ARCHIVED: Small Business and Red Tape Reduction
Applications are now being accepted for this year’s Open for Business Awards, which highlight the efforts of municipalities, regional districts and First Nations governments to grow small businesses in their communities and share their successes with others.
The awards recognize communities with a service-oriented philosophy that aim to foster a competitive, small business environment and grow local economies. The awards will be adjudicated according to the following criteria:
- Business-friendly initiatives in the community;
- Activities to reduce red tape;
- Understanding the needs of the small business sector;
- Reducing costs for small business;
- Tracking and measurement activities for small business; and,
- Efforts to attract, develop and retain entrepreneurial talent within communities.
In recognition of the important role of regional districts in supporting small businesses, regional districts are eligible to apply for an award for the first time.
Applications will be accepted until Aug. 1, 2016. Winners will be announced at the end of September 2016. Communities are encouraged to review the Open for Business Awards Best Practices Guide for tips developed by former award winners before applying.
The award was originally established in 2011 as the Most Small Business Friendly Community Award and re-launched as the Open for Business Awards in 2013.
Quotes:
Coralee Oakes, Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction and chair, B.C. Small Business Roundtable –
“We know that when small businesses are celebrated and supported by their municipality, regional district or First Nation, they are more likely to be successful. The Open for Business Awards celebrate the partnerships between small businesses and local governments, while embracing the spirit of collaboration and entrepreneurship that defines British Columbia's thriving small business sector.”
Cybele Negris, vice-chair, B.C. Small Business Roundtable –
“Local and First Nations governments have a critical role to play in the success of the small businesses in their communities. The roundtable’s Open for Business Awards celebrate governments that are leading the way in cutting red tape, reducing costs, attracting and developing talent, listening to the small business community and fostering a great local business environment. The roundtable hopes that by sharing and celebrating these successes, more communities will adopt new initiatives to make B.C. the most small business-friendly jurisdiction in North America.”
Quick Facts:
- Small business is defined as a business with fewer than 50 employees, or self-employed without paid help.
- There were approximately 382,600 small businesses operating in B.C. in 2014; 309,300 have fewer than five employees.
- B.C. is first in Canada for the number of small businesses per capita, with 82.6 businesses per 1,000 people.
- Small business provides 54% of all private-sector jobs in British Columbia, the second highest rate in the country.
- Small business accounts for 33% of British Columbia’s GDP, tied for first place in the country and higher than the Canadian average. B.C.'s Small Business Roundtable is responsible for identifying key small business issues and opportunities, providing recommendations to enhance the small business climate in B.C. and promoting small business interests.
Learn More:
- For a video of Oakes announcing that the awards are open for applications, visit: https://youtu.be/3-bQdZqIiWU
- Application submissions, Open for Business Awards application information and previous winners: http://ow.ly/2yTl3016eww
- Open for Business Awards Best Practices Guide: http://ow.ly/zB3a3016ezo
- B.C.’s Small Business Roundtable: https://www.smallbusinessroundtable.ca
