Business Builder Awards

The 2024 NSBA Business Builder Awards will be held on March 27, 2024.

The “BBA’s” are all about celebrating the achievements and accomplishments of our peers. In total, 13 distinguished awards are presented in a variety of categories. The banquet remains true to NSBA ideals in that the evening is affordable, fast-paced, and a tremendous networking opportunity.

The Awards

The Business Builder Awards, Presented by Nutrien, consist of 13 categories, from the Small Business Award to the Shirley Ryan Lifetime Achievement Award. 10 of the 13 awards are selected by an independent panel of judges, while the Member of the Year and Lifetime Achievement awards are selected by the NSBA Board and the Business Builder Award and the Young Promising Entrepreneur Award are selected by fan vote at the event. Deadline to apply for awards is January 31, 2024.

The 13 Awards are as follows:

Shirley Ryan Lifetime Achievement Award

The Shirley Ryan Lifetime Achievement Award is awarded to an individual for their outstanding long-term contributions to their business or occupation whose leadership skills and passion have benefited the Saskatoon business community overall.

Sponsored by: NexGen Energy Ltd.

2024 Winner: Dr. Karim (Kay) Nasser

Member of the Year

The Member of the Year Award is awarded to the NSBA Member or employee of an NSBA member who has portrayed exceptional commitment to the NSBA and exemplifies the image of a successful and involved community leader.

Sponsored by: BDO Canada LLP

2024 Winner: Jaime Holowaty

Business Builder Award

The Business Builder Award is awarded to the NSBA business recognized by NSBA members for contributing to the success of NSBA members. As a referral award, members are encouraged to nominate a business that is an inspiration to others in the business community by virtue of their commitment to service and consistently excellent products or services.

Young Promising Entrepreneur Award

The Young Promising Entrepreneur Award is awarded to the most promising business idea or startup. In order to be considered for this award, applicants’ businesses must be within two years of incorporation if operational with the founder of the business being under the age of 30. Business ideas that are not currently operational are welcome to apply. This award is selected by a vote at the BBA Gala.

Sponsored by: University of Saskatchewan

Apply for the 2024 Young Promising Entrepreneur Award here.

2024 Winner: Lavender Smiles Daycare Inc.

Community Builder Award

The Community Builder Award is awarded to the NSBA business that demonstrates a clear commitment to operating in a philanthropic and empathetic manner in the community.

Sponsored by: Saskatchewan Blue Cross

Apply for the 2024 Community Builder Award here.

2024 Winner: Saskatoon Public Schools Foundation

Employee Training and Development Award

Awarded to the NSBA business that pursues excellence through enhancing the skills, knowledge and professional growth of their employees. Home to a stable and/or growing workforce, this business fosters an environment for outstanding training and development initiatives that contribute to improved job performance, employee satisfaction, lifelong learning, career advancement, leadership development, succession opportunities and organizational success.

Growth and Market Expansion Award

The Growth and Market Expansion Award is awarded to the NSBA business that successfully demonstrates a commitment to the growth of the business through expansion in an existing or new market.

Sponsored by: SREDA

Apply for the 2024 Growth and Market Expansion Award here.

2024 Winner: Levis Tech

Indigenous Inclusion Award

Awarded to the NSBA business that embraces and promotes Indigenous peoples having equitable access to jobs, training/education, and entrepreneurship opportunities, or through economic development projects that promote long-term sustainable benefits to Indigenous communities.

Sponsored by: Miller Thomson

Click Here To Apply for Indigenous Inclusion Award 2024

2024 Winner: STC Industrial Group

New Direction Award

The New Direction Award is awarded to the NSBA business that identifies and pursues a new business idea.

Sponsored by: BDC

Apply for the 2024 New Direction award here.

2024 Winner: Sohkisiwin Solutions

Pursuit of Excellence Award

The Pursuit of Excellence Award is awarded to the NSBA business that is an industry leader among its peers and/or within the business community.

Sponsored by: Colliers

Apply for the 2024 Pursuit of Excellence Award here.

2024 Winner: Hearth Restaurant

Safe Employer Award

The Safe Employer Award is awarded to the NSBA business that exemplifies and promotes safety in the workplace.

Small Business Award

The Small Business Award is awarded to the NSBA small business (10 employees or less) that promotes quality in product and customer service.

Sponsored by: Parr Autobody

Apply for the 2024 Small Business Award here.

2024 Winner: Lavender Smiles Daycare Inc.

Team Building Award

Awarded to the NSBA business that has shown exceptional leadership in fostering effective teamwork, collaboration and a positive work environment to achieve strong, cohesive and high-performing teams. Working together to create a company culture and morale that supports team goals, physical and mental health, the community and other positive influences for overall well–being of each individual and the team.