Each category has specific criteria to recognize a business or businessperson that demonstrated resiliency by adapting their business model, acting courageously, creating new collaborative partnerships with other businesses or community groups, implementing new procedures to serve their customers or the community and/or taking measures for the wellbeing and mental health of themselves and their staff, especially in the face of the pandemic.

Business of the Year

This category has 3 subcategories listed below:
  •  Small (1-10 employees)
  •  Medium (11-25 employees)
  •  Large (26+ employees)
Note: Based on equivalent full-time employees
A business which, shows leadership in business and in the community, demonstrates excellence in customer service and employee satisfaction, provides workplace education and training, and demonstrates good corporate citizenship and environmental responsibility.

New Business of the Year

A business less than 2 years old that has demonstrated customer service, innovation, leadership and/or other qualities.

Community Builder Business of the Year

This award acknowledges an individual or business that has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to improve the quality of life in our community; an individual or business that unselfishly gives time, talent, and finances to improve the community it serves. This individual or business would be known to be a true advocate of supporting local, shopping local and encouraging others to as well. An advocate for the shop small movement as well as promotion of community. This individual or business has a vested interest in the development, success and support of the South Surrey & White Rock community and seen as a true agent of inclusiveness.

Supporter of the Arts of the Year

A business or organization that helps to provide, promote, and support arts & culture, in all its forms, in our local community through its core services.

Non-Profit Organization of the Year

A local non-profit organization which has demonstrated outstanding contributions to our community. It has an established reputation for providing exceptional programs and services that would not otherwise be available to those in the community.

Business Leader of the Year – Corporate

An individual who works for a business and exhibits leadership, exemplifies ethics, and devotes personal time and energy into their local community. They are an inspiration and positive influence at their business and in their industry. They have a proven track record of sustained success. They have an innovative spirit and have demonstrated an exceptional level of performance and dedication.

Business Leader of the Year – Self Owned

An entrepreneur who owns their business and exhibits leadership, entrepreneurial skills, and demonstrates exceptional vision that contributes to business success of our community. This individual exemplifies ethics and devotes personal time and energy into their local business area.

Business Leader of the Year – U40

An individual, under the age of 40, who exhibits leadership, entrepreneurial skills, and demonstrates exceptional vision that contributes to business success of our community. This individual exemplifies ethics and devotes personal time and energy into their local business area. The nominee can be an entrepreneur, employee, or a graduate student in business studies.