BBB Serving Southern Arizona Ethics and Spark Awards

Our Torch Awards honor businesses, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs committed to the highest standards of ethics and trust when dealing with customers, employees and the community. Recipients of BBB’s Torch Awards embody BBB's mission of advancing marketplace trust.

Every year, the public nominates companies and entrepreneurs that demonstrate ethical practices, promote a culture of ethics within their organization, are committed to the growth of all staff members, and engage and improve our Southern Arizona community. BBB Accreditation is not required for this application.

From nominations, finalists are selected in the following categories:

BUSINESSES ETHICS

  • Category I: 1 to 10 Employees

  • Category II: 11 to 29 Employees

  • Category III: 30+ Employees

NONPROFIT ETHICS

  • Category I:Below $1.5 million in revenue
  • Category II: Above $1.5 million in revenue

SPARK AWARD - ENTREPRENEUR

The Spark Award recognizes millennial business owners and co-owners who demonstrate a high level of character, generating a culture that is authentic about its mission, and is engaged with the Southern Arizona community.

 

ELIGIBILITY

The Torch Awards is open to for-profit, 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations of all sizes within the Pima, Cochise, Santa Cruz, Graham or Greenlee counties.

  • Accreditation is not required;
  • For-profit applicants must have a minimum of a "B" rating with BBB.
  • 501(c)(3) non-profit applicants must complete the Charitable Standards Evaluation and meet all BBB Standards for Charity Accountability.
  • Spark Award - Business owner or co-owner of a for-profit business must have been born between 1981 and 1996 to qualify as a millennial.

Ineligible if:

  • The company or organization has not been in business a minimum of three years
  • Has earned less than a B rating from the BBB
  • Financial discrepancies
  • Has been a Torch Award recipient within the past three years
  • A government agency

APPLICATION PROCESS

The BBB Torch Awards 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. Nominated businesses and nonprofits that meet minimum criteria are invited to complete an online application. 

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. 

NOMINATE A BUSINESS

Do you know an outstanding local organization or business?
Nominate them for a Torch Award today!