Full Nomination Package - PDF (Includes all of the information listed below and nomination form)

N.E.D.C. Business Awards POSTER - (PDF)

NOMINATION FORM - (PDF)  

NOMINATION FORM - (Word)

NEDC Business AwardThe NEDC Aboriginal Business Awards celebrate the accomplishments of the Nuu-chah-nulth businesses, NEDC clients and Aboriginal businesses within the Nuu-chah-nulth region.
 

This year, these awards will honour businesses in FIVE categories. A committee will review the nominations and select the recipients in accordance with the awards' criteria. The awards will be presented at an awards ceremony celebrating aspiring entrepreneurs and Aboriginal business in our region.

Whether you are a small business owner or a sole proprietor running a business out of your home, managing a large staff of a community-owned enterprise, or you are growing a business from the ground up as an entrepreneur, these awards will recognize and celebrate your achievements.

The award categories allow for the unique strengths and diversity within the business community and recognize motivation, focus and achievable goals. The NEDC Aboriginal Business Award recipients will serve as an example of excellence and inspiration while showcasing best practices to be shared amongst all business people, whether they are those already involved in business or those considering a business career.

DEADLINES & ELIGIBILITY:

The Nuu-chah-nulth Economic Development Corporation (NEDC), Business Awards 2010 recognize Aboriginal, Métis, and Inuit businesses within the Nuu-chah-nulth Region (Vancouver Island, BC) and Nuu-chah-nulth businesses (regardless of their location), and NEDC Clients. NEDC Business Awards honour small businesses for their success and achievement(s) in a variety of categories.

Important Dates to Remember:

Call for Entries Begins: May 15th, 2010
Nomination Deadline:   August. 15th, 2010

Nominees may be contacted to provide additional information to be submitted by September 15th, 2010.

Awards Presentation:
October 2010 (day, time and location to be announced.)

Who is eligible for nominations?
 Nuu-chah-nulth Members
 All Aboriginal businesses within the Nuu-chah-nulth region
 NEDC clients

Winners will be recognized at NEDC's Business & Business Plan Competition Awards Ceremony.

WHY NOMINATE/PARTICIPATE IN A NEDC ABORIGINAL BUSINESS AWARD?

In business, it is important to focus on ways to set your business apart from the rest. The role of Aboriginal business in our economy needs to be profiled and celebrated. Winning a NEDC Aboriginal Business Award can benefit your business' internal and external operations in the following ways:

 Recipients of these awards are honoured at an awards gala

 Being recognized by your will position your business, small or large, as a leader to current and potential customers, as well as to your employees and the community at large.

 A great morale booster for employees, providing opportunity for their efforts to be formally recognized.

 Preparing the nomination provides an occasion to take a look at your goals and objectives, providing a measure to evaluate your progress.

 

 

CATEGORY DESCRIPTIONS AND JUDGING CRITERIA:
This year NEDC is offering FIVE business awards in the following categories:

 Youth Business of the Year
 Best Environmental & Sustainable Business
 Best Cultural Business
 Artist of the Year
 Business of the Year

*please note, a separate nomination form is required for each category!

YOUTH BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD
This award is to acknowledge successful businesses that are majority-owned and operated by a youth under the age of 36 years.

Judging Criteria:

• Financial Viability (profitability, ratios, etc.)
• Customer Service (customer satisfaction, staff commentary, community support)
• Innovative Practices (innovative business practices, technology, etc.)
• Exposure (recognition within the Nuu-chah-nulth and other communities)
• Years of Operation

BEST ENVIRONMENTAL & SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS AWARD
This award is to acknowledge businesses that are environmentally sustainable.

Judging Criteria:

• Financial Viability (profitability, ratios, etc.)
• Environmental Footprint (environmental preservation, ecological practices, etc.)
• Nature of Product/Service
• Exposure (recognition within the Nuu-chah-nulth and other communities)
• Innovative Practices (innovative business practices, technology, etc.)
• Energy Efficiency
• Years of Operation

BEST CULTURAL BUSINESS AWARD
This award is to acknowledge businesses that have integrated the Nuu-chah-nulth culture into their business, products, processes, and/or services.

Judging Criteria:

• Financial Viability (profitability, ratios, etc.)
• Cultural Preservation
• Promotion of Culture
• Integration of culture into product/service/process
• Years of Operation

ARTIST OF THE YEAR AWARD
This award is to acknowledge a distinguished visual artist in any medium who has achieved a high degree of excellence and has received recognition for his/her work.

Judging Criteria:

• Financial Viability (profitability, ratios, etc.)
• Exposure (known in the Nuu-chah-nulth communities, local communities, national, international)
• Quality of Work
• Contributions (donated services or skills to the community, teacher/lecturer/demonstrator experience)
• Years of Operation

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD
This award acknowledges outstanding businesses.

Judging Criteria:
 

• Financial Viability (profitability, ratios, etc.)
• Customer Service (customer reviews, repeat clientele, customer satisfaction, etc.)
• Innovative Practices (innovative business practices, technology, etc.)
• Exposure (known in the Nuu-chah-nulth communities and/or other communities)
• Years of Operation
 

 

NOMINATION PROCESS AT A GLANCE...
How to Prepare Your Entry: Deadline - AUGUST 15th, 2010

Carefully review the judging criteria and any additional submission requirements for each category.

Please include the following items to complete your entry submission:

 Complete a separate Nomination Form for each entry. Refer to the Category Description and Judging Criteria when completing the Entry Form.

 Submit any supporting materia if you are nominating your own business. Examples:
• A profile of the project (Max. 3 pages, double-spaced)
• Any appendices including charts, graphs and photographs.

 Clearly label all pages and items in your entry with the name of the nominee.

 

HOW CAN I MAKE MY NOMINATION STRONGER?
Along with the nomination form, send along with the following:

• A two-part business statement including the nature and overview of your business.

• Two reference letters from individuals who can describe the impact and value of your business

• Optional supporting documents - up to five additional pages of further testimonials, financial statements, media coverage, etc.

Submit your entry postmarked no later than AUGUST 15th.

Questions? Contact Jennifer Gallic jennifer@nedc.info or Caledonia Fred caledonia@nedc.info @ (250) 724-3131, toll-free: 1 (866) 444-6332

 

 

PREVIOUS YEARS' WINNERS:


Business of the Year
2010 Enter your Business HERE!!
2009 Braker Electric - Port Alberni, BC
2008 Best Western Tin Wis Resort (Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation) -Tofino, BC
2007 House of Himwitsa -Tofino, BC

Artist of the Year
2010 Enter your Name HERE!!
2009 Gordon Dick

Best Cultural Business
2009 Tla-ook Cultural Adventures

Best Arts or Cultural Business
2007 First Nations Wildcrafters, BC - Port Alberni, BC

Best Youth-Owned Business
2010 Enter your Business HERE!!
2009 Cup & Saucer Eatery - Port Alberni, BC
2008 EM Salon & Spa - Port Alberni, BC
2007 Tla-ook Cultural Adventures - Tofino, BC

Best Environmental & Sustainable Business
2010 Enter your Business HERE!!
2009 Upnit Power Corporation (Hupacasath First Nation - Port Alberni, BC
2008 Incredible Edibles (Hupacasath First Nation) - Port Alberni, BC
2007 Upnit Power Corporation (Hupacasath First Nation) - Port Alberni, BC

Outstanding Business Achievement Award
2008 John Tom Water Taxi - Tofino, BC

 

 

HOW TO APPLY:
Simply fill out the attached nomination form and submit either by e-mail (preferred) to jennifer@nedc.info or by mailing a copy to Nuu-chah-nulth Economic Development Corporation
c/o Jennifer Gallic, PO BOX 1384, Port Alberni, BC, V9Y 7M2

For presentation purposes, please send a digital photo to the email address above.

NOMINATIONS ARE ACCEPTED UP TO SUNDAY, AUGUST 15th, 2010

The awards presentation will be held at the NEDC Awards Ceremony - Date and Location to be determined.

 

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Q. Can I submit my business for more than one award?
A. Yes, however, a separate "Nomination Form" is required for each.

Q. Can I submit an entry on behalf of another organization or business?
A. You may submit an entry on behalf of yourself or a colleague. If you are submitting on behalf of another organization/business, you are required to notify the other party.

Q. Will I get my entry back after the judging?
A. All submissions become the property of NEDC.

Q. How will I know that my entry has been received?
A. A confirmation email will be sent within two weeks of your received entry.

Q. What is the definition of a business?
A. A business is an entity designed to provide goods and/or services to consumers.

Q. Can the business statement (parts 1 and 2) be in point form?
A. Yes, in a readable style.

Q. Does the business have to be registered?
A. No, but the business must provide goods and/or services to consumers.

Q. If I am 36 years old can I enter the Youth Entrepreneur of the Year Award category?
A. No, the youth category has been defined as under 36.

Q. Can I send in the nomination package electronically?
A. Yes, you can e-mail it to nedc@nedc.info.

Q. When will award recipients be notified?
A. The award recipients will be announced by mid-October 2010 via telephone.

Q. Where will the award recipients be published?
A. Award recipient postings may appear on the NEDC website, Annual Report, e-newsletter as well as other media outlets.

Q. When identifying the number "persons" the business enterprise employs, should occasional employees be included in the total?
A. No. Please identify full or part-time permanent staff only. If there are times that you increase the number of employees for short periods of time this can be included in your business statement section.

 

 

NOMINATION FORM:
 

NOMINATION FORM - (PDF)  

NOMINATION FORM - (Word)

PLEASE READ THE JUDGING CRITERIA and ensure you include relevant information with your nomination. Attach a separate document(s) if needed.