Celebrate Business Excellence in the CBRM!
Annually, the Cape Breton Regional Chamber of Commerce celebrates and honours local businesses and business leaders who have demonstrated outstanding business excellence.
We recognize achievement with 12 Excellence in Business Awards and 5 People’s Choice Awards. Inductees are nominated within the community and selected by a judging committee comprised of 10 members from local business organizations through the CBRM.
Business of the Year
The Business of the Year Award is the pinnacle of Cape Breton Regional Municipality business success. The winner demonstrates significant business achievement, has sustained growth with a pathway for future growth and shows the potential to go on to become a true pillar in business on our island and in our province.
The 2021 Business of the Year Award Finalists:
- NovaStream
- Seaside Communications
- The Forrester Centre and Krypt
New Business of the Year
This new business has made an outstanding contribution to our local economy since opening its doors! The owner(s) of this business has an entrepreneurial spirit, good employee/employer relations and has demonstrated excellent customer service and/or product delivery.
The 2021 New Business of the Year Award Finalists:
- Island Folk Cider House
- JJ's Plant-Based Eats
- Sawyer + Sunny Boutique
Rose Schwartz Female Business Person of the Year
Presented to a local female business leader who has demonstrated achievement in ownership or management of a business, or who has made significant contributions to the business environment in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality. They have demonstrated leadership in bringing about business growth and have an outstanding reputation.
The 2021 Rose Schwartz Business Person of the Year Award Finalists:
- Charlene Anderson - Charlene's Nutrition
- Harman Singh - Breton Ability Centre
- Tracie Breski - Tracie's Spa
Irving Schwartz Male Business Person of the Year
Presented to a local male business leader who has demonstrated achievement in ownership or management of a business, or who has made significant contributions to the business environment in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality. They have demonstrated leadership in bringing about business growth and have an outstanding reputation.
The 2021 Irving Schwartz Business Person of the Year Award Finalists:
- Bob Pelley - Innovacorp
- Bryden Mombourquette - The Gaslight Cafe
- Matt Stewart - Click2Order & CBEats
Jack Yazer Young Entrepreneur of the Year
This award recognizes a young entrepreneur under 40 years of age who dares to take risks, dive into uncertainty and overcome challenges with innovative solutions. This entrepreneur has created a company(ies) that has grown, and in turn, created jobs that boost the economy and inspire others with their vision, leadership, and achievement.
The 2021 Jack Yazer Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award Finalists:
- Carlotte Poirier - CB Holistic Health & Fitness Studio
- Mariah Battiste - Sundaylace Creations & Bling
- Meghan Finney - LaQuaintrelle Boutique & Emporium
Innovation and Advancement Award
Innovate verb: make changes in something established, especially by introducing new methods, ideas, or products.
This award is presented to a CBRM business that is pushing conventional boundaries and is disrupting and reshaping their industry or sector through achievements in bringing innovative thinking, creativity, concepts, products, etc. to the market.
The 2021 Innovation and Advancement of the Year Award Finalists:
- Click2Order
- Protocase
- Talem Health Analytics Inc.
Beyond Borders Exporter of the Year
This award recognizes the achievements of a business within the CBRM that has contributed to our exporting strength of our Island by achieving extraordinary results in out-of-province markets with their product.
The 2021 Beyond Borders Exporter of the Year Award Finalists:
- 45Drives
- Ethical Swag
- Lisa Young Lee Inc.
Community Impact Award
This award is presented to a CBRM business that has been a leader in finding ways of doing business while also doing good for our community. They see community investment as a core part of their values and demonstrates community-mindedness.
The 2021 Community Impact of the Year Award Finalists:
- A Better Bite Community Kitchen
- Community Cares Youth Outreach
- Seaside Communications
Social Enterprise of the Year
This award is presented to a business or organization that has the mandate to address social, environmental, cultural and/or economic challenges within our communities through the sale of goods and services. This business or organization is making a positive impact within our community by addressing social needs and creating social change through business.
The 2021 Social Enterprise of the Year Award Finalists:
- Breton Ability Centre
- Horizon Achievement Centre
- Pathways to Employment
Workplace Excellence Award
This award recognizes a business that goes above and beyond for their employees and provides an outstanding work environment in the CBRM. The business clearly values employee development and retention and places a high level of importance on corporate culture, a happy and healthy work environment, and prioritizes diversity and accessibility.
The 2021 Workplace Excellence of the Year Award Finalists:
- CBCL Limited
- NSCC - Marconi Campus
- Rise Results
Charitable Committee or Organization of the Year
This award is bestowed upon a charitable committee or organization such as, but not limited to, service clubs, associations, charitable organizations, employee groups, or people who have joined together to initiate positive change within the CBRM.
The 2021 Charitable Committee or Organization of the Year Award Finalists:
- Highland Arts Theatre - Radical Access
- Hospice Cape Breton
- United Way Cape Breton
Immigrant Entrepreneur of the Year
The Immigrant Entrepreneur of the Year Award recognizes an outstanding entrepreneur who was born outside of Canada and has started a successful business in the CBRM. This individual has overcome adversity, exhibits leadership both in their community and within their business, and has strong track record of business growth.
The 2021 Immigrant Entrepreneur of the Year Award Finalists:
- Athar Ahmad - Mian's Restaurant
- Zoey Zhang - Octopia Clothing
People’s Choice Awards - Favourite Place to Shop
Voted on by the public, the People's Choice Awards Finalists for Favourite Place to Shop are:
- Cape Breton Farmer's Market
- Emerald Isle Gift Shop
- Harold's Bakery
People’s Choice Awards - Favourite Place to Eat
Voted on by the public, the People's Choice Awards Finalists for Favourite Place to Eat are:
- Commercial St. Deli
- Governor's Pub & Eatery
- The Bonnie Prince
People's Choice Awards - Favourite Thing Do/Experience in the CBRM
Voted on by the public, the People's Choice Awards Finalists for Favourite Thing to Do/Experience in the CBRM are:
- Highland Arts Theatre
- The Savoy Theatre
- Two Rivers Wildlife Park
People's Choice Awards - Favourite Community Project
Voted on by the public, the People's Choice Awards Finalists for Favourite Community Project are:
- 100 Women Who Care
- Coats for Kids
- Sydney Mines Little League Baseball Fields Construction
People's Choice Awards - CBRM Citizen of the Year
Voted on by the public, the People's Choice Awards Finalists for CBRM Citizen of the Year are:
- Alyssa Rose
- Coach Nick Bonnar
- Wesley Colford
-
Business of the Year
- Northern Contracting Ltd.
Rose Schwartz Female Business Person of the Year
- Shannon Forrester – The Forrester Production Group
Irving Schwartz Male Business Person of the Year
- Chris Robertson – Home Instead Senior Care
Jack Yazer Young Entrepreneur of the Year
- Andrew Morrow & Bryan MacDonald – Breton Brewing Co.
New Business of the Year
- Fired Creations Painted Pottery Cafe
Innovation & Advancement Award
- Cornerstone Research Group
Social Enterprise of the Year
- The Best of Cape Breton Gift Shop
Community Impact Award
- The Highland Arts Theatre
Workplace Excellence Award
- Seaside Communications
Beyond Borders Exporter of the Year
- Protocase
Charitable Committee or Organization of the Year
- Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation
People’s Choice: Favourite Place to Eat in the CBRM
- Commercial Street Deli
People’s Choice: Favourite Place to Shop in the CBRM
- Get Nauti
People’s Choice: Favourite Community Project in the CBRM
- Rotary Sydney’s Ribfest
People’s Choice: Favourite Thing to Do/Experience in the CBRM
- The Highland Arts Theatre
People’s Choice: CBRM Citizen of the Year
- Austin Chapman