THEME: LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL…MARDI GRAS PARTY
The 2025 NSBA Business Builder Awards will be held on March 27, 2025.
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. Join us for a night of celebration and fun!
The Awards
The Business Builder Awards, Presented by Nutrien, consist of 13 categories. 9 of the 13 award winners are selected by an independent panel of judges, while the Member of the Year and Shirley Ryan Lifetime Achievement awards are selected by the NSBA Board. The signature Business Builder Award and the Young Promising Entrepreneur Award are selected by a live vote at the event.
Deadline to apply for awards is January 31, 2025.
APPPLY BEFORE January 17, 2025, for a chance to win a limo ride (for 8 people) to the Business Builder Awards, courtesy of Riide.
Use the menu below to view and access the application forms.
13 AWARDS + APPLICATIONS
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.
Sponsored by: ICR Commercial Real Estate
Business Builder Award 2025 - NOMINATION FORM
Finalists are nominated by the NSBA membership. Nominees must have or provide 2 references to be considered for this award. If you have a business in mind, find a friend who will also refer that company! Four finalists are picked by the NSBA Board of Directors, and the winner will be decided by a live vote at the event on March 27, 2025.
2024 Winner: The Prairie Grazer
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: TBA
Business Builder Award 2025 – Community Builder Award Application
2024 Winner: Saskatoon Public Schools Foundation
Awarded to the NSBA business that has demonstrated exceptional leadership in fostering effective teamwork, collaboration, and a positive and inclusive company culture to achieve strong, cohesive, and high-performing teams. By prioritizing diversity, employee satisfaction, physical and mental health, and community involvement, these organizations create a workplace that reflects shared values and supports both individual and team success.
Sponsored by: Sutton Benefits and Pension
Business Builder Award 2025 – Culture of Excellence Award Application
2024 Winner: Wiegers Financial & Benefits
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.
Sponsored by: Saskatchewan Polytechnic
Business Builder Award 2025 – Employee Training and Development Award Application
2024 Winner: Global Gathering Place
This award celebrates the NSBA business that has demonstrated exceptional growth through strategic expansion, market diversification, or the development of a new customer base. This award highlights organizations that have successfully scaled operations, entered new markets, or developed new business practices introduced innovative products or services that contribute to sustained growth and competitive advantage for long-term success.
Sponsored by: Saskatchewan Pension
Business Builder Award 2025 – Growth & Market Expansion Award Application
2024 Winner: Levis Tech
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
Business Builder Award 2025 – Indigenous Inclusion Award Application
2024 Winner: STC Industrial Group
Awarded to the NSBA business that has demonstrated creativity and forward-thinking by identifying and pursuing a groundbreaking business idea, product, service, and/or process. This award recognizes organizations that are committed to exploring new possibilities, pushing boundaries, and leading with innovative approaches that drive growth and positive change in your company or industry.
Sponsored by: BDC
Business Builder Award 2025 – Innovation Award Application
2024 Winner: Sohkisiwin Solutions
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
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
Business Builder Award 2025 – Pursuit of Excellence Award Application
2024 Winner: Hearth Restaurant
The Safe Employer Award is awarded to the NSBA business that exemplifies and promotes safety in the workplace.
Sponsored by: Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board
Business Builder Award 2025 – Safe Employer Award Application
2024 Winner: Allnorth
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
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
Business Builder Award 2025 – Small Business Award Application
2024 Winner: Lavender Smiles Daycare Inc.
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
Business Builder Award 2025 – Young Promising Entrepreneur Award Application
2024 Winner: Lavender Smiles Daycare Inc.
EXAMPLES OF PREVIOUS WINNER APPLICATIONS
- COMING SOON
