Business Excellence Awards

On November 16, the Economic Development team attended the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce's Business Excellence Awards, celebrating businesses and entrepreneurs in our community. The following is a list of the award winners and their categories:

  • Fraser Valley Basket Co. (Home-Based Business Excellence)
  • Maan Farms Market & Estate Winery (Tourism Excellence)
  • BE Power Equipment (Manufacturing & Production Excellence)
  • Aright Greentech Canada Ltd. (Agricultural & Agri-Business Excellence)
  • Hugs in a Mug Coffee Bistro (Consumer Services Excellence)
  • Wingerz Food Truck (Indigenous Business of the Year)
  • Brian Neufeld, Zone Garage (Entrepreneur of the Year)
  • The Reach Gallery Museum (Non-Profit Organization of the Year)
  • Abbotsford Restorative Justice & Advocacy Association (Business of Doing Good)
  • Prestige Physiotherapy and Sports Medicine (New Business of the Year)
  • Blackwood Building Centre Ltd. (Established Business of the Year)
  • Amanda Mango (Company of Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs Award)

Neighbourhood Small Grants (NSG)

The 2023 NSG Wrap-Up Party was held on November 17, co-hosted by the City's Special Events team together with co-funders Vancouver Foundation and Abbotsford Community Foundation. 25 community projects were celebrated with a spend of over $17,000, including a variety of events such as block parties, neighbourhood clean-up projects, care packages and community fitness classes.

Showcase Your Business in an Upcoming Film

Did you know your business or home could have a starring role as a film location in a movie or TV series? Registration is easy and free with Creative BC. Simply register your property/business and create a digital photo file of your location. Creative BC will promote each registered property to the film industry through their online portal. We cannot wait to see more Abbotsford locations in one of the next productions!

Securing Small Business Rebate Program

The Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation recognizes the increased costs to businesses due to property crime and vandalism and has launched a $10.5 million Securing Small Business Rebate Program. This program will provide small businesses with repair funds for eligible, commercial property crime or vandalism or to implement eligible, preventable measures. The BC Chamber of Commerce will administer the rebate program and the application portal will launch November 22, 2023.

B.C. Farmers Food Donation Tax Credit

This tax credit encourages farmers to donate certain agricultural products to B.C. registered charities. Farmers may receive a credit up to 15% + 25% in corporate donation tax credits and up to 35% + 25% in personal donation tax credits. Learn more and donate by calling both Archway Food Bank and the Salvation Army. 

Support Local with AbbyFresh

The AbbyFresh farmgate signage project continues to support local food businesses to thrive. Branded signs and a website directory are helping connect local producers with local consumers by building relationships, nurturing traditions and foraging a path toward a sustainable and vibrant future for our agriculture industry. Get listed with AbbyFresh and receive your free, customizable sign.

Business Community Events

  1. Involve Abbotsford Symposium: Registration is now open for the November 21-22, Involve Symposium. Prepare to be inspired about how technology can best be used to support your business's mandates. Involve Abbotsford supports innovative arts, the non-profit sector, and local sports organizations by providing information and training.
     
  2. Overdose Prevention and Response Webinars: Activate BC and Fraser Health have partnered to host a one-hour webinar on November 22 to assist business owners in preparing their staff and businesses for overdose emergencies.
     
  3. A Night at the Taj Gala: The Fraser Valley Indo-Canadian Business Association presents their Gala on November 25 from 5:00 -11:30 pm, at the Mission City Conference Center. Gather and support a local charity by enjoying a night filled with speakers, dance performances, DJ and dance, and an Indian dinner.
     
  4. Sip & Shop: The Abbotsford Downtown Business Association invites you to participate in their holiday retail event on December 14. Check some shopping off your list while enjoying holiday festivities and receive discounts at all participating businesses. Tickets are coming soon.
     
  5. CityStudio Hubbub: Three UFV practicum students have completed projects related to economic development in Abbotsford: clean environmental practices in the filming industry; the City’s own filming bylaw; and educational resources on indigenous learning. Please join us at City Hall on December 6 to meet the students and learn more about their work!
     

  6. Mayor's Annual Address to the Abbotsford Business Community: Join the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce and Mayor Siemens on December 7 from 11:30 am - 1:30 pm for an update on how the City is working to support the growth of small business in Abbotsford. Mayor Siemen's official marks will be followed by a moderated fireside chat, with an opportunity for questions in a Q&A.

Table Talk

Table Talk offers a forum to promote and share news focused on economic development and upcoming events for the business community. The mission of Table Talk is to cultivate and grow economic development relationships.

We want to hear from you! Email us at econdev@abbotsford.ca to learn more about the Table or to share your news via Table Talk.