Surrey & White Rock Business Excellence Awards Relocate Venue

The 2025 Surrey & White Rock Business Excellence Awards will take place at a new venue following a labour dispute at the Sheraton Vancouver Guildford Hotel. The prestigious event is set to occur at Simon Fraser University (SFU) on November 6, 2025, starting at 18:00. This marks the 27th gala, where winners in eight categories will be honored during a formal, Academy Awards-style evening.

The gala traditionally attracts over 400 guests, including what the event organizers call the “young entrepreneurs of tomorrow.” Tickets are priced from $150 and are available on the official website, swrbot.com. The shift in location comes as the Sheraton Vancouver Guildford Hotel also faced challenges, leading to the mid-October cancellation of the Surrey International Writers’ Conference. Organizers of that event are currently fundraising $300,000 online to ensure its continuation in 2026 and beyond.

Finalists and Categories for the Awards

At the SFU venue, the Surrey & White Rock Board of Trade (SWRBOT) has announced 24 finalists across various categories. The nominees for the coveted Business Person of the Year award include Jas Oberoi from Jas Oberoi Group, Kendelle Pollitt of Pier Law & Mediation, and Steve Pisiak from Ultimate Performance.

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

The Not-for-Profit/Association finalists feature Mackie’s Place Youth Social House, Options Community Services Society, and Peace Arch Hospice Society. In the White Rock Business Excellence category, nominees are A Little Bud, Architecture Panel, and Laura’s Coffee Corner.

There are also three Business Excellence award categories based on the number of employees. For the 1-10 Employees award, the finalists include Global Conference Alliance, Ignite Dance Company, and U-Lock Mini Storage. In the 11-40 Employees category, nominees are My Empower Therapy, Square One Construction, and SWR Drain Service. Lastly, businesses vying for the 41+ Employees award are Cancorr, Kasa Supply, and PCB Global Trade Management.

The move to SFU not only provides a new backdrop for the awards but also reflects the growing recognition of the entrepreneurial spirit within the Surrey and White Rock region. The event is expected to celebrate innovation and community spirit, showcasing the successes of local businesses and young talent.