After sifting through 460 nominations from across the province, the Small Business BC awards has culled its list of semi-finalists down to just 10 in each category — and Vancouver companies are dominating.
Nearly 30 small business based in Vancouver were selected for the top 10 in fields including best employer (6S Marketing), best concept (Mealshare), best workplace (Nucleus Networks) and best company (Peregrine), among others. Fewer than 100 different companies across B.C. made the cut, with those based in Vancouver accounting about one-third of them.
Eeko Couriers, which Mike Shekhtman co-founded with his brothers in 2009, was nominated for best social impact.
Instead of enlisting couriers who own their own vehicles and then paying them a commission, Eeko supplies hybrid vehicles to drivers and pays them an hourly wage as full-time employees.
“The sweat, blood and tears that goes into starting a small business with the two brothers, it was a long road,” he said.
“And just being recognized by the community and doing all the hard work that goes into managing and running a business, it looks like it’s starting to pay off.”
Shekhtman added having a grocery chain as a client — couriers deliver food to customers’ homes — also had a big impact, as Eeko was able to contribute to food drives in conjunction with Whole Foods.
Vivo Masks, which specializes in selling masquerade masks imported from Europe to online customers throughout North America, was nominated for best international trade and best online marketer.
“It’s good to be part of this community and it’s good for our reputation,” said co-founder Josh Bluman.
“We’re up for two categories, so it feels twice as nice.”
The top five finalists will be announced January 30 and each will get the chance to showcase their company on the CBC reality TV series Dragons’ Den, which features entrepreneurs pitching business ideas to Canadian investors.
The full list of top 10 nominees based in Vancouver is below:
Best community impact
Eeko Couriers Inc., Vancouver
Mealshare, Vancouver
Sole Girls, North Vancouver
Spark Creations, Vancouver
Best company
Fully Managed, Vancouver
Peregrine, Vancouver
Best concept
Mealshare, Vancouver
Best emerging entrepreneur
Hungry For Happiness, Vancouver
Plenty and Spare Naturals, Vancouver
The Juicery Co., North Vancouver
Best employer
6S Marketing Inc., Vancouver
Dynamic Owl, Vancouver
R&B Plumbing & Heating Ltd., North Vancouver
Best immigrant entrepreneur
Andrew Watson Design, Vancouver
Success Road Enterprises, Vancouver
Your Score Booster, Vancouver
Best international trade
Doi Chaang Coffee Company, Vancouver
Iweartheheaddress, Vancouver
Orazio's Olive Oil, Vancouver
Polar Feet, Vancouver
Vivo Masks, Vancouver
Best online marketer
All Inclusive Marketing, Vancouver
Vivo Masks, Vancouver
Vonbon Children's Apparel Inc., Vancouver
Web Friendly, Vancouver
Best workplace
AdvisorWebsites.com, Vancouver
CCN, North, North Vancouver
Nucleus Networks Inc., Vancouver
