2009 Canadian Finalists Announced
by Michael Battaglia
Ten Canadian Entrepreneurs Delight Customers and Empower Employees with Innovative Use of Technology
In June 2009, Dell announced the 10 finalists for the Fifth Annual Dell
Canada Small Business Excellence Award. Selected by the International Council for Small Business in
Canada, finalists went on to compete for the national award and receives a Dell business-class laptop.
This year’s Canadian finalists represent diverse industries, size and revenues, ranging from an emergency response planner for schools to a tube-bending/machining company, from four employees to 55, and revenues up to $80M. The 2009 Dell Canada Small Business Excellence Award finalists include:
· Britec Computer Systems,
Calgary,
Alberta, is a multi-disciplinary technology solutions provider specializing in design, implementation, operation, and administration of corporate computing environments in
Canada. Britec uses customer relationship and project management tools to enhance productivity and also has a virtual infrastructure that allows for business mobility and faster customer service.
· Canadian Institute for the Relief of Pain and Disability (CIRPD),
Vancouver,
British Columbia, mission is the prevention and reduction of pain, pain-related suffering, and disability by creating and disseminating evidence-informed best practices through technology-enabled collaborations and partnerships.
· Hour-Zero Crisis Consulting Ltd.,
Edmonton,
Alberta, specializes in K-12 school emergency preparedness. Powered by a robust web-based application, which features interactive mapping, online training, critical data management, pandemic planning and first responder access, the organization helps school districts develop, operationalize and maintain their plans quickly, efficiently and cost-effectively.
· Jolera Inc.,
Toronto,
Ontario, is a global provider of IT solutions with a key focus on the not-for-profit sector. Jolera’s suite of services includes: 24/7 technical support, onsite service personnel, network migrations and deployments, sharepoint and .net development, as well as disaster recovery planning/implementation. Jolera utilizes various technology applications to enable data management, employee training, client documentation, internal workflow, employee collaboration and task management.
· Nisha Technologies Inc.,
Ottawa,
Ontario, is one of
Canada's fastest growing aboriginal suppliers of professional services and enterprise products. The company’s robust IT infrastructure enables it to manage its telecommunications systems and client interactions to deliver better customer service in a cost-effective manner.
· Race Headquarters,
Coquitlam,
British Columbia, specializes in processing sporting events’ timing and results using technology tools that record participants running times for over 120 events throughout
Western Canada. By keeping its website regularly updated with event statistics and results, the organization enables its clients and event participants to access relevant information and resources.
· RIGHTSLEEVE,
Toronto,
Ontario, is a promotional design agency that uses creative design, promotional products and technology to deliver marketing results for its clients. Through its internally developed open source customer/vendor relationship management and employee collaboration system, the agency benefits from real-time feedback and input from internal and external stakeholders.
· RITZ Machine Works Inc., Dauphin,
Manitoba, is a tube-bending/machining company in rural
Manitoba that produces components for original equipment manufacturing customers in
Canada and the
United States. The company deployed computerized hi-tech machines to measure and bend tubes for higher precision and speed, and also uses advanced handprint technology to efficiently manage employees’ work-hours and payroll systems.
· SAFEC Inc., Saint-Laurent, Quebec, Support and Financing for Entrepreneurs in Canada was created to provide those wishing to develop or establish a business in Canada with the assistance and support needed to achieve their most daring projects. Powered by a unique web-based search tool, this organization provides crucial and specific information to help entrepreneurs accomplish their business goals.
· Wildplay Ltd.,
Victoria,
British Columbia, is an adventure recreation company that brings wilderness playgrounds to urban areas. To improve guest experience, streamline reservation processes and simplify sales, Wildplay developed its own Reservation and Point of Sale System to meet its specific business needs and improve customer experience.
