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DTSTART:20261113T020000Z
DTEND:20261113T053000Z
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SUMMARY:2026 Nanaimo Business Awards
DESCRIPTION:Thank You\, Nanaimo!\n\nWhat a night! Our 25th annual Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce Business Awards held live at the Coast Bastion on Thursday\, May 15\, 2025 was a celebration of the people and organizations shaping our community.\n\nHuge congratulations to all nominees and winners\, and heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make this year special. We can't wait to be back next year bigger and brighter!\n\nAbout the Awards\n\nThese awards honour outstanding individuals\, businesses\, and non-profits whose work strengthens the fabric and future of Nanaimo.\n\nSelection Process\n\n\n \n Nominations were open February 1 March 15 and are now closed.\n \n \n All nominees submitted responses highlighting their achievements\, values\, and impact.\n \n \n A panel of independent judges reviewed and scored submissions through a blind evaluation process.\n \n \n The People's Choice Award was the only public-voted category\, with voting open April 1 22.\n \n\n\nStay tuned for next year's dates and nomination details.\n\n\n\nNanaimo Business Award Categories:\n\n1. Community Builder: \n\n\n The Community Builder of the Year Award honours a business\, non-profit organization\, or public sector agency 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..\n\n\nSponsored by: Acera Insurance \n\nWinner 2025: Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation\n 2. Creative Services: \n\n\n The Creative Services award recognizes graphic designers\, photographers\, videographers\, web designers\, social media influencers and anything else in the field that fits in here! \n\n\nSponsored by: The Coast Bastion Hotel \n\nWinner 2025: Pye Design - Amy Pye \n\n \n\n3. Diversity & Inclusion: \n\n\n This award celebrates an organization that demonstrates exceptional dedication to promoting diversity\, equity\, and inclusion within their business and the broader community. It recognizes champions who move beyond rhetoric\, showcasing unwavering support for underrepresented or marginalized groups through tangible actions and enduring initiatives!\n\nSponsored by: Nanaimo Association for Community Living \n\nWinner 2025: Nanaimo Child Development Centre\n\n4. Downtown Business Impact Award: \n\n\n This award honours a downtown business that has demonstrated exceptional resilience\, adaptability\, and commitment to excellence while navigating unique challenges of operating on Nanaimo's core. This business has shown unwavering dedication to its customers\, employees\, and the revitalization of downtown. The award celebrates innovation\, perseverance\, and the ability to thrive while contributing to the vibrancy and growth of the downtown core.\n\nSponsored by: Downtown Nanaimo Business Association \n\nWinner 2025: Black Rabbit Kitchen\n\n5. Family First: \n\n\n Honours a business that creates a culture that supports work/life balance. Demonstrates support and care for employee's parental needs such as job sharing\, option to work from home or flexibility when family matters arise. Staff and owners demonstrate an inclusive attitude towards families with young children for both employees and customers.Aids and support to employees with aging seniors.\n\nSponsored by: Integral Wealth Securities \n\nWinner 2025: Nanaimo Community Hospice\n\n6. Financial Services: \n\n\n This award is for businesses in banking\, finance\, investment\, accounting\, insurance\, consulting services\, or other professional services will be recognized for their product and service range\, industry knowledge\, and expertise. \n\nSponsored by: Norm's Plumbing Heating & AC \n\nWinner 2025: Communities Futures Central Island \n\n\n\n7. Food & Beverage: \n\n\n The Food & Beverage award recognizes hospitality businesses that consistently demonstrate excellence in food service\, quality\, and presentation. Customers feel special and staff feel safe and supported ensuring an equilibrium.\n\nSponsored by: Nanaimo Magazine & Voyager \n\nWinner 2025: Red's Bakery\n\n8. Health & Wellness: \n\n\n The Health & Wellness award goes to a favourite business that seems to always go above and beyond\, an alternative health care provider\, pharmaceutical\, natural/homeopath\, RMT\, physio\, or chiropractor with service second to none! \n\nSponsored by: Costco Nanaimo\n\nWinner 2025: Sea Wolves Men's Cancer Pack \n\n9. Innovation: \n\n\n The award honours a business that has developed a process\, product or service that is original and contributes to profitability and/or market share. This is demonstrated through the use of science and/or technology to create a business that is original or unique\; shows a high degree of originality\, creativity.\n\nSponsored by: Brix + Mortar Social House\n\nWinner 2025: VEGAIN Nutrition Inc. \n\n\n\n10. Major Employer: \n\n\n This award recognizes a company in any industry for excellence as a business who engages in innovative practices\, is outstanding as a pioneer in their field and are focused on positively impacting the community through more than their workforce weight. These business show promise for growth and increased positive stimulus as a community economic driver. \n\nSponsored by: Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation\n\nWinner 2025: Mid Island Co-op\n\n11. Micro & Home-Based Business: \n\n\n This award recognizes businesses with up to 10 employees. This includes start ups\, entrepreneurs\, and businesses who've entered the succession movement. The interruption in normal business activities has inspired many to enter this entrepreneurial business development model. \n\nSponsored by: Mid Island Co-Op\n\nWinner 2025: Aligned Kitchen and Cabinets \n\n12. New Business of the Year: \n\n\n This award is presented to a new business in operation for not more than three (3) years. This business is recognized for its excellence in the areas of management\, branding\, marketing\, product development and quality\, staff training and customer service.\n\nSponsored by: Nanaimo Prosperity Corp.\n\nWinner 2025: Kinsu Chocolates \n\n13. Not-For-Profit: \n\n\n This award is presented to a registered not-for-profit organization which\, through its activities and initiatives creates tangible benefits to individuals and/or the community at large which demonstrates ongoing achievements for the well-being of those it directly involves.\n\nSponsored by: Island Savings - A Division of First West Credit Union \n\nWinner 2025: Island Crises Care Society\n\n14. People's Choice Award: \n\n\n This is your chance to shine in the spotlight! The People's Choice Award is open to any business in Nanaimo\, big or small\; it is recognition for their outstanding service\, community spirit\, or impact. It's all about local love\, businesses were voted for and the winner will be announced tonight!!\n\nSponsored by: Casino Nanaimo\n\nWinner 2025: Purple Cactus Lingerie \n\n15. Personal & Aesthetics Services: \n\n\n The Personal & Aesthetic Services award includes anything that you look and feel good. This award reflects spas\, hair stylists\, nail technicians\, personal trainers\, tailors\, estheticians\, make-up artists etc. \n\nSponsored by: Almost Famous Laser Corp.\n\nWinner 2025: Candice Deanne Makeup| Hair| Photography \n\n16. Property Developers:\n\n\n Property development drives a large part of Nanaimo's economy and keeps us housed and our businesses in buildings they need. Big or small\, Nanaimo's developers shape our neighbourhoods and community.\n\nSponsored by: Vancouver Island Real Estate Board\n\nWinner 2025: Gulf Island Builds \n\n\n\n17. Retailer:\n\n\n This award is given to a business that offers excellence in retail through presentation of a unique concept\, an intriguing environment\, unique products and/or services and consistent delivery of high-value service. \n\nSponsored by: LogoWest\n\nWinner 2025: Red Shelf Decor \n\n18. Small & Medium Business:\n\n\n Small & Medium Enterprise targets businesses with 11-99 employees. This award gives recognition of businesses with a vision and demonstrated capacity for sustainable growth\, engagement in innovative practices\, demonstrating outstanding performance in their field. \n\nSponsored by: Doane Grant Thornton LLP\n\nWinner 2025: Berwick On the Lake \n\n19. Trades & Skilled Labours:\n\n\n This Award is for the people who take your dreams and ideas from paper and turn them into reality: contractors\, builders\, electricians & plumbers\, roofers\, carpenters\n\nSponsored by: WorkBC Nanaimo- A program funded by Government of Canada and BC \n\nWinner 2025: ServiceXcel \n\n \n20. Women in Business:\n\n\n The Women in Business Award honours a female 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.\n\nSponsored by: The Children Health Foundation of Vancouver Island \n\nWinner 2025: Jennifer Hufnagel - Hufnagel Consulting \n\n \n\n21. Young Entrepreneur:\n\n\n Young entrepreneurs have what it takes to make it in business a good idea\, vision\, and understanding of their marketplace and those unique qualities of a successful business operator passion\, drive\, energy\, and creativity.\n\nSponsored by: YCD Nanaimo Airport \n\nWinner 2025: Precise Mechanical Repairs \n\n\n\n\nMORE INFORMATION TO BE UPDATED SOON
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\n \;
Thank You\, Nanaimo!
\n\nWhat a night! Our 25th annual Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce Business Awards&mdash\;held live at the Coast Bastion on Thursday\, May 15\, 2025&mdash\;was a celebration of the people and organizations shaping our community.
\n\nHuge congratulations to all nominees and winners\, and heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make this year special. We can&rsquo\;t wait to be back next year&mdash\;bigger and brighter!
\n\nAbout the Awards
\n\nThese awards honour outstanding individuals\, businesses\, and non-profits whose work strengthens the fabric and future of Nanaimo.
\n\nSelection Process
\n\n\n - \n
Nominations were open February 1&ndash\;March 15 and are now closed.
\n \n - \n
All nominees submitted responses highlighting their achievements\, values\, and impact.
\n \n - \n
A panel of independent judges reviewed and scored submissions through a blind evaluation process.
\n \n - \n
The People&rsquo\;s Choice Award was the only public-voted category\, with voting open April 1&ndash\;22.
\n \n
\n\nStay tuned for next year&rsquo\;s dates and nomination details.
\n\n
\nNanaimo Business Award Categories:
\n\n1. \;Community Builder: \;
\n\n\n - The Community Builder of the Year Award honours a business\, non-profit organization\, or public sector agency 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..
\n
\n\nSponsored by: Acera Insurance \;
\nWinner 2025: Nanaimo &\; District Hospital Foundation
\n\;2. \;Creative Services: \;\n\n\n - The Creative Services award recognizes graphic designers\, photographers\, videographers\, web designers\, social media influencers &ndash\; and anything else in the field that fits in here! \;
\n
\n\nSponsored by: The Coast Bastion Hotel \;
\nWinner 2025: Pye Design - Amy Pye \; \;
\n \;
\n\n3. \;Diversity &\; Inclusion: \;
\n\n\n - This award celebrates an organization that demonstrates exceptional dedication to promoting diversity\, equity\, and inclusion within their business and the broader community. It recognizes champions who move beyond rhetoric\, showcasing unwavering support for underrepresented or marginalized groups through tangible actions and enduring initiatives!
\n
\nSponsored by: Nanaimo Association for Community Living \; \;
\nWinner 2025: Nanaimo Child Development Centre\n\n4. \;Downtown Business Impact Award: \;
\n\n\n - This award honours a downtown business that has demonstrated exceptional resilience\, adaptability\, and commitment to excellence while navigating unique challenges of operating on Nanaimo'\;s core. This business has shown unwavering dedication to its customers\, employees\, and the revitalization of downtown. The award celebrates innovation\, perseverance\, and the ability to thrive while contributing to the vibrancy and growth of the downtown core.
\n
\nSponsored by: Downtown Nanaimo Business Association \; \;
\nWinner 2025: Black Rabbit Kitchen\n\n5. \;Family First: \;
\n\n\n - Honours a business that creates a culture that supports work/life balance. \;Demonstrates support and care for employee&rsquo\;s parental needs such as job sharing\, option to work from home or flexibility when family matters arise. \;Staff and owners demonstrate an inclusive attitude towards families with young children for both employees and customers.Aids and support to employees with aging seniors.
\n
\nSponsored by: Integral Wealth Securities \; \;
\nWinner 2025: Nanaimo Community Hospice\n\n6. \;Financial Services: \;
\n\n\n - This award is for businesses in banking\, finance\, investment\, accounting\, insurance\, consulting services\, or other professional services will be recognized for their product and service range\, industry knowledge\, and expertise. \;
\n
\nSponsored by: Norm'\;s Plumbing Heating &\; AC \; \; \;
\nWinner 2025: Communities Futures Central Island\;
\n
\n7. \;Food &\; Beverage: \;\n\n\n - The Food &\; Beverage award recognizes hospitality businesses that consistently demonstrate excellence in food service\, quality\, and presentation. \; Customers feel special and staff feel safe and supported ensuring an equilibrium.
\n
\nSponsored by: Nanaimo Magazine &\; Voyager \;
\nWinner 2025: Red'\;s Bakery\n\n8. Health &\; Wellness: \;
\n\n\n - The Health &\; Wellness award goes to a favourite business that seems to always go above and beyond\, an alternative health care provider\, pharmaceutical\, natural/homeopath\, RMT\, physio\, or chiropractor with service second to none! \;
\n
\nSponsored by: Costco Nanaimo
\nWinner 2025: Sea Wolves Men'\;s Cancer Pack \;\n\n9. Innovation: \;
\n\n\n - The award honours a business that has developed a process\, product or service that is original and contributes to profitability and/or market share. This is demonstrated through the use of science and/or technology to create a business that is original or unique\; shows a high degree of originality\, creativity.
\n
\nSponsored by: Brix + Mortar Social House
\nWinner 2025: VEGAIN Nutrition Inc. \;
\n
\n10. Major Employer: \;\n\n\n - This award recognizes a company in any industry for excellence as a business who engages in innovative practices\, is outstanding as a pioneer in their field and are focused on positively impacting the community through more than their workforce weight. \; These business show promise for growth and increased positive stimulus as a community economic driver. \;
\n
\nSponsored by: Nanaimo &\; District Hospital Foundation
\nWinner 2025: Mid Island Co-op\n\n11. Micro &\; Home-Based Business: \;
\n\n\n - This award recognizes businesses with up to 10 employees. \; This includes start ups\, entrepreneurs\, and businesses who&rsquo\;ve entered the succession movement. \; The interruption in normal business activities has inspired many to enter this entrepreneurial business development model. \;
\n
\nSponsored by: Mid Island Co-Op
\nWinner 2025: Aligned Kitchen and Cabinets \;\n\n12. New Business of the Year: \;
\n\n\n - This award is presented to a new business in operation for not more than three (3) years. This business is recognized for its excellence in the areas of management\, branding\, marketing\, product development and quality\, staff training and customer service.
\n
\nSponsored by: Nanaimo Prosperity Corp.
\nWinner 2025: Kinsu Chocolates \; \;\n\n13. Not-For-Profit: \;
\n\n\n - This award is presented to a registered not-for-profit organization which\, through its activities and initiatives creates tangible benefits to individuals and/or the community at large which demonstrates ongoing achievements for the well-being of those it directly involves.
\n
\nSponsored by: \;Island Savings - A Division of First West Credit Union \;
\nWinner 2025: Island Crises Care Society\n\n14. People'\;s Choice Award: \;
\n\n\n - This is your chance to shine in the spotlight! The People&rsquo\;s Choice Award is open to any business in Nanaimo\, big or small\; it is recognition for their outstanding service\, community spirit\, or impact. It&rsquo\;s all about local love\, businesses were voted for and the winner will be announced tonight!!
\n
\nSponsored by: Casino Nanaimo
\nWinner 2025: Purple Cactus Lingerie \;\;
\n15. Personal &\; Aesthetics Services: \;\n\n\n - The Personal &\; Aesthetic Services award includes anything that you look and feel good. This award reflects spas\, hair stylists\, nail technicians\, personal trainers\, tailors\, estheticians\, make-up artists etc. \; \;
\n
\nSponsored by: Almost Famous Laser Corp.
\nWinner 2025: Candice Deanne Makeup| Hair| Photography \;\n\n16. Property Developers:
\n\n\n - Property development drives a large part of Nanaimo&rsquo\;s economy and keeps us housed and our businesses in buildings they need. \; Big or small\, Nanaimo&rsquo\;s developers shape our neighbourhoods and community.
\n
\nSponsored by: Vancouver Island Real Estate Board
\nWinner 2025: Gulf Island Builds \;
\n
\n17. Retailer:\n\n\n - This award is given to a business that offers excellence in retail through presentation of a unique concept\, an intriguing environment\, unique products and/or services and consistent delivery of high-value service. \;
\n
\nSponsored by: LogoWest
\nWinner 2025: Red Shelf Decor \; \;\n\n18. Small &\; Medium Business:
\n\n\n - Small &\; Medium Enterprise targets businesses with 11-99 employees. \; This award gives recognition of businesses with a vision and demonstrated capacity for sustainable growth\, engagement in innovative practices\, demonstrating outstanding performance in their field. \;
\n
\nSponsored by: Doane Grant Thornton LLP
\nWinner 2025: Berwick On the Lake \; \;\n\n19. Trades &\; Skilled Labours:
\n\n\n - This Award is for the people who take your dreams and ideas from paper and turn them into reality: contractors\, builders\, electricians &\; plumbers\, roofers\, carpenters
\n
\nSponsored by: WorkBC Nanaimo- A program funded by Government of Canada and BC \;
\nWinner 2025: ServiceXcel \;
\n \;\n20. Women in Business:
\n\n\n - The Women in Business Award honours a female 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.
\n
\nSponsored by: The Children Health Foundation of Vancouver Island \;
\nWinner 2025: Jennifer Hufnagel - Hufnagel Consulting \;\n\n \;
\n\n21. Young Entrepreneur:
\n\n\n - Young entrepreneurs have what it takes to make it in business &ndash\; a good idea\, vision\, and understanding of their marketplace and those unique qualities of a successful business operator &ndash\; passion\, drive\, energy\, and creativity.
\n
\nSponsored by: YCD Nanaimo Airport \; \;
\nWinner 2025: Precise Mechanical Repairs \;\n\n
\n
\nMORE INFORMATION TO BE UPDATED SOON
\n
LOCATION:
UID:e.1345.2562
SEQUENCE:3
DTSTAMP:20260520T225543Z
URL:https://members.nanaimochamber.bc.ca/events/details/2026-nanaimo-business-awards-2562
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