Welcome to the 2024, Bradford Board Of Trade (BBT) Business Excellence Awards – Rules & Regulations. Where we recognize excellence within the Bradford West Gwillimbury (BWG) business community. As BWG grows, our business community is becoming very diverse, innovative and are showing themselves as leaders in their respective industries. The BBT is proud to support their dedication and to shine a spotlight on their extraordinary efforts.

Nominations will be open from May 1st, 2024 to August 1st, 2024 at  11:59pm. Click Here To Nominate Now

Requirements

• All businesses nominated must be located within the physical limits of Bradford West Gwillimbury (see map) or be a member in good standing with the Bradford Board of Trade
• Businesses may be nominated for and accept the nominations for multiple awards, however may only win one per award year
• Nominations may not be made by owners
• Nominations open on Wednesday, May 1st, 2024
• Nominations close Thursday August, 1st, 2024 at 11:59pm
• Nomination descriptions of why they are being nominated, may be shared with businesses, judges and/or for promotional purposes. Nominator names will not be shared
• Winners from the previous year may not win in the same category the following year
• “New Business Award” may only be won once
• All businesses must meet the award criteria, rules and regulations & are subject to review by the BBT; All decisions are final
• Acceptances may be shared with our affiliates for ongoing, next level, and/or regional awards with community partners
• Businesses must accept their nominations within the prescribed timelines in order to compete or be considered for an award

Award Criteria

The BBT reserves the right to adjust the quantity of awards granted for any particular category. The number of awards granted will reflect the number of nominations accepted for the category.

All achievements, goals, purchases, expansions and actions described below must have occurred within the Award Year (September 2023 – September 2024)

Agricultural Award

• A Company that has made a substantial contribution to the field of agricultural development
• Innovation and creativity in business (production and/or processing, and/or sales and marketing)
• Proven business sustainability and/or growth
• Outstanding accomplishments in agriculture, aquaculture, and/or value-added food processing
• Shows active involvement in the farming community
• Dedication to environmental agricultural practices

Business Excellence Award

• Dedication to customer service
• Quality of product or service
• Innovation and creativity in business
• Consistent pre-sales and after sales customer service
• Proven business growth
• Outstanding business accomplishments
• Active involvement in the community and/or business associations
• Expertise in their industry
• Demonstrated new innovation

Community Impact Award

• A business with a strong record of exceptional generosity through direct financial support or through significant volunteer time
• Has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to philanthropy
• Has encouraged and motivated others in the business community to take leadership roles in philanthropy and community involvement
• Active interest in the civic, cultural, social and moral welfare of the community
• Defined goal, plan and execution

Employer Of The Year

• A business with a minimum of 3 full time employees
• Business must have been profitable in the last year
• Must have a strong and sustainable structure for employee compensation, via benefits, wages and benefit practices
• Demonstrates strategic employee recruitment and retention activities
• Commitment to workforce development; employee training and education/professional development opportunities
• Displays commitment to providing programs for a happy and healthy workplace as part of its company goals and overall strategy
• A commitment to an inclusive workplace, with a strategy to recruit, hire and encourage a diverse workforce

Entrepreneur Of The Year

• Individually owned and operated
• Successful in expanding their business
• True trendsetter in recognizing a new market, product, service, technological advancement or opportunity and led the way
• Business is profitable, has a comprehensive business plan and is ready for next-stage growth
• Shows true innovation and a willingness to take risks

Home Based Business Of The Year

• Individually owned and operated business out of their home in BWG or as a member in good standing with the Bradford Board Of Trade
• Active involvement in the community and/or business associations
• Business is profitable, has a comprehensive business plan
• Shown innovation and creativity in business
• Potential for sustainability of future business growth
• Overcoming challenges
• Dedication to customer service

People’s Choice Award

• Vote online for your favourite business
• Principles and practices of excellence in customer service
• Going above and beyond expected service; friendly & helpful
• Value for money
• Product knowledge
• After-sales service

New Business Award

• Operating between 0-3 years as of September 1st, 2024
• Newly established
• Showed growth and success
• Nominees for this award should be exceptional leaders whose businesses and business practices affect our community
• Shown innovation and creativity in business
• Potential for sustainability of future business growth
• Overcoming challenges
• Active involvement in the community and/or business associations
• Has not previously won this award

Woman Of Influence

• Must be involved in a business for a minimum of the last 3 years as of September 1st, 2024
• Business must have been profitable in the last year
• She must hold a senior executive role or be the chief decision maker
• She must be the founder of the business, or have made a significant impact if the business was acquired
• She has brought positive change in the form of equality, inclusion and/or women’s security through their business practices
• Has taken on a role of mentor for other women in business through grassroots initiatives or via other organizations

Youth Entrepreneur Of The Year

• An individual 29 years of age or younger by the deadline date of September 1st, 2024
• An entrepreneur in business for at least 1 year as of September 1st, 2024
• Has demonstrated significant business achievement
• Has defined goals and a business plan
• Has overcome challenges and demonstrated good corporate citizenship
• Shows true innovation and a willingness to take risks

New Awards!

Culinary Delight Award

• This award recognizes dining restaurants, quick service restaurants and caterers  that deliver exceptional dining experiences through quality food, service, atmosphere and innovation.
• Positive reviews and customer satisfaction ratings.
• Contribution to the local culinary scene and community.

Health & Wellness Award

• Outstanding contributions to promoting health and wellness in the community. 
• Innovation in health-related services, programs, or initiatives.
• Positive impact on the physical, mental, or emotional well-being of individuals or groups.

Philanthropy Award

• Significant contributions to addressing social issues or supporting vulnerable populations.
• Positive reputation and recognition within the community for charitable work and resources.
• Recognition of a non-for-profit or charitable organizations that advocate and volunteer for positive change. Demonstrates outstanding commitment through financial support, or through encouragement and motivation of others, to take leadership roles towards philanthropy and community involvement.

Real Estate Agent of the Year

• Exceptional performance and results in real estate transactions.
• Client satisfaction and positive testimonials. 
• Knowledge, professionalism, and integrity in the real estate industry.
• Recognizing outstanding professionalism, expertise, and client satisfaction in the real estate industry. This award highlights agents who excel in sales performance, customer service, and market knowledge

Sports & Recreation Award

• Promotion of sports and recreation opportunities in the community.
• Successful organization of events or programs that encourage physical activity and healthy lifestyles.
• Positive impact on community engagement and well-being through sports and recreation.
• Celebrating excellence in sportsmanship, athletic achievement, and recreational programs. This award recognizes organizations that promote physical activity, teamwork, and positive competition.

Student Achievement In Business – Bradford District High School

• This Award is chosen by the students school Principal and Business department
• Business courses completed in Grade 11: Any Business courses such as – Accounting, Intro to Business, Marketing, or Entrepreneurship.
• Creativity: The student should have demonstrated innovative thinking and creative problem-solving skills.
• Leadership Skills: The student should have exhibited strong leadership abilities within the school community or in extracurricular activities.
• Motivation: The student should have shown dedication, enthusiasm, and a strong work ethic in their pursuit of academic and personal goals.
• Academics: The student should have maintained a consistently high academic performance in your Business Program throughout the 2023/2024 school year.  (This Award is not solely based on academics)

Student Achievement In Business – Holy Trinity Catholic High School

• This Award is chosen by the students school Principal and Business department
• Business courses completed in Grade 11: Any Business courses such as – Accounting, Intro to Business, Marketing, or Entrepreneurship.
• Creativity: The student should have demonstrated innovative thinking and creative problem-solving skills.
• Leadership Skills: The student should have exhibited strong leadership abilities within the school community or in extracurricular activities.
• Motivation: The student should have shown dedication, enthusiasm, and a strong work ethic in their pursuit of academic and personal goals.
• Academics: The student should have maintained a consistently high academic performance in your Business Program throughout the 2023/2024 school year.  (This Award is not solely based on academics)

Nominations close: Thursday, August 1st 2024 at 11:59pm.

Nominations & Acceptances

All businesses are provided the opportunity to accept their vetted nominations. Acceptances will be emailed to business owners, to the addresses that were supplied to the Bradford Board of Trade via the nomination forms.

Businesses must accept their nomination(s) via the BBT Acceptance Form in order to vie for / be considered for an award(s). The Bradford Board Of Trade holds no responsibility for incorrect emails or locations submitted via the nomination form.

Acceptance notices will be sent out August 2nd, 2024 and will close September 2nd, 2024 11:59pm sharp. We highly suggest that businesses ensure that their email accounts are monitored during this time.

Businesses may be nominated under multiple award categories and may accept multiple categories. Businesses may only win one award per year.

The BBT cannot change or edit nominations or acceptances once they have been submitted. If a business is nominated for a category to which they do not apply, the nomination will be rejected.

Once nominations close on Thursday, August 1st, 2024 at 11:59pm sharp, all nominations are submitted to vetting as-is. There will be no exceptions.

Once nomination acceptances close on Monday, September 2nd, 2024 at 11:59pm sharp, all acceptances are submitted to vetting as-is. There will be no exceptions for late acceptances.

Judging

Judges are a panel of influential individuals from across Bradford West Gwillimbury and other Chambers. Judges names will not be disclosed to ensure none are approached in an effort to influence their choices. Judging is confidential and online. Judges are not aware of assignments of others on the judging panel.

In the event of a tie, it will be discussed privately among the judges. Should a business win under multiple categories, the BBT Award Administration will present the recommendation to the judging panel for approval. The judges decision is final.

People’s Choice Award

The People’s Choice Award is unique as it is by popular vote. Votes are open to members of the public. The method of this vote is via our online form.

In the event of suspicious voting (suspected scripts, invalid emails, unverified emails, etc.), those votes will be cancelled by the BBT and will not be accepted in the final tally. The BBT’s decision is final.

The vote will open on September 3rd, 2024 and close on October 3rd, 2023 at 11:59pm sharp.

Awards Gala

Our Annual Awards Gala will be held on Friday, November 8th, 2024 at which time all awards will be presented. 

Timelines