A series of trophies honouring local businesses have been sitting on Port Coquitlam city shelves the last four years as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The PoCo Best Biz Awards' nomination deadline is tomorrow (Feb. 1) as the gala is making a highly-anticipated return this year.
Local residents are encouraged to nominate their favourite businesses and establishments for one of five categories:
- Small Business of the Year (One to 15 employees)
- 2019 winner: Western Sky Books
- Big Business of the Year (16 or more employees)
- 2019 winner: Orrange Kitchen and Bar
- People's Choice Award
- 2019 winner: Inspirations Nails Spa and Hair Studio
- Every business nominated will be eligible to win
- Home-based Business Award
- 2019 winner: Samantha's Cleaning Services
- Demonstrates significant growth, sustainability and excellent customer service
- Entrepreneur of the Year
- 2019 winners: Squish Juicery and The Angela Calla Mortgage Team
- Someone who is launching or has launched a business within the past three years
"Local businesses in our community are vital to our city's success and they play an important role in driving our local economy and providing much needed goods, services and jobs in Port Coquitlam," said Mayor Brad West in an earlier statement.
"The pandemic has been a challenge for many of our local businesses that make up the fabric of our communities, including locally owned restaurants, shops and more in our city."
It's set to be the eighth annual event since its inception in 2013, and the city said business of any size an be nominated.
Entrepreneurs can even nominate themselves or their establishment, which must operate within Port Coquitlam's municipal boundaries and have a valid licence.
Once nominations are submitted, PoCo residents will get cast a ballot for each category up until Feb. 13 before a panel of city and business reps select the winners.
The PoCo Best Biz Awards are scheduled to take place March 1, 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Mabbett Hall inside the Port Coquitlam Community Centre (PCCC).
For more information and a breakdown of the nomination process, you can visit the Best Biz page of the city's website.
The Tri-City News is a sponsor of the 2023 PoCo Best Biz Awards.
