Torch & Spark Awards Frequently Asked Questions | BBB Great West + Pacific

What are the Torch Awards? 

The BBB Torch Awards for Ethics is an annual celebration to honor exceptional businesses in our community. The Torch Awards recognizes local business' 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 located in the following states: Alaska, Central Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Western Wyoming. Eligible counties in Central Colorado include Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Clear Creek, Denver, Douglas, Elbert, Gilpin, Jefferson, Washington, and Yuma counties. Only businesses located in Lincoln and Teton counties are eligible for Western Wyoming. 
• Entry is open to businesses and 501(c)(6) organizations that apply during the eligibility period from Wednesday, May 1, 2024, to Sunday, July 21, 2024. 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. Nonprofit entities recognized as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code will be eligible to apply under the business application. 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 “B” rating or higher with BBB (BBB Accreditation is not required).
• Applicants must have been in business for three years or more as of the application deadline (7/21/24).
• Businesses are not eligible if they have received a Torch Award in the past three years (2021, 2022, or 2023).
• Businesses are not eligible if they have any current government actions or are the subject of a BBB investigation.
• Businesses are not eligible if they are a 2024 Torch Awards sponsor.

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

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How do I enter my organization for the Torch Awards?

All businesses 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 Wednesday, May 1 through Sunday, July 21, 2024.

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.
• Essay 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 concise narrative that explain 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 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 full selection process is completed as follows:

• BBB GW+P will do a preliminary evaluation of all submissions received and determine the finalists for each category in each region.
• Torch Awards finalists will be notified via email in September 2024 to the contact indicated in the online application form and subsequently announced on various BBB platforms, including the competition website.
• The judges are comprised of business and community leaders whose organizations have previously won a Torch or Spark Award.
• The judges will evaluate all finalist submissions received and their composite scores will determine one recipient per region, per category (unless there is a tie in scoring, in which case more than one recipient may be named per category).
• A virtual event announcing all recipients will be held in October 2024. All recipients will be announced on various BBB platforms and the competition website in October 2024. Recipients will also be notified via email to the contact indicated in the online application form.

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

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What are the advertising guidelines for Torch Awards finalists?

BBB asks that all finalists consider the following advertising guidelines when promoting their status.

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

1. Finalist is permitted to use the approved Torch Awards for Ethics Finalist logo provided the graphic standards indicated below (in section 10) are followed.
2. Finalist is permitted to promote the achievement in text as follows: Better Business Bureau Great West + Pacific Torch Awards for Ethics – [Year Received] Finalist.
3. Finalist is permitted to promote the achievement on their company website, in social media, email, and digital newsletters.
4. Finalist is permitted to promote the award within BBB’s service area using these methods: newspapers, periodicals, directories, direct mail, billboards, company vehicles, annual reports, posters, fliers, interviews, and television and radio spots.
5. Finalist is permitted to reproduce a copy of any statutory award, which must include the year of receipt.
6. Finalist is permitted to issue announcements and press releases about receipt of the award within the year of its receipt.
7. Finalist is permitted to make a brief factual statement about the award and the required business qualifications.
8. Finalist 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 Finalist 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 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 Great West + Pacific 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 Great West + Pacific’s 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 for Entrepreneurship recognizes outstanding businesses three years old or younger, as well as companies with an owner age 35 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 located in the following states: Alaska, Central Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Western Wyoming. Eligible counties in Central Colorado include Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Clear Creek, Denver, Douglas, Elbert, Gilpin, Jefferson, Washington, and Yuma counties. Only businesses located in Lincoln and Teton counties are eligible for Western Wyoming. 
• Entry is open to businesses that apply during the eligibility period from Tuesday, April 2, 2024, to Sunday, June 23, 2024. 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 three years or less at the time of the application deadline (6/23/2024) OR have a business owner that's age 35 or younger at the time of the application deadline (6/23/2024). 
• 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 three years (2021, 2022, or 2023).
• Businesses are not eligible if they have any current government actions or are the subject of a BBB investigation.
• Businesses are not eligible if they are a 2024 Spark Awards sponsor.

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 Tuesday, April 2 through Sunday, June 23, 2024.

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.
• Essay 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 explain 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!

Click here to return to the top

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 full selection process is completed as follows:

• BBB GW+P will do a preliminary evaluation of all submissions received and determine the finalists for each category in each region.
• Spark Awards finalists will be notified via email in August 2024 to the contact indicated in the online application form and subsequently announced on various BBB platforms, including the competition website.
• The judges are comprised of business and community leaders whose organizations have previously won a Spark or Torch Award.
• The judges will evaluate all finalist submissions received and their composite scores will determine one recipient per region, per category (unless there is a tie in scoring, in which case more than one recipient may be named per category).
• A virtual event announcing all recipients will be held in October 2024. All recipients will be announced on various BBB platforms and the competition website in October 2024. Recipients will also be notified via email to the contact indicated in the online application form.

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

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What are the advertising guidelines for Spark Awards finalists?

BBB asks that all finalists consider the following advertising guidelines when promoting their status.

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

1. Finalist is permitted to use the approved Spark Awards for Ethics Finalist logo provided the graphic standards indicated below (in section 10) are followed.
2. Finalist is permitted to promote the achievement in text as follows: Better Business Bureau Great West + Pacific Spark Awards – [Year Received] Finalist.
3. Finalist is permitted to promote the achievement on their company website, in social media, email, and digital newsletters.
4. Finalist is permitted to promote the award within BBB’s service area using these methods: newspapers, periodicals, directories, direct mail, billboards, company vehicles, annual reports, posters, fliers, interviews, and television and radio spots.
5. Finalist is permitted to reproduce a copy of any statutory award, which must include the year of receipt.
6. Finalist is permitted to issue announcements and press releases about receipt of the award within the year of its receipt.
7. Finalist is permitted to make a brief factual statement about the award and the required business qualifications.
8. Finalist 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 Finalist 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!

Click here to return to the top

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 Great West + Pacific 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 Great West + Pacific’s 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 that have been operating for three years 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 three years or less, or that have an owner aged 35 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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What are the 2023 BBB Awards terms and conditions?

The 2023 Torch Awards terms and conditions can be found here.

The 2023 Spark Awards terms and conditions can be found here.

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

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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 the Torch or Spark Awards?

Nope!

The BBB Torch and Spark Awards are not contingent on BBB Accreditation, money donated, or any other purchases or sponsorships, therefore no purchase is necessary to enter the competition or 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 Great West + Pacific's service area has been divided into seven 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 seven regions. These include:

• Alaska
• Central Colorado - qualifying counties include Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Clear Creek, Denver, Douglas, Elbert, Gilpin, Jefferson, Washington, and Yuma.
• Hawaii
• Idaho + Western Wyoming - qualifying counties in Western Wyoming include Lincoln and Teton.
• Montana
• Oregon
• Washington

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 the Small, Medium, or Large business tier 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 at a virtual event in October 2024.

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
• Feature on competition website
• 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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