Frequently Asked Questions

Q: BBB International Torch Awards accepts submissions for two awards: The BBB International Torch Award for Advancing Marketplace Excellence and Excellence in Customer Care. Can a business apply for both awards?

A: Yes.

Q: Who can be nominated in the Marketplace Excellence award category?

A: The BBB International Torch Award for Marketplace Excellence is open to all for-profit businesses in North America that provide goods and services to retail and/or wholesale markets and are in good standing with BBB. Any person can nominate a business or the business may self-nominate for this category. Also, BBBs in Canada and the United States conduct local competitions, forwarding their winning entries for consideration for the Marketplace Excellence category.

Q: Can a government agency or non-profit organization submit an entry for the Marketplace Excellence award?

A: Non-profit organizations or businesses whose primary markets are local, state or federal governments are not eligible for the BBB International Torch Awards.

Q: Where can I find a list of past award winners?

A: You can find lists of past award winners by going to our archives page.

Q: Can I submit an entry or nominate a company for the Advancing Marketplace Trust or Consumer Leadership award categories?

A: Nominees for these awards are selected via a closed nomination process - meaning they are not open to the public. Recipients of these awards are nominated and selected by a committee of industry experts and BBB leaders.

Q: Is there an application fee?

A: Yes, there is a $100 non-refundable application fee.

Q: When entering the Marketplace Excellence competition, what should I include in my entry packet?

A: Applicants are asked to include a BBB International Torch Award entry application, a two-page executive summary that explains why the business merits consideration for the Marketplace Excellence award. The total entry is limited to a 2-inch, three-ring binder. Tabs must separate the binder into four sections corresponding to the judging criteria, and include materials (mission statement, policies, publications, news articles, advertising, customer testimonials, etc.) that speak to the firm’s strengths regarding each of the judging criteria.