THE 2023 ECOSTAR AWARDS

Recognizing local companies that walk the walk of environmental action.

the annual Ecostar Awards recognize sustainability in action. This year’s winners include a First Nation’s effort to restore local shellfish beds, a construction company that has diverted more than 130,000 tonnes of waste soil from B.C. landfills, and a society that strengthens the local food economy by providing food boxes, meals and garden plots, plus harvests food that would otherwise go to waste.

Douglas Reads

The winners, announced at the Inn at Laurel Point on November 9, prove that environmental concern and innovation go hand in hand. The eighth annual awards, hosted by the non-profit Synergy Foundation, honour sustainable businesses from around the Island. The gala's 2023 title sponsor was Vancity Credit Union, with Schneider Electric and Destination Greater Victoria as gold sponsors.

It’s not a stretch to label The Complete Canadian Small Business Guide as the bible for Canadian entrepreneurs. It has been the go-to book for thousands of small businesses since it was first published in 1988. Now in its revised and updated fourth edition, the guide covers literally everything business owners need to know to take advantage of the latest changes in technology, law, resources and best practices.

The encyclopedic guide provides clear advice on starting, operating and expanding a small business, including:

 Should I buy a business or franchise, or start from scratch?

Pauquachin First Nation Marine Department, a recent Ecostar Clean Oceans winner, protects aquatic resources within their traditional territory, including the restoration of shellfish beds in Coles Bay.

2023 Award Winners

 Clean Oceans: Pauquachin First Nation Marine Department

 Climate Action: Focal Engineering

 Community Leadership: Paper Heart Films

 Design and Construction: GRT Resource Regeneration

 Ecological Stewardship: Mamalilikulla First Nation

 Ecopreneur of the Year: Julian Hockin-Grant of Allied Certifications

 Experiential Tourism: Homalco Wildlife & Cultural Tours

 Greenest Retailer: Seaflora Skincare

 Innovation: Barnacle Systems

 Inspirational New Venture: IntellectuLogy Solutions

 Leadership in Hospitality: Inn at Laurel Point

 Local Food: LUSH Valley Food Action Society

 Where do I get financing, how much do I need, and how best to pay it back?

 How do I get credit from my suppliers?

 How do I hire the best employees — and keep them?

Authors Douglas Gray and Diana Gray provide answers to these and hundreds of other essential questions, and offer streetsmart tips on everything from working with lawyers and accountants to securing patents and trademarks.

Wrote Linda Fox in the Toronto Sun, “If I ever quit my day job, this is one of the first books I’d rush out and buy.” •