Surrey & White Rock Business Excellence Awards Relocate Venue

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 will now be hosted by Simon Fraser University (SFU) on University Drive. The gala is scheduled for Thursday, November 6, starting at 18:00, and will honour winners across eight categories in a celebration reminiscent of the Academy Awards.

This year’s awards gala is expected to attract over 400 attendees, including promising young entrepreneurs, as noted on the official website of the Surrey & White Rock Board of Trade (SWRBOT). Tickets for the event are priced at $150 and above.

The labour issues at the Guildford hotel also led to the cancellation of the Surrey International Writers’ Conference, originally set for mid-October. Organizers of the conference have initiated a fundraising campaign with a goal of $300,000 to ensure the event’s continuation into 2026 and beyond.

At the SFU venue, event planners have announced 24 finalists for the awards. The Business Person of the Year category includes notable figures such as Jas Oberoi from Jas Oberoi Group, Kendelle Pollitt of Pier Law & Mediation, and Steve Pisiak from Ultimate Performance.

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

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

The awards also have three categories based on employee count. For the 1-10 Employees award, finalists are Global Conference Alliance, Ignite Dance Company, and U-Lock Mini Storage. In the 11-40 Employees category, nominees include My Empower Therapy, Square One Construction, and SWR Drain Service. Businesses competing for the 41+ Employees award are Cancorr, Kasa Supply, and PCB Global Trade Management.

This annual event not only highlights local business achievements but also fosters a sense of community among entrepreneurs and business leaders in the region. With a new venue and a diverse group of finalists, the 2025 Surrey & White Rock Business Excellence Awards promise to be a memorable evening celebrating innovation and excellence in business.