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Visit us at 201C – 633 Courtney St. Victoria, BC V8W 1B9 | 250-383-7191
Greater Victoria Chamber Business Awards
Intro & Thank YouBusiness of the Year (1-10 Employees)Business of the Year (11-39 Employees)Business of the Year (40+ Employees)Business Person of the YearChamber Award of DistinctionChamber Member of the YearCommunity Builder of the YearEmerging Business Person of the YearInnovation AwardNew Business of the YearNon-Profit of the YearOutstanding Customer Service AwardOutstanding Workplace of the Year
Core Connection Mobile Physiotherapy is a values-driven, in-home physiotherapy practice specializing in women’s health across the lifespan, supporting clients through pregnancy, postpartum, pelvic health concerns, menopause, aging, neurological conditions, and orthopedic injuries. Their care is evidence-based, trauma-informed, and individualized, recognizing that women’s symptoms are complex and influenced by physical, hormonal, emotional, and social factors. By working in clients’ homes, the Core Connection team reduces barriers to care and tailors treatment to real-life demands. They also operate a bursary program to improve access for individuals facing financial barriers, ensuring compassionate, high-quality women’s health care is not limited by circumstance.
Learn more about Core Connection Mobile Physiotherapy.
Hazel’s Ice Cream is a local, family-owned business that started during the pandemic to give families something stress-free to do outside. Since then, they have deepened their roots in Victoria by working with and sponsoring local community groups, festivals, and farmers markets. Hazel’s has two sides to their business: retail & events in Victoria, combined with manufacturing and distribution across Canada. Their products are available in over 200 stores in BC and Alberta and they are looking to double that number by December 2027 by expanding into Quebec and Ontario. Hazel’s takes pride in being a strong example that the manufacturing sector on Vancouver Island is alive and thriving. Sam and his team are advocates of a local business community on the island and work to promote connectivity amongst businesses.
Learn more about Hazel’s Ice Cream.
Gwaii Engineering Ltd. is an Indigenous-owned engineering and advisory firm working in partnership with First Nations, municipalities, and public-sector clients across Vancouver Island and British Columbia. Established in 2017 by Haida Sta’staas Eagle Clan member Corey Brown, their work focuses on planning, designing, and building resilient infrastructure systems that support community health, self-determination, and long-term sustainability. Their small, interdisciplinary team prioritizes relationship building and local capacity building, while also nurturing and inspiring the next generation of engineers through meaningful community and industry engagement. Committed to people as much as projects, Gwaii Engineering models a new generation of engineering that is accountable, community-led, and sustainability-driven.
Learn more about Gwaii Engineering.
HAVN Saunas Inc. is a fast-growing wellness brand that exemplifies business excellence through thoughtful expansion, design-led experiences, and exceptional customer care. HAVN’s offerings include saunas, cold pools, mineral baths, a universal change room, relaxation spaces, superfood elixirs, and light fare. Built on a foundation of quality, sustainability, and inclusion, HAVN has redefined urban wellness while maintaining strong operational standards and a highly engaged team culture. Their commitment to equity, diversity, and respectful leadership is reflected in both their workforce and their partnerships. HAVN consistently delivers elevated, memorable experiences through meticulous attention to detail, adaptive reuse of historic infrastructure, and innovative programming.
Learn more about HAVN Saunas Inc.
The Parkside Hotel and Spa is a purpose-driven luxury hotel in the heart of Victoria, where thoughtful design, exceptional service, and sustainability are seamlessly connected. As Canada’s first member of the global Beyond Green portfolio, the hotel operates carbon neutrally and is proudly Biosphere Certified. Guests enjoy refined amenities, inspired gathering spaces, and a full-service spa, all grounded in a deep respect for place and community. Sustainability initiatives such as kelp restoration, rooftop beehives, electric vehicle infrastructure, and local partnerships are woven into daily operations. At the core of The Parkside is a passionate, engaged team, supported through a positive workplace culture that makes the hotel a welcoming and sought-after place to work and stay.
Learn more about The Parkside Hotel & Spa.
Red Barn Market started as a simple local farm stand at the site of their current West Saanich location in 2002. In 2009, the Red Barn Market was purchased by a group of local entrepreneurs that shared a passion for providing customers with the freshest local products, friendly service and a dedication to the communities they serve. Since 2002, Red Barn Market has grown into 8 stores in Greater Victoria with 450 employees and their very own dedicated Smokehouse. Red Barn Market is a local favourite, serving up custom sandwiches and wraps, along with their famous double smoked bacon. Red Barn’s philosophy is simple: they support Island grown, Island raised, Island made by providing fresh, locally sourced food whenever possible.
Learn more about Red Barn Market
Julia Huggett is the owner of Beehive Wool Shop, Canada’s oldest yarn shop, founded in 1906 and a cornerstone of Greater Victoria’s creative community. A values-driven business leader, Julia balances long-term business sustainability with meaningful community impact. Under her leadership, Beehive has modernized its education programs, expanded access to fibre arts, and launched the Beehive Fibre Arts Centre in 2025, creating a vibrant hub for learning and connection. Julia is also President of the Beehive Wool Shop Foundation, supporting community and mental well-being through fibrecraft. Active in the WeBC Pollinator Program, the Downtown Victoria Business Association, and the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, Julia is recognized for ethical leadership, collaboration, and a strong commitment to regional success.
Learn more about Julia Huggett and Beehive Wool Shop.
Trina White is a hospitality leader with over 25 years of experience driving excellence and innovation in the industry. As General Manager of The Parkside Hotel & Spa since 2009, Trina has fostered a people-first culture with sustainability at its core, embedding practices such as carbon footprint tracking, Biosphere Certification, and long-standing carbon neutrality as operational standards. Named 2023 Hotelier of the Year by the BC Hotel Association, Trina serves as Vice Chair of the Destination Greater Victoria Board of Directors and holds leadership roles across sustainability and governance committees. She is also an Associate Professor at Royal Roads University, where she teaches sustainability-focused tourism management, and is a recipient of both their Founders’ Award and 2025 Kelly Outstanding Teaching Award.
Learn more about Trina White and The Parkside Hotel & Spa.
Sandra Richardson is one of Canada’s most influential and quiet changemakers. As CEO of the Victoria Foundation for the last 25 years, her dedication to improving and supporting the charitable sector demonstrates her lifelong commitment and selfless service. Through innovation, collaboration, and culturally respectful practices, she has strategically aligned organizations and individuals at all levels to participate in community building and systems change. She has lived the example of servant leadership and is held in very high regard across the sector locally, provincially, nationally, and internationally. Sandra’s achievements are many, and the charitable sector is significantly better because of her kind, intelligent, and respectful leadership.
Learn more about Sandra Richardson and the Victoria Foundation.
Tony Joe is a Victoria-based real estate agent, a Broker/Owner at RE/MAX Sabre Realty Victoria, and host of “The Whole Home Show” on CFAX 1070. A Victoria native with over 30 years of experience, he is a past president of the Victoria Real Estate Board and has been recognized for his extensive community service and achievements in the local real estate market. Tony has been actively engaged with The Chamber for many years through his work in real estate, currently serving on the Public Policy and Advocacy committee and supporting revitalization of Victoria’s downtown. He has received numerous awards, including the RE/MAX Western Canada Special Services Award and the CFAX 1070 Community Leader of the Year Award. He also consistently ranks as a top agent in his brokerage and in Greater Victoria.
Learn more about Tony Joe and RE/MAX Sabre Realty Victoria.
The Blenkinsop Community Agricultural Centre (BCAC) is a privately funded, locally built community agriculture hub in Saanich that protects farmland while expanding access to local food and growing. Unlike most community gardens and similar initiatives – often funded wholly or partly by tax dollars – BCAC is created and sustained through private investment, providing a model that delivers public benefit without depending on public budgets. BCAC combines community garden plots and small farm opportunities with hands-on learning, neighbour-to-neighbour support, and strong ties to the South Island farm community. BCAC is also driving government policy change with government leaders to modernize rules that restrict private community garden/farm models, helping open the door for other communities across BC and Canada to replicate this approach.
Learn more about Blenkinsop Community Agricultural Centre.
Pacifica Housing (PHAA) is one of Vancouver Island’s largest non-profit providers of affordable housing and supportive services, working alongside individuals and families in Greater Victoria and Nanaimo to build stability, connection, and a sense of home. PHAA supports over 2700 people through more than 1530 units of affordable and subsidized rental housing and community-based programs. As a community builder, the organization is widely recognized for its low-barrier Community Services and Outreach work, helping people access support early, prevent housing loss, and stay connected to care. Through publicly accessible drop-in and outreach services, community education, and collaborative responses to visible homelessness, PHAA brings people together, builds trust, and strengthens safer, more connected communities across the region.
Learn more about Pacifica Housing.
Kathryn Pascuzzo is the founder of Swank Creative Inc., a Greater Victoria-based strategic marketing agency known for pairing business growth with community impact. Launching her company during maternity leave, Kathryn has built Swank Creative into a trusted partner for nonprofits, local arts and culture organizations, and values-driven developers. She is deeply committed to strengthening the community, providing strategic marketing leadership that helps organizations raise funds, grow audiences, and increase visibility for vital social and cultural initiatives. Through mentorship, collaboration, and a strategy-first approach, Kathryn replaces fragmented marketing with clear systems that create sustainable momentum. Her work consistently elevates local voices, supports creative economies, and ensures mission-driven organizations have the tools they need to thrive across Greater Victoria.
Learn more about Kathryn Pascuzzo and Swank Creative Inc.
Rebecca Knezacek is an optician and the founder and owner of Eyefinery Optical Studio in Fernwood. With 14 years in the optical industry and over 20 years in retail and customer service, she has built a boutique blending technical expertise, carefully curated eyewear, and highly personalized client experiences. Inspired by working and traveling across Europe in her twenties, she dreamed of creating a design-focused optical space that is welcoming, creative, and community-driven. Known for her hands-on leadership and resilience as a single mother, Rebecca manages buying, operations, marketing, and in-store service while cultivating lasting professional relationships. She has been featured in local and international media and received both local and national awards recognizing her innovation, vision, and impact.
Learn more about Rebecca Knezacek and Eyefinery Optical Studio.
Canadian Tire Hillside is a locally owned family business employing 150+ team members and serving its customers and community. Competing successfully against major online and big-box retailers, the store pairs an engineered operating system with exceptional customer service and processes that are centered around the goal of respecting the customers’ time. Its innovative FOAK (First Of A Kind) systems have been copied, scaled, and replicated across Canada. Their performance metrics lead not just best-in-class for Canadian Tire, but for all retail. Additional proprietary technology automates product receiving, sorting, and replenishment, boosting productivity and value, while easing the physical burden on team members. This commitment to innovation, efficiency, and people-focused service sets Canadian Tire Hillside apart.
Learn more about Canadian Tire Hillside Centre
Mushroom Envy is a mushroom-based skincare brand redefining skincare innovation by challenging the industry’s fixation on “fixing” beauty and instead prioritizing true skin health. Founded by healthcare practitioner Angele Chambers after her personal struggle with rosacea, the brand replaced water-heavy, preservative laden synthetic formulas with science-backed, adaptogenic mushroom skincare long before it became a trend. Its hero product, Face Food Face Oil, harnesses mushrooms proven to be up to 20% more hydrating than hyaluronic acid, delivering anti-inflammatory, barrier-restoring, and nourishing benefits ideal for sensitive skin and all skin types. Now stocked in over 60 retailer partners, Mushroom Envy proves that innovation rooted in integrity, education, and skin physiology creates a lasting impact supporting skin health.
Learn more about Mushroom Envy.
DermaLight Clinic specializes in aesthetic and dermatological treatments, with the purpose of offering individuals from the local community a high level of expertise and advanced technology to support self-esteem. The clinic was founded in 2023 by Michelle Alpino Bittencourt, an experienced dermatologist who combines formal skincare training in Canada with over 25 years of practice in Brazil. DermaLight’s principles are high-quality, client-centered services and evidence-based treatments. Since its first days, the clinic has adopted a commitment to connect and collaborate with the community, partnering with local suppliers, as well as creating opportunities for new professionals. Based on the values of transparency, respect, and confidence, DermaLight’s services are customized in a welcoming environment created to offer a tailored experience for each client.
Learn more about DermaLight Clinic.
Solve Energy is Vancouver Island’s leader in renewable energy solutions, offering innovative solar and energy storage solutions to homeowners and businesses in BC and Alberta. Solve was founded in 2023 with the purpose of offering residents in Greater Victoria a path to become energy independent, save money, and reduce their carbon footprint. In less than three years, Solve has helped over 1500 homeowners and businesses in BC and Alberta to make the switch to solar. What began as residential solar has rapidly expanded to include commercial systems, battery backup, and EV charging. This growth has been the catalyst for Solve’s expansion to over 30 team members and the addition of a Lower Mainland office and warehouse in Langley.
Learn more about Solve Energy Inc.
Victoria Cool Aid Society provides housing, healthcare, and other essential services to vulnerable individuals in Greater Victoria. They operate 13 supportive housing sites (including 5 seniors housing locations), emergency shelters, full-service health and dental clinics, mobile health clinics, meals, and more. Cool Aid is the only service provider in the capital region offering a full continuum of care to people in need—from emergency shelter to affordable market housing, plus health and dental care. Recent achievements include opening Crosstown—a 154-unit housing and healthcare hub, expanding mobile health clinic services—and announcing 20 units of substance-free recovery housing (opening spring of 2026). Recognized for innovative solutions to pressing issues, Cool Aid focuses on long-term recovery and supports that help people improve physical and mental well-being.
Learn more about Victoria Cool Aid Society.
Victoria Rainbow Kitchen Society is the Capital Region’s barrier-free, family-friendly food hub, feeding anyone who arrives, no questions asked. Over the past 16 years as a registered charity, Rainbow Kitchen has grown into a community-powered organization providing over 250,000 meals annually for anyone in need. Today, Rainbow Kitchen is a leader in food rescue, security, sovereignty, and de-stigmatized access to food security. Uniquely combining operational efficiency with human-centered care, Rainbow Kitchen reaches well beyond its walls: school programs and partnerships with fourteen organizations embed nutrition, education, and equity into the broader community. Each weekday, staff and volunteers collaborate to deliver fresh, flexible, and dignified food solutions. Rainbow Kitchen strengthens Greater Victoria as a whole – its work is measurable, replicable, and unmatched in scope and humanity.
Learn more about Victoria Rainbow Kitchen Society.
Delta Hotels by Marriott Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort is a waterfront hotel recognized for delivering deeply personalized, heartfelt guest experiences rooted in a strong service culture. Delta Victoria stands out for empowering team members to anticipate needs, resolve challenges creatively, and tailor each stay to the individual guest. Every interaction is informed by careful listening, daily review of guest feedback, and a commitment to consistent excellence across both service and product. Supported by inclusive leadership, robust training, and high operational standards, the hotel consistently ranks among the top Marriott properties in Canada for guest satisfaction and staff service. Delta Victoria’s approach proves that exceptional customer service is built through intention, accountability, and genuine human connection.
Learn more about Delta Hotels by Marriott Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort.
Ooh La La Cupcakes + Cakes is a small, female-owned and operated business that has played a key role in thousands of celebrations since 2008. Consistently referred to as Victoria’s best boutique cupcake and cake bakery with outstanding customer service, their customers have come to expect the finest, most creative cakes and cupcakes imaginable. Ooh La La aims for both profit and positive impact with the community. Their diverse team of bakers, artists and frontline happiness-consultants are all determined to make every customer’s event, celebration, dessert, or impulse craving the best it can possibly be. Their philanthropy is focused on organizations that support food security and women’s issues, with monthly donations to the UVic Food Bank and the Women’s Transition House.
Learn more about Ooh La La Cupcakes + Cakes.
Island Savings is a member-owned co-operative bank proudly serving Vancouver Island, known for combining strong financial expertise with deep community roots. Island Savings reinvests its success locally – supporting small businesses, families, and community organizations through financial services, charitable investment, and volunteer leadership. Its employees play an active role in the region, contributing thousands of volunteer hours annually and supporting initiatives that advance financial literacy, inclusion, and community wellbeing. Distinct from traditional banks, Island Savings measures success by the positive impact it creates for people and place. This community-first purpose extends inward, shaping a workplace where employees are empowered, connected, and inspired to serve. The result is an organization that strengthens both its workforce and the Island communities it calls home.
Learn more about Island Savings.
Since 1984, Kinetic Construction has built a reputation for strong relationships, transparent processes and an exceptional employee experience. A mid-sized construction manager and general contractor with branches in Victoria, Courtenay and Vancouver, Kinetic delivers high-quality service across the ICI sector while remaining deeply committed to the people behind its projects. As an employee-owned company, Kinetic invests intentionally in career development, leadership growth and a workplace culture grounded in respect, accountability and collaboration. The company strives to be the employer of choice for top talent by creating an environment where employees feel supported, valued and empowered to succeed. By aligning business success with employee success, Kinetic continues to build not only outstanding projects, but a workplace where people and communities thrive.
Learn more about Kinetic Construction.
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