Are you a new and innovative local business that is 3 years old or younger? Do you know a Vancouver Island-based business that deserves to be recognized?

If so, you, or they, could be a candidate for Douglas Magazine's popular, annual 10 to Watch award competition which recognizes the best new businesses on Vancouver Island.

The exposure winners receive through 10 to Watch gives them well-deserved applause, builds brand recognition and shines the spotlight on the Island’s spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship.

Businesses can be nominated by anyone in the community, including themselves.

Winners of 10 to Watch will be recognized and showcased in the April/May 2022 issue of Douglas magazine. Read about the 2021 winners here.

Because this is a new business startup award, all applicants must have incorporated or started the business on Vancouver Island more than one year, and less than three years ago (created on or after December 31, 2019).

The business must not be a spin-off from a pre-existing business, amalgamated, merged, acquired or otherwise affiliated with any other business or company. Non-profit organizations and societies are exempt from this award.

Business principals must be at least 18 years of age and must agree to be interviewed and photographed.

The deadline for nominations is November 7, 2021. Fill out the form at the bottom of this page to submit your nomination.

If you have any questions about the nomination procedure, email info@douglasmagazine.com or call us at 250-595-7243. For the full set of rules and regulations, click here.

Applications

After the nomination deadline has passed, every 10 to Watch nominee will receive an application form to fill out, starting the week of November 8, 2021, which includes details such as a short biography, indicators for success and how the business contributed to the community and/or environment.

This application form must be filled out by the nominated business and must be received before December 4, 2021.

Judging

All completed application forms will be reviewed by an independent panel of judges who are not affiliated with Douglas or Page One Publishing. The judging panel is made up of business professionals and that panel selects the 10 to Watch winners.

Notification

Winners will be notified after the judging. The 10 winners will be interviewed, photographed and revealed to the public in the April/May 2022 issue of Douglas magazine.