Applications Open
March 1, 2027
Online applications and nominations begin.
2027 program timeline
Key dates and deadlines
Mark these milestones for the 2027 cycle. Each date is an editable field — refresh it when the program reruns.
Application Deadline
April 30, 2027
Deadline - submit by this date
Winners Announced
June 2027
Recipients notified by email and on BBB platforms.
Awards Celebration
September 2027
In-person event honoring the winning organizations.
About the awards
Recognizing integrity put into action
The Spark Awards are an annual celebration honoring exceptional business and nonprofit leaders in our community. They recognize leaders for outstanding ethical practices and a real commitment to three enduring values — character, culture and community.
Made possible by the BBB Education Foundation, the awards celebrate leaders across BBB Midwest Plains' service area: Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and South Dakota.
Why the recognition carries weight
A fair, independent process
Judged independently
An independent, voluntary panel of business and community leaders — many of them past BBB award winners — reviews and selects every recipient.
Scored on merit
Submissions are measured against a published benchmark for character, culture, customers and community — not ranked against one another.
Backed by BBB's mission
Made possible by the BBB Education Foundation and built on more than a century of work toward a trustworthy marketplace.
Ways to take part
Choose how you want to take part
Whether you're ready to apply, want to nominate an organization, or just have questions — there's a clear next step.
Start Here
Apply for the Spark Awards
Complete the online application by April 30, 2027. Free to enter; save and return anytime
Nominate a leader
Shine a light on a business or nonprofit leader that demonstrates integrity-driven best practices.
Attend the celebration
Join the in-person awards event in September 2027 to honor this year's recipients.