The Town of Gibsons has been named a finalist for a Small Business BC “Open for Business” award.
Gibsons is one of three finalists in the small community category along with Lumby and Ucluelet.
The recognition for Gibsons comes a little over a month after Sechelt was ranked 12th on BC Business magazine’s Best Cities for Work in 2019 list.
The award, which is part of the Small Business BC Awards, “celebrates communities that have created a business friendly environment, allowing small business to flourish.”
“The Open For Business and Small Business BC Awards recognize small business owners and entrepreneurs who contribute to our communities and economy through the creation of good jobs,” said Bruce Ralston, Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology, in a release announcing the finalists.
“We are very pleased to be recognized as a community that actively supports its small businesses,” Mayor Bill Beamish told Coast Reporter via email.
“One of the Town’s main goals is to create the conditions that will, first, attract entrepreneurs and, second, enable them to thrive. The Town of Gibsons has done that, through well-developed processes, sound policy, solid civil services and a commitment to maintaining Gibsons’ exceptionally high degree of livability,” Beamish said.
“This has helped us draw numerous new, first-class businesses in recent years, with business licences and development permits currently being taken out in record numbers. We’ve also seen an influx of new residents, together with an increase in job creation.
“Truly, Gibsons is undergoing an exciting small-business economic renaissance, and it’s great to have that acknowledged by Small Business BC.”
No Sunshine Coast companies were named as finalists in this year’s business categories. Last year, The Gibsons Butcher won the Premier’s People’s Choice Award.
The winners will be announced at a Feb. 21 gala in Vancouver.
