Apply for Southeast Texas BBB Torch Award

Torch Awards for Ethics are awarded in the following categories:

Mega Business: For profit companies with 250 or more employees

Large Business: For profit companies with 100 to 249 employees

Medium Business: For profit companies with 25 to 99 employees

Small Business: For profit companies that have 5 to 24 employees

Micro Small Business: For profit companies that have 1 to 4 employees

Veteran Owned Business: For profit companies must be 51% or more veteran owned

Minority Owned Business: For profit companies must be 51% or more minority owned

The BBB Torch Awards for Ethics honors organizations whose leaders demonstrate a high level of personal character; ensure that the organization’s practices meet the highest standards of ethics; and consequently generate trust with its customers and the community. The Torch Award embodies BBB’s mission of advancing business trust.

Eligibility & Criteria

The Torch Awards is open to businesses of all sizes located within BBB’s 8 and 1/2 county service area. 

  • BBB Accreditation is not required;
  • Businesses must have a “B” rating with BBB;
  • Organizations must have been in business for three years;
  • All financial obligations must be met;
  • Applicants are not eligible if they have received a Torch Award for Ethics in the past three years;
  • Government agencies are not eligible to submit an application.
The Judging Process

Entries are evaluated by an independent, voluntary panel of judges comprised of business and community leaders. Your written submission, including examples, stories and documents, should provide a robust and accurate depiction of your organizations focus on character, culture, customers and community. Supporting documents and attachments can range from handbooks, internal documentation, or photos from events.

In order to be considered for a 2025 Torch Award, applications must be submitted by April 11, 2025.