Black tie or khakis and sneakers — that’s the suggested dress code for the 2025 Distinguished Entrepreneur of the Year Awards (DEYA) gala hosted by the University of Victoria’s Gustavson School of Business this June.
The reason for this alt dress code is a nod to the tech industry “uniform” and to the recipients of this year’s award: Andrew Wilkinson and Chris Sparling, cofounders of Tiny.
Wilkinson and Sparling have been partners in business since 2009 and together run Tiny, a publicly traded holding company that purchases small businesses and, unlike traditional equity models, maintains them. Their business philosophy is to acquire exceptional companies and allow them to flourish independently, empowering original founders and their teams to continue their work while providing access to leadership and resources for growth.
Now in its 21st year, DEYA recognizes and celebrates entrepreneurial excellence and positive societal impact. “The Gustavson School of Business created this award because we’re one of the few schools in North America that offer entrepreneurship intentionally,” says Mia Maki, associate teaching professor and associate dean of external and outreach.
UVic’s business school also turns 35 this year, and Maki says it’s important to recognize local entrepreneurs to reflect the considerable growth that the city’s business community has made over the last three and a half decades. “We’re so proud of the community that we’ve helped to create and support,” she says. “Andrew and Chris are both local and global. They’re based in Victoria, and they have made an impact in our community and beyond our borders.” Past recipients of DEYA include Bobbie Racette, founder and CEO of Virtual Gurus, an inclusivity-first talent marketplace creating opportunities for underrepresented groups, including Indigenous and LGBTQ2+ communities. Ratana and Arran Stephens, cofounders of Nature’s Path organic foods, were also honoured for pioneering sustainable food practices.
During their interview at last year’s gala, the Stephenses reflected on their complementary working relationship, something Maki sees mirrored in Wilkinson and Sparling’s partnership. That, and the fact neither are too jazzed about wearing a tuxedo to the event. The gala, scheduled for June 10 at the Victoria Conference Centre, is traditionally a black-tie affair. However, this year’s gala is “black tie, your way” to reflect Wilkinson and Sparling’s tech style and culture and may infuse the gala with some interesting ensembles. But the focus remains on celebrating the award recipients. “We’re super pleased that Andrew and Chris are being recognized because they’ve been a stealthy success and it’s really nice to spotlight and celebrate their accomplishments,” Maki says.
