Nomination & Eligibility

Nomination Region

Businesses, non-profits, and individuals operating within the following communities are eligible for nomination:

The Stage Is Set. Who Will You Nominate - Call for Nominations VIDEO LINK

Anyone can nominate a business, non-profit, or individual that demonstrates excellence in the nomination region.
Only one nomination is required per nominee.
Judging is not based on the number of nominations received.
There is no cost to nominate or be nominated.
Nominees do not need to be Chamber members.
Self-nominations are accepted in all categories except:
- Young Business Leader of the Year
- Business Leader of the Year

Eligibility is based on the nominee's status as of September 1, 2025.

Businesses must hold a valid business license, where applicable.
Non-profit and charitable organizations must be registered as a society or charity.
Nominees may only move forward in one award category.
Nominees who have won in the same category within the past three years (2022, 2023, 2024) are not eligible for that category. View Hall of Fame (Previous Award Winners)
Individual nominees (e.g., Young Business Leader or Business Leader) must be affiliated with an organization that meets the general eligibility requirements.

The Chamber reviews all nominations to verify eligibility.
Eligible nominees will be contacted via email by notify@awardify.io.
Nominees will be invited to complete an online application specific to their award category.
The Chamber may request additional information to support or complete an application.
Incomplete or inaccurate applications may be disqualified without notice.
The Chamber reserves the right to:
- Reassign nominees to a more appropriate category
- Remove a category from judging if fewer than three eligible applications are received
- Extend submission deadlines for specific categories if needed

To maintain fairness and transparency:

All completed applications are reviewed independently by a Selection Committee using the Awardify platform.
Judges score applications based solely on merit and the award criteria.
Chamber board members, staff, judges, and sponsors must disclose any potential conflicts of interest.
Individuals with a conflict must recuse themselves from any related discussions or decisions.
Title Sponsor is not eligible for nomination in Business of the Year.
Award Sponsors may not be nominated in the award category they sponsor.
Chamber Board of Directors' businesses are not eligible for Business of the Year.
All nominees and judges must agree to and follow the Business Excellence Awards Code of Conduct.

Must be in continuous operation for at least 2 years (24 months) as of September 1, 2025.
Not eligible for: Not-for-Profit Excellence Award.

Must be a registered society or charity.
Must be in continuous operation for at least 2 years (24 months) as of September 1, 2025.
Not eligible for:
- Hospitality Excellence
- Community Builder Excellence
- Service Excellence
- New Business of the Year
- Business of the Year

For-profit businesses only.
Must be in operation for a minimum of 1 year (12 months) and less than 3 years (under 36 months) as of September 1, 2025.

Must be aged 19–39 as of September 1, 2025.
Must have held an ownership, management, or leadership role for at least 2 years (not necessarily with the same business).
Affiliated business or non-profit must meet general eligibility.
Self-nominations are not accepted.

Must be aged 40 or older as of September 1, 2025.
Must have held an ownership, management, or leadership role for over 4 years (not necessarily with the same business).
Affiliated business or non-profit must meet general eligibility.
Self-nominations are not accepted.

Must be a for-profit business in continuous operation for at least 5 years (60 months) as of September 1, 2025.