging panel will review all applications and shortlist to three (3) finalists. Judges will assign a numerical score to the specific category criteria which applicants should note in their responses.

  PLEASE NOTE: BEFORE SUBMITTING YOUR FINAL ENTRY, PLEASE REVIEW THE JUDGING CRITERIA AND WEIGHT FOR THIS PARTICULAR AWARD TO ENSURE YOU ARE ALIGNING WITH AND SATISFYING THE MEASURES THE JUDGES ARE EVALUATING.

• Young Entrepreneur of the Year - Sponsored by Norelco Cabinets

  This award recognizes an outstanding entrepreneur aged 40 or under, who has owned and operated a business for a minimum of 3 years. The nominee must demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation, business acumen, and community involvement.

  For those nominated in an additional category, you will need to submit a separate application for the nomination to be reviewed by our independent judging panel.

  Our independent judging panel will review all applications and shortlist to three (3) finalists. Judges will assign a numerical score to the specific category criteria which applicants should note in their responses.

  PLEASE NOTE: BEFORE SUBMITTING YOUR FINAL ENTRY, PLEASE REVIEW THE JUDGING CRITERIA AND WEIGHT FOR THIS PARTICULAR AWARD TO ENSURE YOU ARE ALIGNING WITH AND SATISFYING THE MEASURES THE JUDGES ARE EVALUATING.

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