Supporting Veterans

Established in 2025, the BBB Torch Award for Veteran-Owned Businesses honors exceptional companies and nonprofits within the BBB Midwest Plains' 5-state service area (Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and South Dakota). This award celebrates organizations that embody the BBB’s commitment to the 4 Cs: Character, Culture, Customers, and Community.

Focused on recognizing veteran leadership, applicants must demonstrate that they are at least majority veteran-owned and operated, maintain a "B" rating or higher with BBB, and adhere to ethical business practices. Open to businesses in eligible counties, the award is a distinguished mark of trust in the marketplace, acknowledging those who lead with integrity and positively impact their communities. Those applying for this award will also be automatically entered into the running for the BBB Torch Awards for Ethics in their specific region. However, applicants can only win one of the two awards in any given year.

Eligibility criteria:

1. Veteran-owned: At least 51% of the business or nonprofit must be owned and operated by a veteran.
2. BBB standing: A minimum "B" rating with BBB (BBB Accreditation not required).
3. Geographic location: Must be based in the following areas:
   • Iowa: Fremont, Harrison, Mills, Montgomery, Pottawattamie, and Shelby counties
   • Kansas: All counties eligible
   • Missouri: Adair, Andrew, Atchison, Bates, Benton, Buchanan, Caldwell, Cass, Chariton, Clay, Clinton, Cooper, Daviess, De Kalb, Gentry, Grundy, Harrison, Henry, Holt, Howard, Jackson, Johnson, Lafayette, Linn, Livingston, Macon, Mercer, Morgan, Nodaway, Pettis, Platte, Putnam, Randolph, Ray, Saline, Schuyler, Scotland, Sullivan and Worth counties
   • Nebraska: All counties eligible
   • South Dakota: All counties eligible
4. No active issues: Businesses are ineligible if they are subject to current government actions or BBB investigations.

This award aims to highlight the vital role veteran-owned businesses play in shaping a trustworthy marketplace.

If you have questions about the application process, view our FAQ page. If you have other questions, contact us at communications@bbbinc.org.