In 2025, we will honour outstanding excellence in the following nine categories: Best Employer, Business of the Year, Environmental Initiative, Excellence in Equity, Innovation, Non-Profit of the Year, Service Excellence (1-10 Employees), Service Excellence (11+ Employees), and Young Entrepreneur. Join us in showing our respect and appreciation for the local businesses that make North Vancouver an amazing place to live, work, and play.
Innovation Award
Description
The Innovation Award is presented to a North Vancouver business to recognize development and growth through the creation or use of unique technology, products, methods or service.
Criteria
| Use of science and/or technology to create a business that is original or unique |
| Creation of new or existing processes, products or services that enhance their business and/or customer experience |
| High degree of originality, creativity and/or experimentation to design and realize the innovation |
| Commercialization or quantifiable growth within new and/or prevailing markets |
| Extends community support above and beyond their business or professional responsibilities |
Best Employer Award
Description
The Best Employer Award is presented to a North Vancouver business to recognize their commitment to offering exceptional workplaces for their employees.
Criteria
| Proven track record of providing programs that support the wellbeing of their employees through health & wellness, safety, workplace diversity, and community involvement initiatives |
| Established programs and/or services that support the challenges employees face working in North Vancouver |
| Innovation, growth, and development of new programs and services that meet the changing needs of all employees; |
| Demonstrated leadership and commitment to employee training, development and retention strategies within the organization |
| Deep commitment to making the community of North Vancouver a better place for their employees to live and play. |
Young Entrepreneur Award
Description
The Young Entrepreneur Award is presented to a North Vancouver business person under 40 years of age who excels in business, exemplifies leadership, and exhibits strong entrepreneurial skills.
Criteria
| Exceptional initiative to assume the risk of establishing a new business |
| Utilization of business skills necessary for long-term success |
| Progressive growth within new and/or prevailing markets |
| Dedication and commitment to our community through their interest in leadership, peer mentoring, inclusion and personal achievement |
| Extends community support above and beyond their business or professional responsibilities |
Business of the Year Award
Description
The Business of the Year Award will be presented to a North Vancouver business that exemplifies consistent and exceptional achievement from an overall operating perspective.
Criteria
| Proven track record of business sustainability, growth, and sound financial management |
| Differentiated customer service, product and value proposition |
| Established employment leadership standards for staff diversity, development and retention |
| Elevated level of business operations that encompass vision, integrity and civic responsibility |
| Proven milestones, achievements and/or notable recognition in their field of business; |
| Leadership in creating and promoting diversity and inclusion |
| Recognized role as a strong business partner through active involvement in supporting community, charitable and civic organizations. |
Excellence in Equity Award
Description
The Excellence in Equity Award is presented to a North Vancouver business that exemplifies leadership and commitment to equitable practices and initiatives that build an inclusive workplace and community.
Criteria
| Workplace policies and hiring practices that build an equitable, inclusive workplace culture and an environment free from bias and discrimination |
| Workplace practices and activities that support or are developed in consultation with equity-seeking staff, communities or groups |
| A commitment to inclusion by providing equitable access to staff training and leadership development opportunities |
| Promotion of equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace and/or broader community |
| A commitment to building diversity of talent at all levels within your workforce |
| Evidence of year-over-year progression and achievements in moving your business towards being more diverse and inclusive |
| Evidence of how activities centered on equity and inclusion have contributed to improved business performance and growth |
| Recognized role as a strong business partner through active involvement in supporting community, charitable and civic organizations. |
Non-Profit of the Year Award
Description
The Non-Profit of the Year Award is presented to a non-profit organization, society or charity that exemplifies consistent and exceptional achievement from an overall operating perspective.
Criteria
| Effective and efficient delivery of community programs and/or services to the North Vancouver community that match the stated mandate of the organization; |
| Efficient and creative fund development, including leverage of funding and use of other resources in support of the organizational mandate; |
| Demonstrated innovation and modification of operations, programs and services to adjust to the changing needs of the community; |
| Strong community partnerships that help amplify the impact of community programs and/or services ; |
| Outstanding human resource leadership - including commitment to staff training & development, volunteer engagement & management, workplace diversity & inclusion, and workplace health & safety. |
Environmental Initiative Award
Description
The Environmental Initiative Award is presented to an exceptional North Vancouver business that exemplifies leadership and commitment to sustainable business practices and initiatives.
Criteria
| Sustained reduction or improved efficiency in waste outputs, energy usage or environmental impact of their operations |
| Projects, programs, processes, systems, technologies or employee engagement to reduce the environmental footprint of your business |
| Growth, development and leadership standards supporting sustainability which provide a role model for others to emulate |
| Demonstrated community leadership in establishing sustainability initiatives or standards that have become linked to the employer's public identity |
| Milestones and measurable accomplishments that demonstrate effective sustainable operations |
Service Excellence Award (11+ Employees)
Description
The Service Excellence Award (11+ Employees) is presented to a North Vancouver business to recognize their outstanding dedication and achievement to service excellence and customer/guest satisfaction.
Criteria
| Commitment to exceptional service standards that consistently exceed customer/guest expectations |
| Proficiency in meeting or exceeding the changing needs of customers/guests |
| Preservation of high service standards through effective staff/team training and development |
| An exceptional “wow factor” when dealing with customers/guests, partners and stakeholders |
| Extends community support above and beyond their business or professional responsibilities |
| A commitment to diversity and inclusion in their service practices |
Service Excellence Award (1-10 Employees)
Description
The Service Excellence Award (1-10 Employees) is presented to a North Vancouver business to recognize their outstanding dedication and achievement to service excellence and customer/guest satisfaction.
Criteria
| Commitment to exceptional service standards that consistently exceed customer/guest expectations |
| Proficiency in meeting or exceeding the changing needs of customers/guests |
| Preservation of high service standards through effective staff/team training and development |
| An exceptional “wow factor” when dealing with customers/guests, partners and stakeholders |
| Extends community support above and beyond their business or professional responsibilities |
| A commitment to diversity and inclusion in their service practices |
