Who is eligible to apply for a Spark Award?

For-profit and non-profit organizations located in BBB of Central Ohio’s service area with an owner age 35 or under or an owner of any age operating for less than three years at time of entry. Businesses who apply must have a ‘B’ rating with BBB and proven to have met their financial obligations; government agencies are not eligible. Our service area consists of the following 21 counties: Athens, Champaign, Coshocton, Delaware, Fairfield, Fayette, Franklin, Hocking, Knox, Licking, Logan, Madison, Marion, Meigs, Morgan, Morrow, Muskingum, Perry, Pickaway, Ross, Union, Vinton.

Do you need to be Accredited to apply?

Organizations do not need to be Accredited to apply, however they must have a BBB Business Profile in order to generate at least a ‘B’ rating. Through the entry process, BBB will generate a Business Profile for your company.

If my business is nominated do I still have to fill out the entry form?

Yes, you must complete the entry form in order to be considered for a Spark Award.

How are recipients selected?

Entries are evaluated by a volunteer panel of judges based on the completed entry form and populated criteria.

Does the entry video need to be professionally done?

No, this is simply a video to let the judges hear your voice and learn more about your team, so feel free to get creative! If your company is selected as a Spark Award winner, BBB will produce a video to be shown during our Spark Award Celebration.

What should be the maximum length of the video?

The video should be no longer than 2 minutes.

What are examples of supporting documents that can be uploaded?

Employee testimonials, client testimonials, policies, leader communications, photos of your organization engaging in the community, etc.  

Do Spark Award recipients receive a prize?

Yes, recipients will receive a prize package including cash.

What is the deadline for entries?

The 2024 deadline for entries is August 16, 2024.

When will the recipients be announced?

2023’s Spark Award Recipients were officially announced and honored at our Toast to Trusted Leaders event at The Bluestone on October 18, 2023. Check back early 2024 to find out when the new class will be announced.