Every year, when we announce the opening of our BBB Awards applications, we say the same thing: Let’s break last year’s application record. And when we say this, it’s not just a wish, it’s a rallying cry.

While there are several small business awards and entrepreneur awards programs in the country, part of our mission is to celebrate marketplace role models. When applications roll in each awards season, we learn of countless businesses inspiring, bolstering and leading our communities. It’s a welcome discovery to realize that, when it comes to spreading trust, the needle is still trending upward. And why wouldn’t it be?

With so many outlets to shop from, more businesses are doubling down on trust, connecting with customers, and taking care of their teams. It’s these businesses that deserve to win an award.

So, we feel those businesses should be honored. And because so many of them are deserving, we invite businesses to apply for two prestigious honors: The Spark Award, granted to emerging entrepreneurial businesses committed to a high level of character, culture and integrity; and The Torch Award, for organizations demonstrating the highest standards of ethics as they work to build trust.

For businesses, these awards are a chance to stand out in their community and their industry. They show that a business has made strides, overcome challenges, and risen to the task of being the best at what they do for customers. And by the way, any business can apply for our awards programs, not just BBB Accredited Businesses. That’s how it should be for awards – the playing field should be equitable, inclusive and ever-growing.

And for any would-be applicants thinking, “but what if I don’t win?” Let’s tackle that with a simple truth:

Even being in the running is an honor. Are you committed to building trust in all you do? Then you deserve to be in the running.

And, if you’re wondering, “what can a best business award do for me?” Here’s what:

• Position your organization as an industry leader: Trusted businesses are cornerstones of the community. Just like an industry award, a BBB award recognizes how your company is setting the bar in your field through the lens of trust.

• Build confidence and trust with your customers: Customers like knowing they’ve chosen the right business to work with. What better way to show them than an esteemed award sitting on your shelf?

• Generate new interest and awareness: New customers are always welcome, but an award could also attract new team members, new investors, or even let the greater community know how much you’ve accomplished.

• Give a boost to your team and your mission: Getting recognized for your achievements is great for customers and external stakeholders – but it could also be a powerful boost of confidence for your team and all they do.

What are the promotional opportunities that come with a BBB award?

While a physical BBB Award is something winners can display on their office shelf, there are several promotional opportunities for both winners and finalists. Official BBB Award logos are provided to promote these achievements and can be used in a variety of ways.

• Company website: Greet customers with your BBB awards logo.

• Staff email signatures: Make every piece of correspondence shine with your achievement.

• Newsletters, blogs: Your awards logo adds credibility to the insights you share.

• Invoices: Add your logo to important paperwork to show stakeholders they are dealing with an honest and ethical business.

• Business cards: For networking, your achievement promotes your reputation in the community.

• Signage: Just like a “city’s best award,” this is an achievement to promote in billboards and public signage.

• Social media: Let your followers know your business is recognized for building trust with customers. You can also add the accomplishment to your bio and profile images.

To take it a step further, finalists and winners have the opportunity to promote their achievement within their service area in a variety of outlets: display ads, e-blasts, newspapers, periodicals, directories, direct mail, billboards, company vehicles, posters, fliers, interviews, and television and radio spots.

How are BBB award winners chosen?

Beyond the promotional opportunities, it’s only logical to wonder how the winners are chosen. Assuming your business meets the eligibility requirements to apply, here’s what happens once you apply:

BBB vets and reviews every application, taking great care to identify the businesses that have the award-winning qualities to move on as a finalist. This process is designed to equally consider all eligible businesses, with careful attention given to how businesses exemplify and commit to their character, culture, customers, and community.

The businesses that best fulfill these criteria are named the finalists.

At this point, the finalists’ applications are forwarded to an external independent panel of judges made up of past BBB award winners. Each judge scores every application independently, and their composite scores determine the winners.

Applicants are eligible to win an award based on their business size and where they are based (there are awards for companies located in Alaska, Central Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Western Wyoming). 

After the winners are determined, everyone is invited to our virtual celebration in October. Anyone can attend the livestream: business leaders, team members, community members, families. The virtual setting gives us the ability to spread the word about our deserving winners.

You’re invited to apply

Of course, this all starts by filling out an application. All of the benefits and opportunities described above are only possible once you champion your business by sharing your story.

Trust is a big deal in today’s world. It’s why BBB is committed to those businesses working to be the model in forwarding marketplace trust. That’s been our mission from the get-go, and it’s not something we’ll ever take for granted.

If any of this talk of trust is ringing true to you and all you do, we’re going to bet that you’re already dedicated to building trust with your customers and your community. Assuming that’s the case, we can’t wait to receive your application.