The semi-finalists for the Small Business BC Awards have been announced, and two Kamloops companies made the cut.

District Bicycle Co. is a top 10 semi-finalist for Best Company and The Sign Cellar is a top 10 semi-finalist for Premier People’s Choice.

For the past two months, British Columbians have been nominating and voting for their favourite local small business to win in one of 10 categories. This year there were more than 600 nominations from across the province.

The Best Company award recognizes a small business that “demonstrates exceptional leadership and a proven track record of growth and profitability” and Premier People’s Choice celebrates a small business “that can demonstrate they have the unwavering and loyal support of their community.”

Other categories include Best Apprentice Training, Best Community Impact, Best Concept, Best Employer, Best Immigrant Entrepreneur, Best Innovation, Best International Trade and Best Marketer.

The semi-finalists will now have to prove to judges why they are B.C.’s best. The winners will be announced during the second week of February and the winners of each category will be announced at the awards gala on February 23rd at the Vancouver Convention Centre.

See a list of all the semi-finalists here.