A business award won last year by the city of Coquitlam went to a neighbouring municipality this year.
On Wednesday at the Union of BC Municipalities' convention in Whistler, the city accepted the Open for Business accolade - and $10,000.
PoCo is one of nine B.C. communities to win the prize, which is given by the BC Small Business Roundtable and recognizes municipalities for local policies, projects and programs that help small business.
According to a city press release yesterday, the $10,000 will go to programs that support PoCo businesses. The release stated the city will use the funds to develop new programs that could include a Biz Alley trade show during the annual May Day Festival, an online resource centre to support and promote local businesses, or a mentorship program for youth entrepreneurs.
The Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training provided the $10,000 prizes. The other 2014 winners were: Grand Forks, Kelowna, Langley city, Parksville, Salmon Arm, Smithers, Surrey and Vernon. Each community will get $10,000 to support open business locally.
NOMINATE A POCO BUSINESS
Meanwhile, the deadline is nearing for entries to the 2014 PoCo Best Biz Awards.
Online submissions will be accepted until Oct. 2 via portcoquitlam.ca/bizawards; nominees will be entered for a People's Choice Award, voted on by the public from Oct. 6 to 12. The winners will be featured in the city's 2015 calendar.
The PoCo Best Biz Awards celebration will take place on Oct. 30 at the PoCo Inn and Suites. To reserve a seat, go to portcoquitlam.ca/bizawards.
