Communities in BC have until June 30, 2012 to submit applications for B.C.'s second annual Most Small Business Friendly Community Award competition.

Noting that small businesses in the province employ more than one million people and almost 57 per cent of all public sector jobs, the award competition is looking to recognize municipalities that provide regulatory and other supports to small businesses.

The award will recognize eight communities that champion small business, with up to three finalists per region being selected in August and the final winners being revealed in October during Small Business Month.

In selecting the winners the evaluation panel will be looking for communities that:

• reduce red-tape and regulatory barriers,
• enhance competitiveness amongst small businesses,
• recognize the contributions small businesses make to the local community, and
• support green economy initiatives that benefit small businesses.

Municipalities interested in submitting an application should contact the Small Business Roundtable Secretariat for further information:
Phone: 250-387-4699
Email: RoundtableSecretariat@gov.bc.ca

The six winners in the 2011 Most Small Business Friendly award competition were:

• Kamloops
• Ladysmith
• Prince Rupert
• Quesnel  
• Rossland
• Surrey

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