How to Begin

The BC Economic Development Awards celebrate the projects, partnerships, and initiatives that strengthen local economies across British Columbia. Before you start, we recommend reviewing the award categories and eligibility requirements.

If this is your first time submitting, create your Awardify account. If you already have an account, simply log in to begin your entries. Once you're logged in, you can add new submissions, save drafts, and edit your entries anytime before the deadline.

To start a new submission, log in and select "Start a New Entry." Choose the award category that best fits your project and give your submission a title that will help you recognize it later. (This internal title is for your use only, judges will not see it.)

Complete the online form by entering your project details and uploading your supporting documents. All of your submissions will appear on your Awardify dashboard, where you can easily edit or update them until the submission deadline.

Submission Requirements

To complete your submission, you will be asked to upload up to three supporting documents through the Awardify platform. These documents should clearly describe your project, highlight its impact, and provide any evidence that will help judges understand your results.

A complete submission includes:

1. Project Summary

A clear written overview of your project or initiative, including:

  • What the project is
  • Why it was created
  • Who was involved
  • Key activities and outcomes
  • The impact on your community

This summary is provided directly in the Awardify form.

2. Supporting Materials

You may upload PDFs, images, short videos, reports, charts, graphics, or other documents that strengthen your entry. Examples include:

  • Photos of events, materials, or outcomes
  • Marketing pieces or campaign assets
  • Maps, infographics, charts, or data visualizations
  • Reports, plans, or evaluation documents

3. Evidence of Results

Where possible, include measurable results such as:

  • Jobs created
  • Partnerships established
  • Community participation
  • Economic outcomes
  • Media coverage or engagement
  • Before/after visuals

Technical Notes

  • Maximum of three uploads per entry.
  • Accepted file types include PDF, JPG, PNG, MP4, and common document formats.
  • Ensure any text in your files is clearly readable.
  • Avoid large file sizes to ensure smooth uploading.

Entry Preparation Tips

Preparing a strong submission is simple, and a few small steps can make your entry stand out. Keep these tips in mind as you complete your nomination:

1. Tell a Clear Story

Describe the challenge, the solution, and the impact. Judges appreciate entries that are easy to follow and focused on outcomes.

2. Highlight Measurable Results

Include data wherever possible, including jobs created, investments attracted, engagement numbers, partnerships formed, or economic outcomes. Even estimates or early indicators are helpful.

3. Show Collaboration

Emphasize partnerships with community groups, businesses, Indigenous governments, regional partners, or other stakeholders. Collaboration is a key scoring area for all award categories.

4. Demonstrate Innovation

Explain what makes your project different or creative. This could be a new process, a fresh approach, or an innovative way your community solved a problem.

5. Choose Supporting Materials Carefully

Include documents or visuals that add clarity or proof, not just volume. One strong chart or photo is more valuable than several unrelated files.

6. Keep Language Simple and Direct

Avoid jargon or internal acronyms. Assume the judge is reading about your project for the first time.

7. Make It Easy to Understand

Use headings, short paragraphs, and bullets in your uploaded documents to help judges quickly grasp your key points.

8. Match Your Submission to the Category

Be sure your project fits the selected award category and address the judging criteria directly.

9. Start Early and Save as You Go

The platform lets you save drafts and edit your entry at any time before the deadline. Starting early gives you time to polish your supporting material.

Deadline, Entry Fees & Payment Methods

The online entry form closes at 11:59 pm on Friday, April 4, 2026.

All submissions, including the completed form, uploaded documents, and payment, must be received by this deadline.

No extensions will be granted.

Entry Fees

Category Cost
All Award Categories $75 + GST (BCEDA Members) - Email for discount code to get this price - info@bceda.ca 
All Award Categories $125 + GST (Non-Members)

Payment Details

  • One payment can cover multiple entries. However, each nomination is charged the fee.
  • Payment is completed directly through Awardify at checkout. 
  • Visa and MasterCard is accepted. 
  • Your entries cannot proceed to judging until payment has been successfully received.

All payments must be completed no later than April 4, 2026 to qualify for judging.