Businesses, organizations and charities are evaluated based on 5 sets of criteria. One criteria is BBB Accreditation, while the other four are designed to help make your business more visible, accessible and trustworthy to older consumers.

 Business and charities must be BBB Accredited before applying for the program. You can apply for BBB Accreditation and for the age-friendly program at the same time, but your age-friendly application will be placed on a hold, pending the outcome of your Accreditation application.

Business and charities should maintain a clean, clear and easily accessible facility with adequate lighting and low noise levels.

• Are the parking lots, stairs or other exterior walking services free from debris and trip hazards? 
• Is the public entryway easy to access with ease to open, slow close or automatic doors? 
• Is the business lighting adequate for safety and sufficient to read materials? 
• Is there loud music or a lot of background noise in the business? 
• Is the facility designed to maximize safety and accessibility with clearly marked stairs, drops, and change in floor elevation?
• Is there seating inside for customers to rest? 
• Are there clearly marked restrooms available for customers? 
• Are aisles easy for people with wheelchairs & scooters, to navigate?

Businesses and charities should ensure that print and web materials are easy to read with 12-point font and good contrast.

• Is the text on print materials easy to read with 12-point font and high-contract color combinations? 
• What material(s) do you send out and how are you sending them? Email or tranditional mail?
• Is the interior & exterior signage clear and easy to follow? 
• Are senior discounts offered? Special rates or offers? 
• Is the website easy to navigate? 

Staff should be easy to identify and should be trained to be respectful, patient and accessible.

• Is staff easy to identify? 
• Is staff welcoming and courteous? 
• Did staff offer assistance with shopping – i.e. reach items, loading car, etc.? 

Businesses and charities should create a friendly and engaging environment to consumers during marketplace transactions.

• Are customers greeted upon entering or during visits? 
• Are staff prepared to be engaged and readily available to assist? 
• How do you communicate with your customer?
• How do you adapt your communication for older adults?