Nominations Open For The 2026 Poco Best Biz Awards

Port Coquitlam, BC - July 20, 2026... The City of Port Coquitlam is inviting the community to nominate its favourite local businesses for the 2026 PoCo Best Biz Awards. Nominations are open from July 20 to August 16, 2026, and anyone can put forward a business, with self-nominations encouraged. "Port Coquitlam's businesses are at the heart of what makes our community such a great place to live, and these awards are our chance to celebrate them," said Mayor Brad West. "Whether it is your go-to coffee shop, the mechanic you trust or the studio your kids love, I encourage everyone to take a few minutes and nominate a business that makes a difference in your day.” First launched in 2013 as part of the City's commitment to business development, the awards return in 2026 with a refreshed category lineup and a new Community Choice voting model that puts more decisions in the hands of the public. This year's categories are: Business of the Year, recognizing outstanding overall achievement and community contribution, selected by the Awards Selection Committee Best Bite in Town, the Community Choice award for a dining establishment Best Sip in Town, the Community Choice award for a café, pub, brewery or other beverage-focused business Best Local Find, the Community Choice award for a brick-and-mortar retail business Best Local Service, the Community Choice award for a professional, tradesperson or service-based business Family Favourite, the Community Choice award for a family-oriented business or destination Nominees must hold a valid Port Coquitlam business licence, and businesses may be considered in more than one category. Nominations can be submitted through the online form at portcoquitlam.ca/bizawards , and detailed descriptions of how a business meets the category criteria will help it stand out. Following the nomination period, the Awards Selection Committee will short-list nominees in each category. From August 28 to September 13, the public will be invited to vote for the winners in the five Community Choice categories. Winners will be announced on September 24, 2026 at an invitation-only celebration event, bringing together nominees, sponsors and community partners. Nominations open July 20 and close August 16 Community Choice voting runs August 28 to September 13 and Winners are celebrated September 24. All nominees will be featured on the City's website and social media channels throughout the program at portcoquitlam.ca/bizawards .