BBB Wisconsin Spark Awards Frequently Asked Questions

Why Apply?

If I am a recipient, what does that mean for my company?

A variety of benefits come along with being a BBB Spark Award recipient, including:

• Recognition in a news release shared with Wisconsin media partners
• Recognition listed on the BBB Wisconsin website and all BBB Serving Wisconsin social media channels
• Utilization of the BBB Spark Award winner logo on your digital and print marketing collateral
• Recognition at the BBB Ethics Awards Luncheon event
• The physical BBB Spark Award trophy to be proudly displayed at your company, symbolizing your commitment to ethics in the workplace!

Eligibility

Who is eligible to apply?

The BBB Spark Awards are open to for-profit organizations located within Wisconsin. Firms need not be BBB accredited. At least one owner of the company must be 35 years or younger before February 28, 2025 OR the business must be less than three years in operation under a business owner of any age before February 28, 2025 to apply. There is no limitation on company size.

Does my business have to have been in business for a certain amount of time?

If your business does not have a business owner of 35 years or younger before February 28, 2025, your business must be less than three years in operation before February 28, 2025. Please contact us to discuss the details of your business if you have any questions about this: foundation@wisconsin.bbb.org or 414-847-6062.

We don't have a physical office, can we still apply?

BBB understands that when your business is first starting out you don't always have a physical office, and in today's world you almost don't even need an office. We do require that the majority of your operations are handled within Wisconsin. (This doesn't limit the geographical locations of your customers/clients).

Do companies need to be incorporated to apply?

No, sole proprietorships are eligible to apply, but may require extra documentation if there is not enough supporting evidence of the business' existence.

Are there any exclusions?

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

• The company has earned less than a "B" rating from BBB
• There are indications that the company has not met its financial obligations
• The company is a government agency. Government contractors can confirm their eligibility by contacting their local BBB.

Judging

What is the judging process like?

The Spark Awards will be judged as a separate category among our Torch Awards and will be evaluated by an independent, voluntary panel of judges comprised of business and community leaders. Applications are judged on the Three C's of Trust criteria: Character, Culture, and Community.

We fully understand that no leader nor their company is perfect. Each company is unique and has different experiences and policies. We encourage you to be creative and find examples of your leaders'/organization's practices that best exemplify how Character, Culture and Community are part of the DNA of your organization.