• For profit and 501 (c )(6) applicants must have a minimum of 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 a minimum of 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

Companies entering the Torch Award competition will be judged in one of six categories based on the number of employees:

• Small Business Category (1-10 employees)

• Medium Business Category (11-50 employees)

• Large Business Category(51-174 employees)

• Extra Large Business Category (175+ employees)

• Non-Profit 501c6 Categories

  • Small Category (1-25 employees)

  • Large Category (26+ employees)

Entries are evaluated by an independent, voluntary panel of judges comprised of business and community leaders. Your written submission should include examples, stories and documents, should provide a robust and accurate depiction of your organization’s focus on character, culture, customers and community. Supporting documents and attachments can range from handbooks, internal documentation, or photos from events.

All applications received by BBB are reviewed to ensure that all criteria have been met and that the applicants have provided all materials. Applications received after the deadline or that do not meet all criteria are disqualified. Judges make a final determination as to the recipient in each category and may, if they so determine, award a runner-up/finalist. The decision of the judges is final and may not be altered by BBB.

Criteria 1: Character

As CEO, President, Owner or Executive Director your leadership character sets the tone for your entire organization. As a leader, explain how you behave intentionally and communicate with your leadership team, employees, customers and stakeholders in a way that is consistent with your beliefs.

When addressing this criterion, please describe:

• How you strive to live and lead with high character and intentionally seek feedback in order to make personal improvements.

• How you empower your staff to carry out your organization's commitment to building and maintaining ethical business practices.

• Tools, activities or training that reinforce your staff's commitment to character ethics as part of the organization's normal business practices.

Criteria 2: Culture

Illustrate how your organization works toward a culture of trust through clarity of purpose, empowering employees, and opportunities for growth.

When addressing this criterion, please describe:

• How you unite your team around your organization's vision and mission statement.

• How you empower employees to help shape the expectations and culture of your organization.

• What practices your company uses that demonstrates leadership's commitment to individual employees.

Criteria 3: Customers

Give examples of internal practices your organization uses to build better customer relationships.

When addressing this criterion, please describe:

• How you empower your employees to proactively address issues experienced by customers.

• How you go above and beyond to maintain transparency with your customers.

• An instance where your commitment to honesty was a positive differentiator in a challenging customer interaction.

Criteria 4: Community

Display organizational programs, contribution and activities that return value to and support your community.

When addressing this criterion, please describe:

• Programs or events that your organization has in place to actively engage with the community.

• How employees are encouraged to and recognized for spending time in community service activities that your organization and employees value.

• Contribution of funds or in-kind services to community programs consistent with the organization's values.

• 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

Entries are evaluated by an independent, volunteer panel of judges comprised of business and community leaders.

We will announce finalists and recipients at the Big Blue Bash Celebration. Winners of our local competition may choose to enter the BBB International Torch Awards for Ethics (ITAE) competition, which is only open to winners of local BBB Torch Awards for Ethics programs.

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)

• Qualification to enter the International Torch Award for Ethics

Visit our Torch Awards nomination form and submit their information. Once we receive the nomination, we will contact the company directly and encourage them to submit an application. Deadline to nominate a business is TBD

Please review our Eligibility & Criteria section above to view the application criteria and/or visit our Torch Awards Application form to start the online entry process. The deadline to submit your entry is TBD

No, you do not need to be nominated in order to start your application.

If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact us at IntegrityFoundation@gobbb.org.