BBB Serving MN & ND Torch Awards for Ethics application questions

Entries are evaluated by an independent, voluntary panel of judges comprised of business and community leaders. Your submission, including examples, stories and documents, should provide a robust and accurate depiction of how your business shows ethics in action – through character, culture, customers and community. 

In approximately 500-1,000 words, applicants are asked to explain how their company exemplifies trust and integrity with its customers, community, and employees. (Specific examples will help differentiate the company from other applicants.) 

A successful application will address the below prompts: 

• Explain how your company lead with character, ethics and integrity? 
• Explain how your company foster a culture of trust and transparency? 
• What practices does your company use to build trusting relationships with customers? 
• What programs or initiatives does your company engage in to support its community? 

A successful Torch Awards application will also include supporting documents to supplement the essay. Supporting documents should help round out the view of how the company demonstrates trust and leads with integrity.  

Supporting documents can include: 

• Organizational documents like strategic goals, handbooks, internal communications, mission and vision statement, community impact reports, etc. 
• Public recognition like workplace awards, customer reviews or testimonials, articles or publications, social media posts, etc. 
• Photos or of employees, company headquarters, customer interactions, community involvement, etc. 

Interested in applying for a 2026 BBB Torch Award? Click here!