Nominations for the 2025 Excellence in Business Awards Now Open!

Exporter of the year awards recognizes the achievements of a business within the CBRM that have contributed to our exporting strength by achieving extraordinary results in out-of-province markets.

• Nominees must have an office within the CBRM.
• A minimum of 40% of customers, partners or revenues must come from markets outside of Nova Scotia.
• Nominees must approve and accept their nomination.

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 of our island and province.
• Nominees must have been in business for more than two years (opened prior to August 31, 2023).
• Nominees must have an active business located or operating in the CBRM. The majority of the business must have ownership within the province of Nova Scotia and the headquarters of the business must be located within the CBRM.
• Nominees must approve and accept their nomination.

The Community Impact Award is presented to a CBRM business that has been a leader in finding ways of doing business while doing good for the community.

• This business sees community investment as a core part of the business's values. Please note that this award is open to businesses from all industries. Applicants do not have to be companies that work exclusively in community engagement..
• Nominees must approve and accept their nomination.

The Innovation and Advancement Award is presented to a CBRM business that is pushing conventional boundaries and is disrupting and reshaping their industry through achievements in bringing innovative thinking, creativity, concepts, products, etc. to the market.

• This could be done in the following ways: a creative business concept that brings innovation to market, product creation or an innovative approach that improves productivity or work processes.
• Nominees must approve and accept their nomination.

Presented to recognize a local 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.

• The individual selected will have demonstrated leadership in bringing about business growth and have an outstanding reputation.
• Management skills will be demonstrated through many factors, including innovation, cost controls, quality of business performance, problem-solving abilities in response to adversity, etc.
• Nominees must approve and accept their nomination.

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.
• Young Entrepreneur of the Year celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses within the CBRM.
• Nominees must have an active business located or operating in the CBRM. The majority of the business must have ownership within the province of Nova Scotia and the headquarters of the business must be located within the CBRM.
• Nominees must approve and accept their nomination.

This award is given to a CBRM business that has opened within the last 24 months (as of August 31, 2023).

• This business can’t be an expansion of an existing business, an existing business that has undergone a name change, or an existing business that has relocated.
• This business must have made an outstanding contribution to our local economy and the entrepreneurial spirit, has good employee/employer relations and has demonstrated excellent customer service.
• Nominees must approve and accept their nomination.

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.

• Nominees must approve and accept their nomination.

The Newcomer 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 a strong track record of business growth. 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 a strong track record of business growth.