The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce has unveiled the finalists for its 2026 Greater Victoria Business Awards, highlighting companies and leaders driving growth and innovation despite ongoing economic pressures.
In a release, the Chamber said this year’s finalists reflect resilience across the region’s business community, with organizations recognized for achievements in customer service, entrepreneurship, leadership and innovation. The awards program features 12 categories and celebrates contributions from businesses of all sizes, as well as non-profits and community leaders.
Finalists were selected by an independent panel of judges drawn from Greater Victoria’s business sector.
“The nominees this year continue to set the standard for resilience and innovation, adapting to new economic realities and championing growth in Greater Victoria,” said CEO John Wilson in a release. “Every business has faced unique challenges, and these finalists have shown creativity and commitment, helping our region thrive in changing times.”
Among the finalists, Core Connection Mobile Physiotherapy and Hazel’s Ice Cream are shortlisted for Business of the Year in the one-to-10 employee category, while Gwaii Engineering and HAVN Saunas Inc. are recognized in the 11-to-39 employee group. In the 40-plus employee category, Red Barn Market and The Parkside Hotel & Spa are finalists.
Individual honours include Business Person of the Year nominees Julia Huggett of Beehive Wool Shop and Trina White of The Parkside Hotel & Spa. Kathryn Pascuzzo of Swank Creative Inc. and Rebecca Knezacek of Eyefinery Optical Studio are finalists for Emerging Business Person of the Year.
Other categories highlight community and sector contributions, including Community Builder of the Year finalists Blenkinsop Community Agricultural Centre and Pacifica Housing, and Non-Profit of the Year nominees Victoria Cool Aid Society and Victoria Rainbow Kitchen Society.
Innovation Award finalists include Canadian Tire Hillside Centre and Mushroom Envy, while DermaLight Clinic and Solve Energy Inc. are shortlisted for New Business of the Year.
In customer-focused categories, Delta Hotels by Marriott Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort and Ooh La La Cupcakes + Cakes are finalists for Outstanding Customer Service, while Island Savings and Kinetic Construction are up for Outstanding Workplace of the Year.
The Chamber says tickets for the June 11 awards ceremony will go on sale in the coming weeks, when it will also announce this year’s recipient of the Award of Distinction.
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