The Burrard Market Square in Vanderhoof has been named the winner in the employment category of the Small Business Big Impact Challenge put on by Scotiabank and the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB).
Owned by the Nechako Markets Development Society, it is a year-round retail venue that houses a variety of products from more than 15 local vendors and entrepreneurs in the community of about 4,000 people 98 kilometres west of Prince George.
"Burrard Market Square is really many small businesses within a small business, bringing together a multitude of employees, products, and customers under one innovative roof," said Scotiabank small business director David Wilton in a press release.
"This business beat out more than 100 entries in the employment category because of their creative approach to driving employment for small business owners and entrepreneurs to Vanderhoof."
Burrard Market Square was formed to encourage support of local businesses. Customers can purchase anything from antiques, clothing, and jewelry to chocolates, candles and horse riding tack apparel.
"Burrard Market Square is effectively a business that supports and promotes the success of other businesses, so its positive impact is multiplied many times over," said CFIB president Catherine Swift.
Burrard Market Square spokesman Mark Winston called the achievement exciting.
"We are proud to be part of a buy-local movement and the exposure and awareness our local businesses can gain from this kind of honour is invaluable," he said.
