Kelowna: The Kelowna Chamber opens 2026 nominations for the 39th annual Business Excellence Awards Monday August 10. Business owners, entrepreneurs, not-for-profits and arts and cultural groups – Chamber members and non-members – can take part. Nominations close September 12. Once a nomination has been submitted, the nominee will receive an email with instructions on how to complete the application process.

Nominees may be entered in up to two of the sixteen categories listed below. All award applications are reviewed by the Chamber’s independent judging panel, and three Finalists are announced. Nominations are welcomed from businesses and organizations in Kelowna and area.

 

Patrick Bobyn, Chamber President, says, "Every year, the Business Excellence Awards introduce us to the entrepreneurs and businesses shaping Kelowna's future. Nominations open Monday for all 16 award categories, kicking off months of independent, arms-length judging before we celebrate the finalists at our Gala on November 20th. This is our 39th  year honouring business excellence, and it feels especially fitting in the Chamber's 120th  anniversary year. I'd encourage anyone who knows a business making a difference in this community to put their name forward — we want to hear about them."

Nominations may be made at the link 39th Kelowna Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards. Nomination criteria are listed on the site. Businesses and individuals may also self-nominate. Finalists in each category will be announced at a special event September 29, and the winners will be announced at the Gala November 20th at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort.

 

One additional Award, Business & Community Leader of the Year, will be determined by the judges. In 2025, the Award went to Michael J. Ballingall of Big White Ski Resort Ltd. All winners from past years and videos may be found at Business Excellence Awards: Legacy https://www.kelownachamber.org/events-programs/business-excellence-awards-legacy/

 

Presenting Sponsors for the Program are Lawson Lundell LLP & Beem Credit Union.