Eligibility & Criteria for BBB Diamond Awards

Diamond Awards for Excellence Categories

Mega Business (250+ employees)

Large (100 – 249 employees)

Medium (25 – 99 employees)

Small (5 – 24 employees)

Micro Small (1 – 4 employees)

Veteran Owned (51% or more ownership)

Minority Owned (51% or more ownership)

Emerging Enterprise formerly Spark Award - (51% of leadership team must be 35 years of age or younger and/or business must have been in operation for less than 3 years)

 

Award Pillars & Evaluation Framework:

 

Pillar 1: Ethical Leadership & Governance

Demonstrates ethical decision-making and accountability. (Flagship Excellence Recognition)

Standard: Ethics are embedded in leadership decisions, governance practices, and organizational culture.

1.Describe how ethical leadership is demonstrated at the highest levels of your organization and how it influences decision-making.

2.What governance structures, policies, or oversight mechanisms ensure accountability, compliance, and ethical conduct?

3.Provide an example of a challenging decision where ethical considerations guided the outcome.

4.How does your organization encourage, protect, and respond to ethical concerns raised by employees or stakeholders?

 

Pillar 2: Trust & Transparency

Standard: Trust is intentionally built and sustained through honest communication, fairness, and accountability.

1.How does your organization foster trust with customers, employees, and stakeholders through transparency and clear communication?

2.Describe how your organization ensures honesty and clarity in pricing, contracts, policies, or customer expectations.

3.Provide an example of how your organization addressed an error, conflict, or complaint in a way that reinforced trust.

4.How does leadership evaluate and protect the organization’s reputation for trustworthiness?

 

Pillar 3: Community & Workforce Impact

Standard: The organization creates meaningful impact through its people, culture, and community engagement.

1.How does your organization invest in the development, engagement, and well-being of its workforce?

2.Describe how your organization contributes to the community through service, partnerships, philanthropy, or civic leadership.

3.How do your workplace culture and values promote respect, inclusion, and accountability?

4.In what ways does your organization measure or evaluate its impact on employees and the community?

 

Pillar 4: Operational Excellence & Innovation

Standard: Excellence is demonstrated through consistent performance, continuous improvement, and adaptability.

1.What systems or processes ensure high standards of quality, efficiency, and customer experience?

2.Describe a meaningful improvement, innovation, or operational change that strengthened performance or service delivery.

3.How does your organization identify opportunities for improvement and respond to changing market or stakeholder needs?

4.What outcomes or results best demonstrate your commitment to operational excellence?

 

Pillar 5: Longevity & Sustainability

Standard: The organization demonstrates long-term vision, resilience, and responsible stewardship.

1.How does your organization plan for long-term success while maintaining ethical and operational standards?

2.Describe how your organization has adapted to change, disruption, or economic challenges.

3.What practices support financial responsibility, organizational resilience, and continuity?

4.How does leadership development, succession planning, or environmental/social responsibility factor into long-term sustainability?

 

Judging & Scoring Overview

Applications are evaluated by an independent, volunteer panel of judges comprised of business and community leaders.

Your submission should include examples, stories and documents providing a robust and accurate depiction of your organization’s demonstration of the Pillars. Supporting documents and attachments can range from handbooks, internal documentation, or photos from events. Excellence goes beyond words and well-intentions. Excellence is the product of intentional implementation of organization values and principles guided by trust and integrity. Judges are expected to ensure alignment between your explanation and demonstration.

Organizations are evaluated using a 10-point scoring system. A minimum overall averaged score of 5.0 is required, with no individual pillar score below 4.

For additional assistance contact Darren Erwin at 409-527-3718 or darrenerwin@bbbsetexas.org