From start-ups to local legends, each year the awards shine a light on hard-working businesses, business people and community leaders in 14 categories worth celebrating. Finalists are chosen by an independent panel of prominent business leaders who serve as judges.
Nominations for the 2026 Business Awards are now open, and provide an opportunity for individuals to give the gift of recognition to a local business, local leader — or even to their own team — to celebrate an outstanding year or achievement.
Date: Thursday, June 11, 2026
Location: Victoria Conference Centre, Level 1
General Reception: 7:00 – 8:00pm
Awards Ceremony: 8:00 – 10:00pm
Post-Ceremony Celebration: 10:00 – 11:00pm
Tickets on sale March 2026 once finalists have been announced. More details to come!
Sustainable Business Practices
The Sustainable Business Practices Award honours a business that demonstrates sustainable business practices in their own operations; raises environmental awareness; demonstrates leadership and commitment to sustainable development and energy conservation; and demonstrates leadership and innovation around climate change.
Innovation Award
The Innovation Award honours a business that has developed innovative business practices and/or continues to evolve product, services, and processes to respond to a changing business environment and meet a community need. The business exemplifies inclusivity and adaptability.
Non-Profit of the Year
The Non-Profit of the Year Award honours a non-profit organization that works to meet a need in the community; demonstrates how their work benefits the Greater Victoria region as a whole; is able to differentiate themselves from other organizations; and shows consistent evaluation of their impact through both quantitative and qualitative results of their work.
Please note, while this category is specifically for Non-profit organizations, non-profit organizations are eligible to be nominated in any applicable award category with the exception of the three Business of the Year and the New Business of the Year categories.
New Business of the Year
The New Business Award honours a new business (3 years or less from the date of incorporation) that has achieved outstanding business performance in a short period of time; demonstrates exceptional promise for continued growth; serves as an inspiration for other new businesses; and displays a commitment to the community.
Chamber Member of the Year
The Chamber Member of the Year Award honours an engaged, passionate, and committed Chamber member (individual person, not company).
Chamber Award of Distinction
The Chamber’s Award of Distinction honours a businessperson still active in business who, over a number of years, has made a noteworthy contribution to the Greater Victoria community. This award is in recognition of the positive influence the honouree has had on the economy, business, and the overall community, signifying the achievement, resourcefulness, and determination they have shown.
Business Person of the Year
The Business Person of the Year Award honours a business person who is the founder, CEO, President, or Senior Executive of a company who exhibits business leadership and vision; displays a significant commitment to the success of both their business and the region as a whole; serves as a positive role model or mentor for other business people; and exemplifies professional behaviour maintaining an upstanding reputation in the business community and region as a whole.
Emerging Business Person of the Year
The Emerging Business Person of the Year Award honours a business owner or founder 39 years or under, who has excelled in business; exemplifies outstanding leadership and/or entrepreneurial skills in their field; and demonstrates exceptional vision that contributes to business success.
Community Builder of the Year
The Community Builder of the Year Award honours a business that demonstrates a commitment to the community beyond their usual business practices; has a long-term desire to build diverse, inclusive and balanced communities; makes a sustainable and tangible impact in the region; and displays a clear commitment to social responsibility.
Outstanding Workplace of the Year
The Outstanding Workplace of the Year Award honors a business that shows a commitment to a healthy work environment through practices that benefit employees physically, intellectually and/or emotionally; has competitive employment packages; focuses on workplace culture as well as employee recognition and reward programs; is dedicated to professional development and/or advancement opportunities; and shows a commitment to building diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.
Outstanding Customer Service Award
The Outstanding Customer Service Award honours a business of any size that is a leader in providing exceptional customer service; serves as a role model, mentor or example of excellence to other businesses; has built diversity, inclusivity and equity into it’s approach to customer service, and exhibits a commitment to the community. Nominees must be able to provide up to 10 testimonials from customers dated within the last 2 years.
Business of the Year (40+ Employees)
The Business of the Year Award (40+ employees) honours a business that demonstrates continual business excellence through positive business growth; is engaged in the community beyond their work; shows a commitment to inclusion, diversity, and equity; exemplifies superior customer service; and embraces an outstanding commitment to quality.
Business of the Year (11-39 Employees)
The Business of the Year Award (11-39 employees) honours a business that demonstrates continual business excellence through positive business growth; is engaged in the community beyond their work; shows a commitment to inclusion, diversity and equity; exemplifies superior customer service; and embraces an outstanding commitment to quality.
Business of the Year (1-10 Employees)
The Business of the Year Award (1-10 employees) honours a business that demonstrates continual business excellence through positive business growth; is engaged in the community beyond their work; shows a commitment to inclusivity and diversity; exemplifies superior customer service; and embraces an outstanding commitment to quality.
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