2023 Nomination Now Open

Deadline: Sunday, September 17th, 2023

Who is eligible for nominations?

Businesses owned by Nuu-chah-nulth Member(s)
All Aboriginal businesses within the Nuu-chah-nulth (NCN) territory
NEDC clients

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:

Cash Prizes!
1 Night Stay at Tigh-na-mara Resort and travel support to Parksville, BC
Recipients are honored at an awards ceremony.
Being recognized 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.

About the Awards

The 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 honor 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.

Awards Categories

BEST Youth-OWNED Business

This award is to acknowledge successful businesses that are majority-owned and operated by an individual under the age of 36. Judging Criteria: Financial Viability, Management, Marketing, Customer Service, Innovation, Business Exposure, Years of Operation

Best NEW Business

This award is to acknowledge businesses in operation less than 4 years. Judging Criteria: Financial Viability, Management, Marketing, Customer Service, Innovation, Business Exposure, Years of Operation

Best Service/Retail Business

This award is to acknowledge businesses that provides exceptional services or products to their clients. Judging Criteria: Financial Viability, Management, Marketing, Customer Service, Innovation, Business Exposure, Years of Operation

Best ARTS & Cultural Business

This award is to acknowledge businesses who incorporate Nuu-chah-nulth Art and/or Culture into products/services. Judging Criteria: Financial Viability, Quality of Work, Business Exposure, Innovation, Integration/Promotion of Arts and/or Culture, Years of Operation

Best Environmental Business

This award acknowledges businesses demonstrating a commitment to protecting, respecting & celebrating the environment. Judging Criteria: Financial Viability, Environmentally Friendly, Connection to Nature, Marketing, Customer Service, Innovation, Business Exposure, Years of Operation

Business of the Year

This award acknowledges businesses demonstrating outstanding success. Judging Criteria: Financial Viability, Management, Marketing, Customer Service, Innovation, Business Exposure, Community Involvement, Years of Operation

Nomination Questions

The Nomination Form Contains two (2) Parts:

1. About the Nominator (Who’s filling out this form?)
– Nominator Name
– Nominator Phone
– Nominator Email
– Eligibility of the Business you are nominating

2. About the Business Nominated (What business are your recommending for an award?)
– Business Nominated Name
– Pick a Category
– Contact Person for Business – Name
– Contact Information for Business (phone and/or email)
– Please provide a description of the nominated business. What do they do? What makes them stand out?
– Why do you think the nominee is deserving of this award?
– Date Business Began (Year & Month)
– Additional Contact Information for business (optional)

Nomination Process at a Glance

How to Prepare Your Entry:

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 (online form) for each entry.
Submit any supporting material to events@nedc.info (optional).
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? (optional)

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
Supporting documents – up to five additional pages of further testimonials, financial statements, media coverage, etc.

Email optional supporting documents to events@nedc.info or deliver to the NEDC office in Port Alberni