General Information

What are the Business Excellence Awards
Hosted by the Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce and Doane Grant Thornton LLP the Business Excellence Awards celebrate local businesses, nonprofits, and individuals who demonstrate innovation, leadership, customer service, and community impact across the South Okanagan.

Who can be nominated
Any eligible business, nonprofit, or individual operating in the South Okanagan (Penticton, Summerland, Naramata, Kaleden, Okanagan Falls, Oliver or Osoyoos) may be nominated. Chamber membership is not required.

Nominations & Eligibility

Who can submit a nomination
Anyone can nominate a business, nonprofit, or individual that demonstrates excellence. Businesses may also self-nominate in most categories (except Young Business Leader of the Year and Business Leader of the Year).

How many nominations are needed
Only one nomination is required to be considered. The number of nominations received does not influence the judging process.

Is there a cost to nominate or be nominated
No. There is no fee to submit or receive a nomination.

Are past winners eligible
Nominees are not eligible in a category they have won in the past three years (2023, 2024, or 2025).

Can a nominee submit in multiple categories
No. Nominees may only submit an application for one award category. If nominated for multiple categories, they must choose the one they wish to move forward with.

Are there membership or licensing requirements
Yes:

  • For-profit businesses must hold a valid business license, if applicable.
  • Non-profit and charitable organizations must be registered as a society or charity.

Award Categories & Criteria

What are the eligibility requirements.

  • For-Profit Businesses: Must have been in operation for at least 2 years (24 months) as of September 1, 2026.
  • Not-for-Profits: Must be a registered society or charity and in operation for at least 2 years (36 months) as of September 1, 2026.
  • New Business of the Year: For for-profits operating for a minimum of 1 year and less than 3 years as of September 1, 2026.
  • Young Business Leader of the Year: Age 19–39 as of Sept 1, 2026; in leadership for 2 years (not necessarily at the same organization); self-nominations not accepted.
  • Business Leader of the Year: Age 40+ as of Sept 1, 2026; in leadership for 4 years; self-nominations not accepted.
  • Business of the Year: Must have been operating for at least 5 years (60 months); for-profit only.

Are there categories not open to non-for-profit organizations. 
Yes. Nonprofits are not eligible for: Hospitality Excellence, Community Builder Excellence, Service Excellence, New Business of the Year and Business of the Year

Application Process

How will I know if I've been nominated
Eligible nominees will receive an email from notify@awardify.io. Check your inbox, junk, or spam folder.

How do I complete my award application?

  • Sign in to Awardify using the same email that received the nomination.
  • Do not use an alternate email address — YOUR nomination is linked to a specific email.
  • If your email needs to be updated, contact the Chamber as soon as possible to have updated. 

When is the application due
Applications must be completed and submitted by Monday, August 31, 2026 

What tips should I follow when completing my application?

  • Draft your answers in a separate document before submitting online.
  • Be specific and address the award criteria directly.
  • Provide real examples, data, or success stories.
  • Include letters of support and high-quality business photos.
  • Save your progress as you go and submit before the deadline.
  • Need help? Contact the Chamber for technical or accessibility support.

Judging Process

How are nominees evaluated

  • Judging is merit-based and confidential, using the Awardify platform.
  • All judging is conducted by an independent panel of local business and nonprofit leaders.
  • Judges score applications based on:
    • Award-specific criteria
    • Content submitted
    • Publicly available information (website, reviews, social media)

Do judges volunteer their time
Yes. Each judge contributes an estimated 20 to 30 volunteer hours over the course of the evaluation process.

Is judging anonymous
Yes. Judge identities remain confidential until after Phase One judging. Judges are recognized at the Nominee Reception.

Is there any public voting
No. There is no public vote component in the Business Excellence Awards.

Conflict of Interest & Integrity

How is fairness ensured

  • Judges, Chamber staff, and board members must declare any potential conflicts of interest.
  • Judges are recused from evaluating submissions where a real or perceived conflict exists.
  • Title Sponsor is not eligible for Business of the Year.
  • Sponsors cannot be nominated in the category they sponsor.
  • Chamber Board businesses are not eligible for Business of the Year.
  • All judges and nominees must agree to the Code of Conduct.

Disqualification

Nominees may be disqualified if:

  • Their application is not submitted by the deadline
  • They no longer operate within the eligible region
  • They misrepresent their achievements or eligibility
  • They are under investigation or involved in legal matters affecting credibility

Awards Gala

Rooted in Excellence.
Every great story begins with a seed of an idea, grows through hard work, and flourishes with the support of a strong community.

Presented by Doane Grant Thornton LLP 
Saturday, October 24, 2026  | Penticton Trade & Convention Centre

?Rooted in Excellence Every success starts with a seed. Through vision, dedication, leadership, and the support of a strong community, those seeds take root, grow, and flourish. This year's Rooted in Excellence Gala celebrates the remarkable journeys behind the businesses, organizations, and leaders who continue to help the South Okanagan grow.

An Enchanted Evening in the Garden Gala 

Early Bird: August 1 - September 30, 2026 
Regular: October 1 - 19, 2026 

Need Help or Have Questions

We're here to support you every step of the way.
Phone: 778-476-3111
Email: info@penticton.org