British Columbia is looking to recognize the contribution made by outstanding Aboriginal business people within the province.

Premier Christy Clark and BC Achievement Foundation chair Keith Mitchell recently announced that the BC Aboriginal Business Awards is now open for nominations.

The awards, now in their third year, seek to highlight the business accomplishments of Aboriginal business people and reflect the importance of their contributions to the BC economy.

Submissions for the awards will be accepted until the September 15th deadline, with the winners announced in October 2011.

Categories and criteria

All applications will be reviewed by an independent jury of Aboriginal business experts, who will select recipients based on the award criteria in seven different categories.

• Young Female Aboriginal Entrepreneur
• Young Male Aboriginal Entrepreneur
• Business of the Year Awards*
• Community-owned Business of the Year Award
• Joint Venture Business of the Year Award

*There is an award in each of three categories for business of the year: 1-2 person, 2-10 person and 10+ person entreprises

The judges will consider the viability, sustainability, and competitiveness of the business in the decision-making process.

In each category, the panel will select a first-place recipient and up to two second-place recipients. All winners will be celebrated at a gala ceremony to take place sometime in the fall of 2011.

"The awards demonstrate the expanding role of Aboriginal business in the province," says Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister Mary Polak. "To date, 43 BC Aboriginal businesses have been recognized, and I encourage Aboriginal entrepreneurs to enter their own submissions or nominate a business they feel deserves recognition."

Eligibility

The following requirements have been outlined for the awards:

• All nominees must be Aboriginal (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit);
• Individuals and businesses are welcome to nominate themselves or be nominated by a second party;
• Individuals and businesses may enter in one category only;
• Nominators must ensure that they have the approval of the individual or business they are nominating;
• Submissions will be considered for two years; and
• Non-profit or charitable groups, government agencies and institutions are not eligible for these awards.

Additional information and nomination forms are available on the British Columbia Achievement Foundation website, and must be mailed into the BC Aboriginal Business Awards' address provided on the form.

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