2023 BBB Business Ethics Awards

Ethics are a core part of better business behaviors and leadership. BBB serving Middle TN & Southern KY and BBB’s Integrity Foundation recognizes and celebrates those businesses that demonstrate ethical business practices while delivering exemplary service. Nominations and application open February 1, 2023. Nominations are accepted through April 1, 2023 and all applications are due April 15, 2023. Winners will be announced by June 30.

Nominate a business or apply below today!

Questions? Email integrityfoundation@gobbb.org

BBB’s most prestigious award was established in 1998 as a way to celebrate local businesses dedicated to building trust through ethical practices with their staff, the community, their approach to marketing, and within their industry. But it’s more than just recognition for those that deserve it. It is a way to raise the bar of ethics and trust-building in the marketplace. Businesses who demonstrate the Four C’s of Trust can apply for the BBB Torch Award for Ethics.

  • 2022 BBB Torch Awards is open to all for-profit and 501 (c)(6) non-profit organizations of all sizes within BBB Middle Tennessee and Southern KY service area.

    • For profit and 501 (c )(6) applicants must have a ‘B’ rating with BBB

    • Organization must be located within the BBB Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky service area

    • Organization must have been in business for three years

    • Applicants are not eligible if they have received the Torch Awards in the past three years

    • Government agencies are not eligible to submit an application

    • BBB Accreditation is not required

    Want to learn more? Visit our Torch Award for Ethics page.

  • When you go through the Torch Awards application process, you complete a very conscientious review of the true character and ethics of your organization. Winning a BBB Torch Award for Ethics tells others in your community that you're committed to running your business the right way. It's something you can use to distinguish yourself from others and give businesses and consumers another reason to buy from you.

    Being selected as a BBB Torch Award winner is an honor that includes the following recognition:

    • Inclusion in a press release announcing Recipients and Finalists

    • Announcements made via BBB’s social media channels

    • Inclusion in BBB promotional media

    • Lifetime use of the BBB Torch Award Seal (As long as winners maintain a “B” rating with BBB)

    • Torch Award trophy presentation by BBB

    • Website recognition

    • Perpetual placement on Torch Award winners page (As long as winners maintain a “B” rating with BBB)

  • The BBB Torch Award for Ethics honors organizations whose leaders demonstrate a high level of personal character; ensure that the organization’s practices and culture meet the highest standards of ethics, and consequently generate trust with its customers and the community. The Torch Awards embodies BBB’s mission of advancing business trust.

    1. Character

    2. Culture

    3. Customers

    4. Community

    Learn more about BBB’s Four C’s of Trust under our Eligibility & Criteria Section.

The BBB Spark Award honors eligible social entrepreneurs, startup founders and new business owners that are 35 years and under or new businesses operating for less than three years. These individuals are the future of a trusted marketplace, who are creating businesses that will transform and enhance the communities they serve. Through an easy application process, business owners who demonstrate the Three C’s of Trust can apply for the BBB Spark Award.

    • Business owner/co-owner 35 years and younger AND/OR an owner of any age operating for less than 3 years

    There is no limitation on company size.

    Does your business meet our criteria? Apply Today!

  • A variety of benefits come along with being a BBB Spark Award recipient, including:

    • Cash prize! 1st place - $2,000 | 2nd place - $1,000 | 3rd place - $500

    • 1 year of BBB accreditation for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners. (valid for a one-year accreditation valued at $545 or $545 credit towards your accreditation.  All businesses are subject to normal accreditation research standards.)

    • Recognition in a news release shared with BBB media partners

    • Recognition on the BBB Middle Tennessee & Southern Kentucky website and social media channels

    • Utilization of the 2022 BBB Spark Award recipient logo on your digital and print marketing collateral

    • The physical BBB Spark Award trophy to be proudly displayed at your company, symbolizing your commitment to ethics in the workplace!

    1. Character: The character of the leader shapes the business in every decision. A business leader will be tempted to make decisions that are unethical or immoral. A leader of exemplary character stands strong in making good decisions and are role models.

    2. Culture: A culture celebrating the team and aligned with the mission. A business that celebrates each member of its team as being an important contributor to the mission. both the leader and the team co-create the culture.

    3. Community: The community is a key stakeholder for the business. Businesses balancing the profit of goals of the business with the needs of the community give back more than they take. They gift treasure, time, and/or talent to helping their community get ahead.

    Do you meet our 3 C’s of Trust? Apply today!

Meet our 2022 Recipients!

Better businesses contribute positively to the lives of their customers, employees and the communities in which they operate. A highlight for BBB is having the opportunity to celebrate role models within our community - no matter where they are on their journey; a future leader, a startup, or an established business.

2022 BBB Torch Award for Ethics Winners

Small Business Category Winner (1-10 Employees): Hunt Memorials, Inc

Medium Business Category (11-50 Employees): SMNutrition, LLC

Large Business Category (51-174 Employees): Automated Collection Services, LLC

XL Business Category (175+ Employees): Earl Swensson Associates

XL Business Category Finalist: Rackley Roofing Co., Inc.

2022 BBB Spark Award Winners

1st Place: Meal Prep Momma (Hopkinsville, KY)

2nd Place: Voces De Nashville, LLC (Nashville, TN)

3rd Place: Row House (Franklin, TN)