The Annapolis Valley Chamber of Commerce hosts our annual Business Awards celebrating nominees from our business community. Businesses are nominated from seven separate categories: New Business of the Year, Micro Business of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Large Business of the Year, Exporter of the Year, Innovator of the Year, and the Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Advancement Award. The nominees submit a judging package to a head judge, separate from the Chamber, who has not been a part of the judging process. Join us in 2023 to celebrate our local business community.

Award Categories

New Business of the Year

The nominee must have an active for-profit business located or operating in the Annapolis Valley (Hantsport – Lawrencetown) for less than three years as

Micro Business of the Year

The nominee must have an active for-profit business located or operating in the Annapolis Valley (Hantsport – Lawrencetown) with a total number of employees not exceeding 5. For purposes of the business awards, contractors are considered employees. Business must be owner-operated for a minimum of three years.

Small Business of the Year

The nominee must have an active for-profit business located or operating in the Annapolis Valley (Hantsport – Lawrencetown) with a total number of employees not exceeding 25. For purposes of the business awards, contractors are considered employees. Business must be owner-operated for a minimum of three years.

Large Business of the Year

The nominee must have an active for-profit business located or operating in the Annapolis Valley (Hantsport – Lawrencetown) with more than 25 employees. For purposes of the business awards, contractors are considered employees.

Exporter of the Year

Active for-profit business operation in the Annapolis Valley (Hantsport – Lawrencetown) is more than 3 years old with a significant strength in export to be solely judged on this element. Requires the business to export a product/service outside of Nova Scotia.

Innovator of the Year

Active for-profit business operation in the Annapolis Valley (Hantsport – Lawrencetown) more than 3 years old with a significant strength in innovation to be solely judged on this element. Focus is on significant creation in product/service or process that distinguishes the business in the market or industry.

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Advancement Award

Active for-profit business located and operating in the Annapolis Valley (Hantsport – Lawrencetown) with a demonstrable commitment to advancing principles of equity, diversity, and/or inclusion throughout their organization. The focus of this award is on the work of a business to become more diverse, equitable, and/or inclusive of all peoples. Initiatives can be internal to the organization, external, or both but must touch on at least one of the following areas: Gender/Sexual Diversity, Indigenous Rights, Anti-Racism & Discrimination, Disability Rights, Gender Equity, and Inclusion.