Press Release
Vancouver, BC (May 1, 2024): British Columbians are encouraged to nominate those who demonstrate excellence in Indigenous entrepreneurship for the 16th annual Indigenous Business Award (IBA) program, announced today by BC Achievement Foundation chair Walter Pela.
“By nominating deserving entrepreneurs for the Indigenous Business Award, we honour their innovation, resilience, and vital contributions to our provincial economy,” said Pela. “Celebrating Indigenous business excellence shines a spotlight on the achievements of entrepreneurs and inspires future generations.”
“Receiving the Indigenous Business Award transformed my thinking about how I do my work and has planted the seed that I have what it takes to grow my business. The award has given me exposure and it put me on the radar to be noticed. It’s raised my profile, and I have so much deep gratitude for this.” Marcia Turner, Daxgedim Haanak’ Nation Building, 2023 IBA Recipient
Nominations are invited from throughout the province and aim to showcase business excellence in the following categories: Young Entrepreneur, Business Partnerships, Community-Owned and Business of the Year awards for one-to-two-people, three-to-10-people, and enterprises with 11-or-more people.
By recognizing outstanding people and businesses, the IBA program highlights Indigenous entrepreneurship while modelling success for others to follow. Now in its 16th year, the program counts over 225 remarkable businesses among its alumni.
The deadline for nominations for the 2024 Indigenous Business Award program is May 31. See bcachievement.com for more information about the online nomination process and nominate now! Nominations will be reviewed by an independent jury panel including program alumni and business leaders.
The 2024 awardees will be announced and celebrated starting in September and they will be recognized at a formal gala ceremony held on October 7 at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. Mark the date in your calendars and watch for ticket sales!
The Indigenous-led 2023-24 IBA program is presented by BC Achievement in partnership with the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, and is generously supported by; Enbridge, YVR, Teck, TD, Vancity, Aquilini, BC Hydro, BC Transit, CN, KPMG, New Relationship Trust, Ovintiv, Seaspan, Simpcw Resources Group, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, West Fraser, Dentons, FortisBC, Linde, Pacific Blue Cross, RBC, SFU Beedie School of Business, TELUS and Trans Mountain.
About BC Achievement
BC Achievement is an independent foundation established in 2003 that celebrates the spirit of excellence in our province and serves to honour the best of British Columbia. By recognizing the accomplishments of our province’s entrepreneurs, artists, community leaders, youth and volunteers, its award programs pay tribute to exceptional people, doing exceptional work, while carving a path forward for others to follow. www.bcachievement.com
Media Contacts:
Gemma Bishop
Gather Public Relations
T: 604-375-6953
E: gemma@gatherpublicrelations.com
Rup Grewal, Communications Director
BC Achievement Foundation
T: 604-261-9777 (Ext 102)
E: rup@bcachievement.com
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