Surrey & White Rock Business Excellence Awards Relocate for 2025

The 2025 Surrey & White Rock Business Excellence Awards will take place at a new venue due to a labour dispute affecting the Sheraton Vancouver Guildford Hotel. The prestigious event, now in its 27th year, is scheduled for Thursday, November 6, 2025, at Simon Fraser University, where winners in eight distinct categories will be recognized. The gala evening will commence at 18:00 and is expected to draw more than 400 attendees, including emerging entrepreneurs.

Ticket prices for the formal dress event start at $150, available through the event’s official website, swrbot.com. The relocation comes after similar issues prompted the cancellation of the Surrey International Writers’ Conference in mid-October. Organizers of that event have initiated a crowdfunding campaign to raise $300,000 to ensure its continuation in 2026 and beyond.

Finalists Announced Across Multiple Categories

This year, 24 finalists have been selected by the Surrey & White Rock Board of Trade (SWRBOT) to compete for the accolades. The Business Person of the Year finalists include prominent local figures such as Jas Oberoi of the Jas Oberoi Group, Kendelle Pollitt from Pier Law & Mediation, and Steve Pisiak of Ultimate Performance.

In the New Business category, the nominees are Atwal & Associates Trial Lawyers, Mighty Cubs Childcare, and Red Oak Law Corporation. The Young Entrepreneur finalists, representing the next generation of business leaders, are Hamza Saquib from Oto Hearing Products, Jujhar Mann of Mann and Co. Bakeshop, and Matt Dai from Kingdom Athletics.

The Not-for-Profit/Association category recognizes the contributions of local organizations, with finalists including Mackie’s Place Youth Social House, Options Community Services Society, and Peace Arch Hospice Society. White Rock Business Excellence finalists consist of A Little Bud, Architecture Panel, and Laura’s Coffee Corner.

Categories Recognizing Business Achievements

Awards are also distributed based on the size of the business. In the 1-10 Employees category, the finalists are Global Conference Alliance, Ignite Dance Company, and U-Lock Mini Storage. The 11-40 Employees category includes nominees such as My Empower Therapy, Square One Construction, and SWR Drain Service. Competing for the 41+ Employees award are Cancorr, Kasa Supply, and PCB Global Trade Management.

The Surrey & White Rock Business Excellence Awards serve not only to honor outstanding business achievements but also to foster a sense of community among entrepreneurs and business leaders. As the event moves forward at its new location, it promises to celebrate innovation and excellence in the local business landscape.