BBB of Eastern Carolinas Spark Award

Recognizing the hard work of Eastern North and South Carolina entrepreneurs.

The BBB Spark Awards, presented by Matthews Motors, is bestowed upon eastern NC and SC business leaders 35 and younger or new entrepreneurs of any age operating for less than 3 years who demonstrate Character, Culture, and Community. Young and new business leaders who demonstrate these characteristics can apply for the BBB Spark Awards. Consumers and businesses can also nominate a business leader they feel is actively working to maintain an ethical marketplace while connecting with its community. The winner receives a $2000 cash prize!

BBB of Eastern Carolinas' Educational Foundation >

Character

Leaders must be teachable and open to growing with ideas. Leaders habitually seek the truth, are open to criticism, and know that their own personal development is never complete. Ethical maturity cultivates an environment that promotes higher standards of better business practices.

Culture

Purposeful entrepreneurs start businesses for more than just the opportunity to be their own boss or fill a gap in the market. Instead, they create organizations committed to serving the needs of all their stakeholders and make intentional decisions about who they align with to bring their mission to fruition. They are honest and transparent while encouraging an ethical workplace culture.

Community

The most successful entrepreneurs understand they are part of a community and commit to supporting those that supported them. They give back to worthy causes and treat other entrepreneurs and competitors as peers rather than opponents. Community-inspired businesses help their environment, stakeholders, and community membership by reinvesting and volunteering.

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Criteria and Eligibility

The BBB Spark Awards are open to organizations, including non-profits, located within BBB of Eastern Carolinas' 48-county service area. To apply, at least one member of the business’s leadership team must be age 35 years or younger or the organization must have been in business less than 3 years. Business leaders who are nominated will still need to complete the application process. BBB Accreditation is not required and there is no limitation on company size.

EXCLUSIONS

A company is not eligible if any of the following conditions apply:

It has been in business more than 3 years.
It has earned lower than a “B” rating from BBB.
If the leader is over the age of 35 at the time the application was filled out.
It has been the recipient of the BBB Spark Awards in the past 3 years.

ENTRY SUBMISSION

Finalists for the BBB Spark Awards are required to provide a video submission. This video should come from your team. Video themes should include how your business embodies Character, Culture, and Community. Videos do not have to be complex and can be created using a phone. They should be limited to 30-60 seconds in length.

Please note: These videos will be used during the presentation of awards as a means of introducing our BBB Spark Awards class. They might also be placed on BBB social media sites. Videos should either be MOV or MP4 files and should be submitted via WeTransfer to connect@bbbec.org.

SELECTION PROCESS

Entries are evaluated by an independent, voluntary panel of judges comprised of business and community leaders. Remember, since the judges do not know your organization, your video and written application should provide a robust and accurate description of the organization’s culture. By submitting an application, you agree to give BBB full access and rights to your video, including but not limited to using your video- in part or whole- in its marketing.

View Past BBB Spark and Spark Jr. Winners