Frequently Asked Questions | BBB Midwest Plains

What are the Torch Awards? 

The BBB Torch Awards for Ethics is an annual celebration to honor exceptional businesses and nonprofits in the community. The Torch Awards recognizes local organizations' outstanding ethical practices and commitment to character, culture, customers, and community.

Visit our Torch Awards page to learn how to get involved, see past winners, and help us celebrate the outstanding recipients.

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What are the eligibility requirements for the Torch Awards?

The eligibility requirements for the Torch Awards are as follows: 

• The competition is only open to eligible businesses and nonprofits located in the following states: Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and South Dakota. 
• Eligible counties in Iowa include: Adair, Audubon, Cass, Crawford, Fremont, Greene, Harrison, Mills, Monona, Montgomery, Page, Pottawattamie, Shelby, Taylor
• Eligible counties in Missouri include: Adair, Andrew, Atchison, Bates, Benton, Buchanan, Caldwell, Camden, Carroll, Cass, Chariton, Clay, Clinton, Cooper, Daviess, DeKalb, Gentry, Grundy, Harrison, Henry, Holt, Howard, Jackson, Johnson, Knox, Lafayette, Linn, Livingston, Macon, Mercer, Morgan, Nodaway, Pettis, Platte, Putnam, Randolph, Ray, Saint Clair, Saline, Schuyler, Scotland, Sullivan, Vernon, Worth
• All counties in Kansas, Nebraska and South Dakota are eligible.                   
• Entry is open to businesses and nonprofit organizations that apply during the eligibility period from Saturday, March 1, 2025, to Wednesday, April 30, 2025. 
• Businesses and nonprofits are not eligible if they have received a Torch Award in the past five years in a specific service area (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 or 2025). For example, if your business or nonprofit won a Torch Award in 2022 for Omaha & SW Iowa region, you are eligible to apply in 2026 in a different service area if you have a location in a separate region. 
• Applicants must have at least a “B” rating in the BBB database. The BBB reviews both accredited and non-accredited businesses. BBB ratings range from A+ to F. No less than a “B” rating is required for acceptance into the Torch Awards.
  
• Businesses or nonprofits must be located and have a physical presence within the service area of BBB Midwest Plains: Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska or South Dakota.
• Business must be in operation for at least three years as of April 30, 2026.

How do I enter my organization for the Torch Awards?

All businesses and nonprofits must complete the Torch Awards online application to be considered.

Visit our Torch Awards page to find the application and get started!

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How long is the Torch Awards application open?

The Torch Awards application is open from March 1 through April 30, 2026.

Visit our Torch Awards page to find the application and get started!

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What are the criteria used to judge Torch Awards applications?

Submissions are evaluated based on the eligibility of the applicant and their commitment to character, culture, customers, and community.

These criteria are explained in more detail below:

• Eligibility of the application: The submission has been submitted online before the deadline with the required documentation and complies with the Terms and Conditions.
• Response criteria | Character, culture, customers, and community: Applicants should respond to the question in each category, clearly illustrating real-life examples that address each prompt. Applications will be scored based on how well the applicant exemplifies and demonstrates commitment to each criterion. 

Additionally...

• Entrants must address all questions in a concise narrative that explains how their business or nonprofit exemplifies the given criteria in daily operations. Submissions should provide a robust and accurate description of general business operations and culture. Providing examples and quantifying impact when possible is always a good idea!
• The judges will be asked to score finalist submissions that best meet the scope of the application requirements. 

Visit our Torch Awards page to find the application and get started!

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Who selects the Torch Awards winners?

An independent, voluntary panel of judges will take on the responsibility of reviewing, evaluating, and selecting winners of the Torch Awards. The judges are comprised of business and community leaders, many of whom have previously won Torch Awards.

Torch Awards winners will be notified via email in June 2026 to the contact indicated in the online application form and subsequently announced on various BBB platforms, including the competition website. 

An in-person event will be held in September 2026 to honor the winning organizations. 

Visit our Torch Awards page to find the application and get started!

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What are the advertising guidelines for Torch Awards recipients? 

BBB asks that all recipients consider the following advertising guidelines when promoting their award.

By submitting the application, the entrant agrees to abide by these guidelines if they choose to promote the award status in any of the following ways:

1. Recipient is permitted to use the approved Torch Awards for Ethics Winner logo provided the graphic standards indicated below (in section 10) are followed.
2. Recipient is permitted to promote the achievement in text as follows: Better Business Bureau Midwest Plains Torch Awards for Ethics – [Year Received] Winner.
3. Recipient is permitted to promote the achievement on their company website, in social media, email, and digital newsletters.
4. Recipient is permitted to promote the award within BBB Midwest Plains' service area using these methods: newspapers, periodicals, directories, direct mail, billboards, company vehicles, annual reports, posters, fliers, interviews, and television and radio spots.
5. Recipient is permitted to reproduce a copy of the statutory award, which must include the year of receipt.
6. Recipient is permitted to issue announcements and press releases about receipt of the award within the year of its receipt.
7. Recipient is permitted to make a brief factual statement about the award and the required business qualifications.
8. Recipient is permitted to advertise the award indefinitely, but only as long as they maintain at least a B rating from BBB and is not the subject of pending or final government or regulatory actions, BBB investigation, or any other activity that may poorly reflect upon BBB.
9. In all advertisements, the award recipient must indicate the year the award was given.
10. Graphic Standards for the BBB Torch Awards Winner logo use:

• The logo may be resized as needed but must retain all proportions. Do not skew, stretch, or distort the logo in any way. Elements of the logo may not be rearranged, added to, or taken away from.
• The logo may only be used in the original formats provided (full color, single color, black and white). Do not change the colors of the logo.
• There should be sufficient clear space around the entire logo.
• Solid background colors should be used when necessary. Do not use a textured or similar colored background behind the logo.
• The BBB logo is federally trademarked property of BBB. This policy is an extension of the BBB’s Agreement for BBB Accreditation and Participation in BBB Advertising Programs.

Visit our Torch Awards page to find the application and get started!

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What are the Spark Awards? 

The BBB Spark Awards recognize outstanding businesses of at least one year, as well as companies with an owner age 45 or younger who’s making waves in their industry. The Spark Awards is BBB’s chance to spotlight new businesses and their owners who are committed to character, culture, and community and represent our leaders of tomorrow.

Visit our Spark Awards page to learn how to get involved, see past winners, and help us celebrate the outstanding recipients. 

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What are the eligibility requirements for the Spark Awards?

The eligibility requirements for the Spark Awards are as follows: 

•  The competition is only open to eligible businesses and nonprofits located in the following states: Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and South Dakota. 
• Eligible counties in Iowa include: Adair, Audubon, Cass, Crawford, Fremont, Greene, Harrison, Mills, Monona, Montgomery, Page, Pottawattamie, Shelby, Taylor
• Eligible counties in Missouri include: Adair, Andrew, Atchison, Bates, Benton, Buchanan, Caldwell, Camden, Carroll, Cass, Chariton, Clay, Clinton, Cooper, Daviess, DeKalb, Gentry, Grundy, Harrison, Henry, Holt, Howard, Jackson, Johnson, Knox, Lafayette, Linn, Livingston, Macon, Mercer, Morgan, Nodaway, Pettis, Platte, Putnam, Randolph, Ray, Saint Clair, Saline, Schuyler, Scotland, Sullivan, Vernon, Worth
• All counties in Kansas, Nebraska and South Dakota are eligible.                   
• Entry is open to businesses that apply during the eligibility period from March 1 to April 30, 2026. For the purposes of this competition, a “business” is a fully registered and licensed entity that aims to meet a marketplace need by developing or offering products, processes, services, or solutions. To be eligible for entry into this competition, a business must carry and maintain all licensing necessary for their industry for the state(s) in which they operate.
• Applicants must have a business that's been operating for one year or more at the time of the application deadline (4/30/2026) and have a business owner that's age 45 or younger at the time of the application deadline (4/30/2026). 
• Applicant businesses must have a "B" rating or higher with BBB (BBB Accreditation is not required). 
• Businesses are not eligible if they have received a Spark Award in the past five years (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 or 2024).
• The applicant must have at least a “B” rating and hold a satisfactory record with BBB.
• Businesses are not eligible if they have any current government actions or are the subject of a BBB investigation.

Visit our Spark Awards page to find the application and get started!

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How do I enter my organization for the Spark Awards?

All businesses must complete the Spark Awards online application to be considered.

Visit our Spark Awards page to find the application and get started!

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How long is the Spark Awards applications open?

The Spark Awards application is open from March 1 through April 30, 2026. 

Visit our Spark Awards page to find the application and get started!

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What are the criteria used to judge Spark Awards applications?

Submissions are evaluated based on the eligibility of the applicant and their commitment to character, culture, and community.

These criteria are explained in more detail below:

• Eligibility of the application: The submission has been submitted online before the deadline with the required documentation and complies with the Terms and Conditions.
• Response criteria | Character, culture, and community: Applicants should respond to the question in each category, clearly illustrating real-life examples that address each prompt. Applications will be scored based on how well the applicant exemplifies and demonstrates commitment to each criterion. 

Additionally...

• Entrants must address all questions in concise narrative that explains how their business exemplifies the given criteria in daily operations. Submissions should provide a robust and accurate description of general business operations and culture. Providing examples and quantifying impact when possible is always a good idea!
• The judges will be asked to score finalist submissions that best meet the scope of the application requirements. 

Visit our Spark Awards page to find the application and get started!

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Who selects the Spark Awards winners?

An independent, voluntary panel of judges will take on the responsibility of reviewing, evaluating, and selecting winners of the Spark Awards. The judges are comprised of business and community leaders.

Spark Awards winners will be notified via email in June 2026 to the contact indicated in the online application form and subsequently announced on various BBB platforms, including the competition website. 

An in-person event will be held in September 2026 to honor the winning organizations. 

Visit our Spark Awards page to find the application and get started!

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What are the advertising guidelines for Spark Awards recipients?

BBB asks that all recipients consider the following advertising guidelines when promoting their award.

By submitting the application, the entrant agrees to abide by these guidelines if they choose to promote the award status in any of the following ways:

1. Recipient is permitted to use the approved Spark Awards Winner logo provided the graphic standards indicated below (in section 10) are followed.
2. Recipient is permitted to promote the achievement in text as follows: Better Business Bureau Midwest Plains Spark Awards – [Year Received] Winner.
3. Recipient is permitted to promote the achievement on their company website, in social media, email, and digital newsletters.
4. Recipient is permitted to promote the award within BBB Midwest Plains’ service area using these methods: newspapers, periodicals, directories, direct mail, billboards, company vehicles, annual reports, posters, fliers, interviews, and television and radio spots.
5. Recipient is permitted to reproduce a copy of the statutory award, which must include the year of receipt.
6. Recipient is permitted to issue announcements and press releases about receipt of the award within the year of its receipt.
7. Recipient is permitted to make a brief factual statement about the award and the required business qualifications.
8. Recipient is permitted to advertise the award indefinitely, but only as long as they maintain at least a B rating from BBB and is not the subject of pending or final government or regulatory actions, BBB investigation, or any other activity that may poorly reflect upon BBB.
9. In all advertisements, the award recipient must indicate the year the award was given.
10. Graphic Standards for the BBB Spark Awards Winner logo use:

• The logo may be resized as needed but must retain all proportions. Do not skew, stretch, or distort the logo in any way. Elements of the logo may not be rearranged, added to, or taken away from.
• The logo may only be used in the original formats provided (full color, single color, black and white). Do not change the colors of the logo.
• There should be sufficient clear space around the entire logo.
• Solid background colors should be used when necessary. Do not use a textured or similar colored background behind the logo.
• The BBB logo is federally trademarked property of BBB. This policy is an extension of the BBB’s Agreement for BBB Accreditation and Participation in BBB Advertising Programs

Visit our Spark Awards page to find the application and get started!

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What's the difference between a Torch Award and a Spark Award?

BBB Torch Awards are presented to established businesses and nonprofits that have been operating for one year or more at the time of the application deadline. Winners of a Torch Award demonstrate an outstanding commitment to integrity through their leadership character, work culture, customer relationships, and community involvement. 

Learn more about the Torch Awards here.

BBB Spark Awards are presented to new businesses that have been operating for at least one year, and who have an owner aged 45 or younger. Winners of a Spark Award represent the up-and-coming leaders of our marketplace and show dedication toward making their business and community better every day. 

Learn more about the Spark Awards here. 

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How do I save my application so that I can come back to it later?

The Torch Awards and Spark Awards applications allow you to save as you go.

When you click the “Save” button on the bottom right of the application, there is a dialog box that asks for your email. Once you enter it, the form will email you a link to your application file so that you can come back to it when you're ready.

Visit our BBB Awards page to find the applications and get started!

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Does is it cost anything to apply for BBB Awards?

Nope!

BBB Awards are not contingent on BBB Accreditation, money donated, or any other purchases or sponsorships, therefore no purchase is necessary to enter the competition sor to win an award.

Visit our BBB Awards page to find the applications and get started!

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Can my business apply for the Torch or Spark Awards if it's not BBB Accredited?

Yes!

BBB Accreditation is not required to apply for the Torch or Spark Awards. All eligible businesses are encouraged to participate.

Visit our BBB Awards page to find the applications and get started!

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How are the BBB Awards geographical regions divided?

BBB Midwest Plains' service area has been divided into five regions, and organizations will only compete against other organizations in their own region. To enter the Torch or Spark Awards, your business must be located in one of these five regions. These include:

• Kansas City & Western Missouri
  
• Kansas Plains
• Lincoln & Greater Nebraska
• Omaha & SW Iowa 
  
• South Dakota

Visit our BBB Awards page to find the applications and get started!

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How do I know which category tier my business will be assigned to?

On both the Torch Awards and Spark Awards applications, entrants are asked to indicate how many employees they currently have.  The entrant will be assigned to category based on their employee count.

BBB may re-organize the category tier thresholds dependent upon the pool of applicants.  

Visit our BBB Awards page to find the applications and get started!

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When will the Torch and Spark Awards winners be announced?

All recipients will be announced in June 2026 and celebrated at an in-person awards luncheon in September 2026.

Recipients will also be notified via email to the contact indicated in the online application form. Finalists and recipients are encouraged to regularly check the competition website for important announcements.

Visit our BBB Awards page to find the applications and get started!

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What perks come with winning a BBB Award?

BBB will provide Torch Awards and Spark Awards winners with these materials:

• Torch or Spark Awards recipient media kit
• Torch or Spark Awards recipient trophy
• Torch or Spark Awards recipient certificate
• Social media photo feature
• Press release template
• In addition, the competition offers the recipient the use of the Torch or Spark Awards winner logo for their own marketing materials. Mandatory advertising guidelines for the Torch Awards can be found here. Mandatory advertising guidelines for the Spark Awards can be found here. By submitting the application, the entrant agrees to abide by those guidelines.
  

Visit our BBB Awards page to find the applications and get started!

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How many businesses can receive the award each year? 

There is no limit on how many businesses in each category can receive the Torch Award for Ethics each year. By using a benchmark scoring system, recipients are chosen based on whether the company meets certain criteria based on the four C’s. There is no rigid ranking system that only allows for a certain number of businesses to receive the award per category.

By using this benchmark scoring system, BBB is able to recognize ethical businesses across all industries. BBB recognizes that each business industry faces its own unique challenges when it comes to ethics.

If you have specific questions, feel free to contact us at communications@bbbinc.org.

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How many scholarships are awarded through BBB's SOI scholarship program? 

The BBB Student of Integrity Scholarship program awards a total of $40,000 in scholarships each year, offering 20 scholarships to students across its service areas. Four scholarships are awarded in each of the following five regions: Omaha & Southwest Iowa, Lincoln & Greater Nebraska, Kansas Plains, Kansas City & Western Missouri, and South Dakota.

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Do I need to be nominated to apply for a scholarship?  

You do not need to be nominated to apply for the BBB Student of Integrity Scholarship. While nominations are accepted, they are not required.

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What is required to be eligible for a BBB SOI scholarship? 

• Qualifies as a high school senior

• Plans to continue education after high school graduation

• Special consideration will be given to students who demonstrate financial need and who plan to attend an institution within the BBB service area

• Resides in BBB’s service area - Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and South Dakota.
• Eligible counties in Iowa include: Adair, Audubon, Cass, Crawford, Fremont, Greene, Harrison, Mills, Monona, Montgomery, Page, Pottawattamie, Shelby, Taylor.
• Eligible counties in Missouri include: Adair, Andrew, Atchison, Bates, Benton, Buchanan, Caldwell, Camden, Carroll, Cass, Chariton, Clay, Clinton, Cooper, Daviess, DeKalb, Gentry, Grundy, Harrison, Henry, Holt, Howard, Jackson, Johnson, Knox, Lafayette, Linn, Livingston, Macon, Mercer, Morgan, Nodaway, Pettis, Platte, Putnam, Randolph, Ray, Saint Clair, Saline, Schuyler, Scotland, Sullivan, Vernon, Worth.
• All counties in Kansas, Nebraska and South Dakota are eligible.     

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How are the applications evaluated? 

• Essay Content

• Community Service

• Leadership

• Academic

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What counties are eligible for the BBB SOI scholarship program? 

• Iowa: Adair, Audubon, Cass, Crawford, Fremont, Greene, Harrison, Mills, Monona, Montgomery, Page, Pottawattamie, Shelby, Taylor.

• Kansas: All counties
• Missouri: Adair, Andrew, Atchison, Bates, Benton, Buchanan, Caldwell, Camden, Carroll, Cass, Chariton, Clay, Clinton, Cooper, Daviess, DeKalb, Gentry, Grundy, Harrison, Henry, Holt, Howard, Jackson, Johnson, Knox, Lafayette, Linn, Livingston, Macon, Mercer, Morgan, Nodaway, Pettis, Platte, Putnam, Randolph, Ray, Saint Clair, Saline, Schuyler, Scotland, Sullivan, Vernon, Worth.
• Nebraska: All counties
• South Dakota: All counties

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What is the BBB Community Champion Award?  

• The BBB Community Champion Award was started in 2024 and recognizes community members who have gone above and beyond to advance BBB’s core mission—building trust in the marketplace.

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How can I apply for the BBB Community Champion Award? 

• There is no formal application for this award. Instead, nominations are accepted, and an independent panel of judges determines if a nominee is deserving of the recognition.

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