About the awards
Recognizing integrity put into action
For more than 25 years, the Cincinnati Better Business Bureau® Torch Awards for Ethics℠ have recognized established businesses and nonprofit organizations that lead with integrity and make a positive impact in our community. As Cincinnati BBB's most prestigious honor, the program celebrates organizations that set the standard for ethical leadership.
The Cincinnati BBB® Spark Awards℠ recognize outstanding young entrepreneurs and emerging businesses that are making their mark through innovation, leadership, and ethical practices. Together, these awards honor organizations and individuals who are helping build a stronger, more trustworthy marketplace for the future.
Learn more below.
Rules, details, and eligibility requirements
Torch Awards for Ethics:
Organizations must:
Demonstrate ethical leadership, customer relations, workplace culture, and community involvement
Have been in operation for at least 3 years
Spark Awards:
Applicants must meet one of the following:
Be 35 years old or younger and own, found, or lead a business
Own a business that has been established within the last 3 years (36 months)
Torch Awards for Ethics:
For-profit organizations
501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations
501(c)(6) nonprofit organizations
Organizations located within BBB Cincinnati's 22-county service area*
Spark Awards:
Entrepreneurs, business owners, and startup founders age 35 or younger
Business owners of any age whose business has been operating for 3 years (36 months) or less
For-profit organizations located within BBB Cincinnati's 22-county service area*
*The 22-county service area includes:
Indiana: Dearborn, Franklin, Ohio, Ripley, Switzerland, Union
Kentucky: Boone, Campbell, Kenton
Ohio: Adams, Brown, Butler, Clermont, Clinton, Gallia, Hamilton, Highland, Jackson, Pike, Lawrence, Scioto, and Warren (except the following zip codes: 45005, 45066, and 45068)
Torch Awards for Ethics:
BBB Accreditation is not required
For-profit and 501(c)(6) organizations must maintain a B rating or higher with BBB
501(c)(3) organizations must complete the Charitable Standards Evaluation and meet BBB Standards for Charity Accountability
All financial obligations must be met
Organizations cannot have won a Torch Award within the previous 3 years
Spark Awards:
Must be a for-profit business
Must have at least a B rating with BBB
Must have met all financial obligations
Must have no government actions against the business
Torch Awards for Ethics:
Government agencies
Organizations outside BBB Cincinnati's 22-county service area*
Torch Award recipients from the past 3 years
Spark Awards:
Nonprofit organizations
Government agencies
Businesses outside BBB Cincinnati's 22-county service area*
Businesses with a BBB rating below B
*The 22-county service area includes:
Indiana: Dearborn, Franklin, Ohio, Ripley, Switzerland, Union
Kentucky: Boone, Campbell, Kenton
Ohio: Adams, Brown, Butler, Clermont, Clinton, Gallia, Hamilton, Highland, Jackson, Pike, Lawrence, Scioto, and Warren (except the following zip codes: 45005, 45066, and 45068)
Entries are evaluated by an independent panel of volunteer judges comprised of business and community leaders.
Your written submission should provide a robust and accurate depiction of your organization's focus on character, culture, customers/clients, and community, including examples, stories, and documents,.
Supporting documents and attachments can range from handbooks and internal documentation to photos from events. These are not required but are highly recommended to show judges how your organization supports company culture, customers/clients, and community involvement.
We will announce the date and location of the 2027 Torch Awards for Ethics & Spark Awards as soon as possible! Stay tuned!
