New for 2020, the Small Business BC Award for Best Youth Entrepreneur recognizes the young individual (35 and under) that has founded a successful business in British Columbia. They have demonstrated excellence in the following areas:
- Clear Vision: Demonstrates a clear idea for the future of the business in the areas of business growth, corporate responsibility and financial data.
- Track Record: Growth beyond the conceptual stage to become an active business with at least twelve months of financial data.
- Impact: How has the business made a difference? The ideal business will demonstrate social, environmental or economic impact.
Who will claim our first ever Best Youth Entrepreneur Award? Here are your Best Youth Entrepreneur Top 10 Semi-Finalists.
Droplet Home Goods, Vancouver
Droplet Home Goods is a conscious brand, led by quality, sustainability & an ethical supply chain. We wanted unbelievably soft bath and home goods for ourselves, our families, and our homes, that we knew came from a good place and that could be delivered to our front door, hassle free and free of the large price tag. We couldn’t find it so we created it ourselves.
Eat the Dishes, Surrey
Eat The Dishes, a completely zero-waste plant-based street food concept, and the first of its kind in North America. We offer a variety of products, including : soup, chili, hot chocolates, ice cream and dips which are all served in our revolutionary freshly baked bread cups. The cups are not only 100% edible, they are also so delicious! They last hours without leaks, are easily portable for people who want to enjoy food on the go and are the perfect alternative for a sustainable food option at any event!
Elevate Ultimate, Burnaby
Elevate was started in 2016 by Co-Founders Ari and Jocelyn. Ari dropped out of the Beedie School of Business in his 3rd year, and Jocelyn dropped out of a full-time teaching contract, so they could pursue their dream of owning a business.
Finch the Label, Vancouver
Founded by sixteen year old Mackenzie Jagger in 2018, FINCH the label was created out of love for fashion & sleep. Finch sleepwear is made from the softest possible bamboo cotton. Its high thread count makes the fabric drape beautifully & ensures full coverage. I started with “The Jane” collection in Blush, & have continued to expand my product line. The brand takes its name from a little girl named Scout Finch, my mom’s favourite novel, “To Kill a Mockingbird”.
Flourist, Vancouver
Canada is a world leader in grain and bean farming, consistently producing the safest and highest quality crops. But the vast majority of these goods aren’t available to North Americans — most are sold on international markets. Flourist is committed to working exclusively with Canadian family farms to make these amazing products available across North America and to help ensure farming remains a family business in Canada.
Mismack Clean Cosmetics, Salmon Arm
MisMacK Clean Cosmetics is the first professional Clean Beauty makeup line to hit the market. Founded by Missy MacKintosh, an internationally acclaimed makeup artist with over 15 years of experience. Once Missy got into Clean Beauty she realized that there was not a clean, professional performing line on the market nor one that marketed towards the Sephora lover or professional makeup artist. She took matters into her own hands and created MisMacK Clean Cosmetics which is based out of Canoe, BC (small-town girl, global dreams).
Pamper Day Spa, Salmon Arm
In business for a little under two years, Pamper Day Spa started with a dream, a small chunk of change and a large amount of passion and dedication for the industry. This has allowed us to be a success, not only because of our financial status but also because of our 5 star reputation and response from our community and regular supporters.
Raven Hair Salon, Vernon
Raven Hair Studio has been a community fixture for over 50 years. Established by Winn Maxwell, Raven Hair Studio was originally called Beauty Haven and was located in Vernon’s Fuhr building. The shop has been previously owned by Yvonne and Helen Piderbeskie, and has employed many experienced and gifted stylists over the years, including June Valchoria. In 1975, Carol Roney became the new owner and moved the shop downstairs. Pull curtains were added to the stations to offer patrons additional privacy if they didn’t want to be seen with rollers or rods in their hair.
Sea to Sky Sourdough, Whistler
We are a 100% plant-based bakery cafe specialising in naturally-leavened organic sourdough bread made with the best local ingredients we can source, changing our menu with the seasons. Commercial bread is often made with GMO flours and baker’s yeast, however, our bread is baker’s yeast-free and slow-proofed, with an emphasis on ancient grains. For our small baked items, we even house-mill grains. We support local mills/farmers and buy direct.
Sweet Lavations, 108 Mile Ranch
Sweet Lavations is a small, local company with a focus on wildcrafting and making creative products that are as locally sourced and plastic free as possible. We are a female run business with a dream to make bath time fun and good for mother earth! We grow all of our own florals or source them from the wild in a sustainable manner.
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The Small Business BC Awards Gala will bring together over 600 small business owners, supporters, providers and government officials to network at a glittering reception and enjoy a three-course dinner, as we announce the winners of this year’s awards. The event takes place Friday, February 21, 2020 at Vancouver’s iconic Convention Centre.
Hosted by a special guest Emcee, this is THE event where small businesses are acknowledged for their outstanding achievements and contributions to their community and the BC economy.
Join us as we raise a glass in honour of the small businesses, on their night to shine on the podium.
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