The semi-finalists for the 14th annual Small Business B.C. Awards have been announced and nine local companies are in the running.

含羞草研究社� Rambow Mechanical Ltd. 含羞草研究社� Best Apprentice Training

含羞草研究社� Yeti Farm Creative (Bensay Innovative Inc.) 含羞草研究社� Best Company

含羞草研究社� Infuse I.T. | VinStream 含羞草研究社� Best Concept

含羞草研究社� Mint Magazine 含羞草研究社� Best Concept

含羞草研究社� Vertical Edge Window Cleaning 含羞草研究社� Best Concept

含羞草研究社� Central Kitchen - Bar 含羞草研究社� Best Employer

含羞草研究社� Mazu 含羞草研究社� Best Innovation

含羞草研究社� Two Hat Security 含羞草研究社� Best Innovation

含羞草研究社� Lifeblood Marketing 含羞草研究社� Best Marketer

The awards, given out each year by Small Business BC, which bills itself as the province含羞草研究社檚 premier resource for entrepreneurs, and by the Insurance Bureau of Canada, recognize the top businesses in B.C. with fewer than 50 employees.

Nominated by British Columbians, the 10 semi-finalists in 10 categories came from a total of 699 nominees this year located in 72 communities.

The semi-finalists now have to convince a panel of judges why they deserve to be in the final five in each category come Jan. 23, when the winners will be announced in Vancouver.

Recipients of Small Business BC Awards get $1,500 in cash, a one-year, all-access pass to Small Business BC education, resources and experts and a one-on-one business mentorship with notable advisers from the award sponsors.

含羞草研究社淪mall businesses account for 98 per cent of all businesses in B.C. They drive the economy and create jobs for British Columbians,含羞草研究社� said Coralee Oakes, the province含羞草研究社檚 small business minister.

含羞草研究社淎ll the top 10 semi-finalists for the Small Business BC Awards should be proud that their communities voted them into the top spots.含羞草研究社�