Spallumcheen’s Bellmann Specialty Produce has been nominated for a Small Business B.C. Award.
Owners Brad and Jen Bellmann, who started the business in 2005, have no idea who put their names forward in the People’s Choice category, but they’re happy to receive the publicity.
“You can’t buy this kind of marketing,” said Jen, who was contacted by the Huffington Post for an interview the day they were nominated.
Located on Grandview Flats Road North, Bellmann Specialty Produce has 37 acres in operation, producing a variety of heirloom vegetables, including tomatoes and carrots as well as an assortment of baby veggies. Along with their Fresh Picks farm gate market, they distribute their goods throughout the Lower Mainland, Okanagan and Alberta.
“We try to specialize in heritage and hard-to-find produce, things that you don’t normally see around the Okanagan,” said Jen.
Small business awards are offered in 10 categories, with winners receiving the Premier’s Prize of $1,500, a one-year all-access pass to Small Business B.C. education and resources, and one-on-one business mentorship opportunities with notable advisors from the award sponsors.
Nominated business owners are tasked with gaining as many votes as possible through social media, word of mouth e-mail, or any other means possible by Sunday, Nov. 30.
The top-10 highest voted nominees in each category will be announced as finalists on Dec. 12. They will have the opportunity to submit an application to the judges, which they will use to determine the top-five finalists from each category, announced on Jan. 30.
The top five will present a 10-minute Dragons’ Den-style pitch to judges to prove themselves to be one of B.C.’s best. The winners will be announced at the Small Business B.C. Awards Ceremony on Feb. 26, at the Pan Pacific Vancouver Hotel.
To vote for Bellmann Specialty Produce, visit www.sbbcawards.ca before Nov. 30.
