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OKANAGAN - The results are in, and five communities across British Columbia have won the Small Business Roundtable's Open for Business Award in recognition of their efforts to support the growth of small businesses, create jobs and drive local economic growth.

The fourth-annual awards ceremony, held during the Union of British Columbia Municipalities annual convention at the Parliament Buildings, saw the Village of Telkwa, City of Victoria, District of Lake Country, the Corporation of Delta and the Nisga'a Lisims Government take home top honours. Each of these communities are first-time Open for Business Award winners, a clear indication that more municipalities, regional districts, and First Nations are adopting small business-friendly policies and finding innovative ways to foster entrepreneurship each year.

Twenty-one communities from around the province applied for the awards this year. Each submission was adjudicated according to the small- business-friendly themes identified in Open for Business Awards: Best Practices Guide, but the Small Business Roundtable found the following initiatives particularly innovative in their approach to supporting the success of small businesses:

Telkwa made major investments to revitalize Hankin Corner as a commercial focal point through restoration and development.

Victoria created a 'Business Hub' at city hall that streamlines business development, connects entrepreneurs and provides advice for businesses.

Lake Country has dedicated resources to take the pulse of their city's business community through innovative analytics gathered from business walks and site visits.

Delta's inter-municipal work was recognized as being incredibly well thought-out, having 16 distinct communities within its borders.

Nisga'a Lisims Government implemented a rigorous planning cycle that includes a yearly community marketing plan and a bi-annual assembly for small businesses to give direct feedback to the Nisga'a Lisims Government.

"Congratulations to the 2016 Open for Business Awards winners and to all the communities that submitted entries this year. The Open for Business Awards highlight local governments that are leaders in supporting entrepreneurs and encouraging investment and economic growth. The awards recognize the importance of small businesses and encourage B.C.'s local governments to create policies and partnerships that remove barriers and red tape and promote investment so all our communities can thrive," says Sue Adams, managing partner of Pemberton Valley Supermarket Ltd.

News from © iNFOnews, 2016