2026 Greater Victoria Business Award Categories
Innovation Award
Description
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.
Entry Deadline: 11:59pm, February 15, 2026
Requirements
Eligibility Requirements:
- Nominee must be an active business located or operating in the Greater Victoria Region
- Nominee does not have to be a member to be nominated, but must be a member to move on in judging
- Chamber Staff and businesses of their immediate family, the category sponsor's business and current Chamber Board members and their businesses are not eligible to be nominated for this award
- Nominees must agree to a Code of Conduct Disclaimer at the time of application submission
Finalists will be announced after the judging period and invited to attend the 2026 Business Awards on June 11, 2026 where the winner will be announced.
Finalists will be contacted and filmed for a short video that will be presented at the 2026 Business Awards.
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Criteria
| Demonstrates that their unique process, program, initiative, product or service contributes to profitability or benefits the community. |
| Seen as a trailblazer in their sector. |
| Demonstrates a high degree of originality, creativity, inclusivity and/or experimentation to design and realize innovation. |
| Other noteworthy contributions and accomplishments |
Non-Profit of the Year
Description
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.
Entry Deadline: 11:59pm, February 15, 2026
Requirements
Eligibility Requirements:
- Nominee must be an active business located or operating in the Greater Victoria Region
- Nominee must be incorporated as a non-profit organization
- Nominee does not have to be a member to be nominated, but must be a member to move on in judging
- Chamber Staff and businesses of their immediate family, the category sponsor's business and current Chamber Board members and their businesses are not eligible to be nominated for this award
- Nominees must agree to a Code of Conduct Disclaimer at the time of application submission
Finalists will be announced after the judging period and invited to attend the 2026 Business Awards on June 11, 2026 where the winner will be announced.
Finalists will be contacted and filmed for a short video that will be presented at the 2026 Business Awards.
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Criteria
| Demonstrates meeting a need in the community |
| Demonstrates how they effectively steward donor dollars towards their mission and vision. |
| Differentiates itself from other non-profit organizations |
| Strong evaluation of impact and demonstration of qualitative and quantitative results |
| Other noteworthy contributions and accomplishments |
New Business of the Year
Description
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.
Entry Deadline: 11:59pm, February 15, 2026
Requirements
Eligibility Requirements:
- Nominee must be an active business located or operating in the Greater Victoria Region
- Nominee must have been incorporated within the last 3 years from the date of nomination
- Nominee does not have to be a member to be nominated, but must be a member to move on in judging
- Chamber Staff and businesses of their immediate family, the category sponsor's business and current Chamber Board members and their businesses are not eligible to be nominated for this award
- Nominees must agree to a Code of Conduct Disclaimer at the time of application submission
Finalists will be announced after the judging period and invited to attend the 2026 Business Awards on June 11, 2026 where the winner will be announced.
Finalists will be contacted and filmed for a short video that will be presented at the 2026 Business Awards.
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Criteria
| Outstanding business performance in a short period of time |
| Exceptional promise for growth |
| Serves as an inspiration to other new businesses |
| Commitment to community |
| Other noteworthy contributions and accomplishments |
Business Person of the Year
Description
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.
Entry Deadline: 11:59pm, February 15, 2026
Requirements
Eligibility Requirements:
- Nominee must have an active business located or operating in the Greater Victoria Region
- Nominee must be the founder, CEO, President or Senior Executive of a company(ies)
- Nominee does not have to be a member to be nominated, but must be a member to move on in judging
- Chamber Staff and businesses of their immediate family, the category sponsor and current Chamber Board members and their businesses are not eligible to be nominated for this award
- Nominees must agree to a Code of Conduct Disclaimer at the time of application submission
Two finalists will be announced after the judging period and invited to attend the 2026 Business Awards on June 11, 2026 where the winner will be announced.
The finalists will be contacted and filmed for a short video featuring the nominee that will be presented at the 2026 Business Awards. Ideally the video will speak directly to how the nominee meets the award criteria.
Criteria
| Demostrates business leadership and vision |
| Shows a commitment to the business and the region |
| Is a positive role model and mentor for other business people |
| Exemplifies professional behaviour maintaining a positive reputation |
| Other noteworthy contributions and accomplishments |
Community Builder of the Year
Description
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.
Entry Deadline: 11:59pm, February 15, 2026
Requirements
Eligibility Requirements:
- Nominee must be an active business located or operating in the Greater Victoria Region
- Nominee does not have to be a member to be nominated, but must be a member to move on in judging
- Chamber Staff and businesses of their immediate family, the category sponsor's business and current Chamber Board members and their businesses are not eligible to be nominated for this award
- Nominees must agree to a Code of Conduct Disclaimer at the time of application submission
Finalists will be announced after the judging period and invited to attend the 2026 Business Awards on June 11, 2026 where the winner will be announced.
Finalists will be contacted and filmed for a short video that will be presented at the 2026 Business Awards.
Criteria
| Commitment to community beyond normal business practices |
| Demonstrated work toward building a diverse, inclusive and balanced community |
| Demonstrated sustainable and tangible impact in the region |
| Clear commitment to social responsibility |
| Other noteworthy contributions and accomplishments |
Sustainable Business Practices
Description
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.
Entry Deadline: 11:59pm, February 15, 2026
Requirements
Eligibility Requirements:
- Nominee must be an active business located or operating in the Greater Victoria Region
- Nominee does not have to be a member to be nominated, but must be a member to move on in judging
- Chamber Staff and businesses of their immediate family, the category sponsor's business and current Chamber Board members and their businesses are not eligible to be nominated for this award
- Nominees must agree to a Code of Conduct Disclaimer at the time of application submission
Finalists will be announced after the judging period and invited to attend the 2026 Business Awards on June 11, 2026 where the winner will be announced.
Finalists will be contacted and filmed for a short video that will be presented at the 2026 Business Awards.
Criteria
| Demonstrates sustainable business practices in business operations |
| Business raises environmental awareness |
| Demonstrates leadership and commitment to sustainable development and energy conservation |
| Other noteworthy contributions and accomplishments |
Outstanding Workplace of the Year
Description
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.
Entry Deadline: 11:59pm, February 15, 2026
Requirements
Eligibility Requirements:
- Nominee must be an active business located or operating in the Greater Victoria Region
- Nominee does not have to be a member to be nominated, but must be a member to be considered as a finalist
- Chamber Staff and businesses of their immediate family, the category sponsor's business and current Chamber Board members and their businesses are not eligible to be nominated for this award
- Nominees must agree to a Code of Conduct Disclaimer at the time of application submission
Finalists will be announced after the judging period and invited to attend the 2026 Business Awards on June 11, 2026 where the winner will be announced.
Finalists will be contacted and filmed for a short video that will be presented at the 2026 Business Awards.
Criteria
| Demonstrates a commitment to a healthy work environment |
| Business builds strong workplace culture and is a competitive employer |
| Business has a strong employee recognition culture |
| Business provides professional development and/or advancement opportunities for employees |
| Business demonstrates diversity in the workplace |
| Other noteworthy contributions and accomplishments |
Outstanding Customer Service Award
Description
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.
Entry Deadline: 11:59pm, February 15, 2026
Requirements
Eligibility Requirements:
- Nominee must be an active business located or operating in the Greater Victoria Region
- Nominee does not have to be a member to be nominated, but must be a member to move on in judging
- Nominee must provide up to 10 testimonials – letters, emails or virtual reviews - from customers dated within the last 2 years
- Chamber Staff and businesses of their immediate family, the category sponsor's business and current Chamber Board members and their businesses are not eligible to be nominated for this award
- Nominees must agree to a Code of Conduct Disclaimer at the time of application submission
Finalists will be announced after the judging period and invited to attend the 2026 Business Awards on June 11, 2026 where the winner will be announced.
Finalists will be contacted and filmed for a short video that will be presented at the 2026 Business Awards.
Criteria
| Displays commitment to excellence in customer service |
| Business serves as a role model, mentor or example of excellence to other businesses |
| Business demonstrates commitment to community? |
| Other noteworthy contributions and accomplishments |
| Business has built diversity, equity and inclusivity into its approach to customer service. |
Business of the Year (40+ Employees)
Description
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.
Entry Deadline: 11:59pm, February 15, 2026
Requirements
Eligibility Requirements:
- Nominee must be an active business located or operating in the Greater Victoria Region
- Nominee may not have less than the equivalent of 40 full-time employees
- Nominee does not have to be a member to be nominated, but must be a member to move on in judging
- Chamber Staff and businesses of their immediate family, the category sponsor's business and current Chamber Board members and their businesses are not eligible to be nominated for this award
- Nominees must agree to a Code of Conduct Disclaimer at the time of application submission
Finalists will be announced after the judging period and invited to attend the 2026 Business Awards on June 11, 2026 where the winner will be announced.
Finalists will be contacted and filmed for a short video that will be presented at the 2026 Business Awards.
Criteria
| Continual business excellence through positive business growth |
| Commitment to community |
| Superior customer service |
| Outstanding commitment to quality |
| Other noteworthy contributions and accomplishments |
| Commitment to inclusion, diversity, and equity |
Emerging Business Person of the Year
Description
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.
Entry Deadline: 11:59pm, February 15, 2026
Requirements
Eligibility Requirements:
- Nominee must have an active business located or operating in the Greater Victoria Region
- Nominee must be the business owner or founder of their company
- Nominee must be 39 years of age or younger in the award year
- Nominee does not have to be a member to be nominated, but must be a member to move on in judging
- Chamber Staff and businesses of their immediate family, the category sponsor's business and current Chamber Board members and their businesses are not eligible to be nominated for this award
- Nominees must agree to a Code of Conduct Disclaimer at the time of application submission
Finalists will be announced after the judging period and invited to attend the 2026 Business Awards on June 11, 2026 where the winner will be announced.
Finalists will be contacted and filmed for a short video that will be presented at the 2026 Business Awards.
Criteria
| Demonstrates business excellence |
| Exemplifies business leadership and/or entrepreneurial skills |
| Has exceptional vision that has contributed to business success |
| Demonstrated commitment to social responsibility |
| Other noteworthy contributions and accomplishments |
Business of the Year (1-10 Employees)
Description
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.
Entry Deadline: 11:59pm, February 15, 2026
Requirements
Eligibility Requirements:
- Nominee must be an active business located in, or operating in, the Greater Victoria Region
- Nominee may not have more than the equivalent of 10 full-time employees
- Nominee does not have to be a member to be nominated, but must be a member to move on in judging
- Chamber Staff and businesses of their immediate family, the category sponsor's business and current Chamber Board members and their businesses are not eligible to be nominated for this award
- Nominees are required to acknowledge a Code of Conduct Disclaimer at the time of application submission
Finalists will be announced after the judging period and invited to attend the 2026 Business Awards on June 11, 2026 where the winner will be announced.
Finalists will be contacted and filmed for a short video that will be presented at the 2026 Business Awards.
Criteria
| Demonstrates continual business excellence through positive business growth |
| Community Engagement |
| Superior customer service |
| Outstanding commitment to quality |
| Other noteworthy contributions and accomplishments |
| Commitment to inclusion, diversity, and equity |
Business of the Year (11-39 Employees)
Description
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.
Entry Deadline: 11:59pm, February 15, 2026
Requirements
Eligibility Requirements:
- Nominee must be an active business located or operating in the Greater Victoria Region
- Nominee may not have less than the equivalent of 11 full-time employees or more than the equivalent of 39 full-time employees
- Nominee does not have to be a member to be nominated, but must be a member to move on in judging
- Chamber Staff and businesses of their immediate family, the category sponsor's business and current Chamber Board members and their businesses are not eligible to be nominated for this award
- Nominees must agree to a Code of Conduct Disclaimer at the time of application submission
Finalists will be announced after the judging period and invited to attend the 2026 Business Awards on June 11, 2026 where the winner will be announced.
Finalists will be contacted and filmed for a short video that will be presented at the 2026 Business Awards.
Criteria
| Continual business excellence through positive business growth |
| Community engagement |
| Superior customer service |
| Outstanding commitment to quality |
| Other noteworthy contributions and accomplishments |
| Commitment to inclusion, diversity, and equity |
