BBB Cincinnati Awards

BBB® believes in the power of trust to grow people, businesses, and communities. One way we build trust in our region? Honoring ethical leaders through programs like the BBB Torch Awards for Ethics℠ and BBB Spark Awards℠.

The BBB Torch Awards for Ethics and Spark Awards celebrate local organizations that go above and beyond to serve their customers, employees, and community.

Recognizing organizations that do things the right way

Our vision is to create an ethical marketplace where buyers and sellers trust each other. In this spirit, BBB Cincinnati publicly recognizes organizations with exceptional commitment to ethics with the annual Torch Awards for Ethics and Spark Awards.

From established companies and nonprofits to emerging young businesses, each year BBB honors ethical organizations across all industries in our region.

BBB Torch Awards for Ethics

BBB Cincinnati's premier ethics-centered program — the most prestigious honor BBB can give.

The Torch Awards celebrate established businesses and charities that meet the highest standard of ethics and trust among their employees, customers, and local communities, embodying BBB’s mission to advance marketplace trust.

Apply today

BBB Spark Awards

Supporting outstanding young entrepreneurs and new businesses committed to ethics.

This program is for trustworthy entrepreneurs and startup founders 35 years old or younger, or new business owners who’ve been in operation for less than three years. Through the Spark Awards, we hope to recognize and welcome those newer leaders building their businesses around the three Cs of trust: Character, Culture, and Community.

Apply today

Save the date to the 100 year celebration with Cincinnati Music Hall in background

October 22, 2026 | Cincinnati Music Hall

In 2026, BBB Cincinnati will proudly celebrate 100 years of building trust in our community. Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime milestone event as we honor a century of ethical leadership — and look ahead to the next 100 years of trust, integrity, and excellence.

BBB Cincinnati President and CEO Jocile Ehrlich interview series

Learn more about the awards from the BBB CEO

BBB Cincinnati President and CEO Jocile Ehrlich discusses the Torch Awards for Ethics and Spark Awards with Cincinnati Business Courier Publisher and President Jamie Smith.