You can help a Vernon business take a cotton to winning a national honour.

Cotton's Chocolates, on 30th Avenue in downtown Vernon, has been nominated for a Canadian Choice Award (CCA) for small businesses.

Owner Barrita Durward made note of the nomination on social media.

91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ‹"This recognition is all thanks to you, our amazing supporters, who believed in us and nominated us for this incredible journey," said Durward. "Now, we need your help to bring this award home. Your vote could make all the difference.

"Your support means the world to us, and together, we can make this sweet dream a reality."

CCA is a nationwide program extending beyond the major metropolitan centres, and into smaller towns and cities.

"Canadian Choice Award (CCA) was founded on the belief that small businesses are the backbone of Canada, often lighting up our communities with their passion and resilience, yet sometimes remaining in the shadows," said the CCA on its .

"Commercial scales may differ, but the importance of customer-driven recognition remains the same in all communities."

The more nominations a business receives, the closer it gets to becoming an official nominee.

"Our panel will then review all nominations and select the top three finalists in each category based on their services, reviews, and overall credibility," said the CCA.

Winners will be announced this month, with specific dates to be announced soon.

To nominate Cotton's Chocolates visit .

Two Armstrong businesses took the honours for 2024: Mills Veterinary Services won in the veterinarian category and Om Naturale won for Wellness Products.

Lumby's Holiday Hounds won the pet care category.

Six Vernon business won awards: Asian Avenue (Chinese restaurant), Haveli Indian Cuisine (Indian restaurant), Infinite Beaty (beauty salons), Ladies World Health and Fitness (gyms), Si Si Pizza (food truck) and The Kal (restaurant).