Port Coquitlam, BC – JANUARY 9, 2023… Nominations are now open for the Port Coquitlam Best Biz Awards, back for the eighth year to shine the spotlight on local businesses.

Anyone can nominate their own or another Port Coquitlam business until Feb. 1 using the online form at portcoquitlam.ca/bizawards. Participants are encouraged to make their nomination stand out.

“Local businesses in our community are vital to our city’s success and they play an important role in driving our local economy and providing much needed goods, services and jobs in Port Coquitlam,” said Mayor Brad West. “The pandemic has been a challenge for many of our local businesses that make up the fabric of our communities, including locally owned restaurants, shops and more in our City. I encourage everyone to take a few minutes to nominate your favourite local businesses as a way of thanking them for their services and what they do to help our community thrive as they continue to work to overcome the difficulties of the past two years.”

After two years of cancellations due to the global pandemic, the Port Coquitlam Best Biz Awards are back. The City launched the awards in 2013 to recognize the contributions businesses make to the community, celebrate their accomplishments, and encourage Port Coquitlam residents to shop locally for goods and services.

This year, businesses may be nominated in one of four categories:

Businesses of any size may be nominated, as long as they operate in Port Coquitlam and have a valid City business licence (except for entrepreneurs with a new concept who may not yet have a business licence). Businesses can nominate themselves.

All nominees will also be entered for a People’s Choice Award, and their business names, websites will be promoted on the City website and in other print and online communications. From Feb. 1 to 13, the public will be invited to vote for their favourite business.

Selected by a panel of City and business representatives, the awards will be presented at the PoCo Best Biz Awards Celebration on Mar. 1 from 5:30-8:00 p.m. at the Port Coquitlam Community Centre – Mabbett Hall. The free event is open to all Port Coquitlam businesses and employees (maximum of two seats per business) and includes complimentary food, drinks and door prizes. Early registration is recommended at portcoquitlam.ca/bizawards as space is limited.

For more information about the awards, an online nomination form and tips, visit portcoquitlam.ca/bizawards. Questions may also be directed to planning@portcoquitlam.ca or 604.927.5249.