The B.C. government has awarded six B.C. communities with B.C.'s Most Small Business Friendly Community Awards.
The province selected one community from six of B.C.'s eight economic regions. Winners are:
- Kamloops;
- Nanaimo;
- North Vancouver District;
- Prince George; and
- Smithers.
The municipalities won based on initiatives to enhance small business competitiveness, recognize small businesses' contributions to the community and promote climate action plans that support business.
Jobs Minister Pat Bell said it's important to recognize business-friendly communities.
"Small business employs over one million people in B.C., so it's important to recognize when municipalities make it easier for small businesses to thrive in their communities," he said.
Naomi Yamamoto, minister of state for small business, also welcomed the awards.
"Small business is a huge economic driver in this province, and the more successful each community is, the more successful the province is as a whole," she said.
