Red Deer businesses were celebrated at a gala last night in honour of Small Business Week.

Small Business Week runs Oct. 20-26.

The Red Deer Chamber of Commerce announced the three recipients of the 2013 Business of the Year Awards at their 32nd Annual Business Awards gala held Tuesday evening at the Red Deer College Arts Centre.

About 300 business leaders were on hand to celebrate the success of local businesses. The 2013 recipients include The Coverall Shop (one to 15 employees), IFR Workwear Inc (16-49 employees) and Bilton Welding & Manufacturing Ltd (50 plus employees).

Other businesses up for the awards included Stems and babycakes cupcakery in the one to 15 employee category, Carpet Colour Centre and Deermart Equipment Sales in the 16-19 employees and Red Deer College and Peavey Mart in the 50 plus employee category.

The Business of the Year Awards are organized by the Red Deer Chamber of Commerce and held annually in conjunction with BDC’s Small Business Week. The Business Awards are presented in three categories to exceptional businesses within the Red Deer area. All companies, Chamber members and non-Chamber members are eligible to be nominated for an award.

Finalists in each of the three categories are selected by an independent judging panel.

With more than 900 business members, the Red Deer Chamber of Commerce is an association that promotes business growth and prosperity through leadership and innovation in the Red Deer area.

For 34 years, the Business Development Bank of Canada has been organizing BDC Small Business Week in recognition of the contributions and achievements of Canada’s entrepreneurs.

Events held during the week bring entrepreneurs together at conferences, luncheons and trade fairs across the country where they have the opportunity to learn, network, and enjoy themselves in the company of their peers.

efawcett@reddeerexpress.com