Business Excellence Awards Criteria and Nomination Form

26th Annual Business Excellence Awards – Nominations Now Open!
The Exploits Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Presenting Sponsor Doane Grant Thornton, are proud to announce that nominations are now open for the 26th Annual Business Excellence Awards, happening November 5, 2026 at the Royal Canadian Legion.

Business Excellence Awards Winners & Hall of Fame Inductees (1999-2017)

2026 Award Categories

The Small Business of the Year Award
A business with ten employees or less, home-based or otherwise, that has been in operation for at least three years, that has developed innovative products or services, shown entrepreneurial qualities, and exhibited potential for growth and expansion while promoting itself in a professional manner.
Click Here to Nominate
The “Helping Hands” Award
A business or organization that has exhibited outstanding support for the community through its donation of time, staff, financial support, in-kind resources or other services. Through its contributions the business/organization has raised its own profile and the profile of another community group.
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The “Ambassador” Award
A business or organization that has contributed significantly to increasing the profile of the Town/Region throughout the province or country. This may have been done through its network of affiliates or chain stores, by expanding its business beyond the region, by winning an award, or by drawing attention to Grand Falls-Windsor/Exploits Valley in some other appropriate way.
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The Customer Service Award
A business or organization that has provided a consistently high level of customer service throughout the year and promotes the objectives of customer service. Formal recognition of customer service objectives through training or other awards will be considered.
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Businessperson of the Year
This award recognizes the businessperson who has made the most significant achievement or accomplishment in the local business community during the past three years.
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The Personal Excellence Award
This award recognizes individuals demonstrating excellence in their fields of endeavor. It is open to workers in all occupations, including business and professional people. It focuses on those who exhibit exceptional standards of service and ethics, and who prove themselves to be credits to their chosen occupations. The thoroughness of the application is vital to the selection process.
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The Business of the Year Award
This business will be judged as having the best overall combination of corporate citizenship, potential for growth, stability, and dedication to the community. This business must have been in operation for the past five years and have eleven or more employees. Consider this question – what business would I choose to represent our community?
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The Business Growth Award
This award recognizes a business that has achieved growth. There are many ways in which a business can experience growth, including: the launch of a new product or service; investment in training, research, facilities or equipment; operational changes that improve efficiency; expansion to a new market; or a merger with another business. This award is open to businesses of all sizes.
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Indigenous Award
The award is open to any Indigenous person who: (a) has operated a business for the past three years in the Exploits region or has promoted economic growth within the Exploits region over the past three years, and (b) has demonstrated a connection to and interest in her/his Indigenous community and culture.
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Youth Entrepreneur Award
This award recognizes and encourages youth entrepreneurship who have demonstrated strong business acumen and achievements in various categories like financial management, community impact, and customer service. The nominee must be aged 35 years or younger as of September 31st of this year and has owned and operated a profitable business for at least two years. This entrepreneur is making a significant impact through their business ventures, advocacy, or community involvement.
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The Accessibility & Inclusion Leadership Award
This award recognizes businesses that demonstrate outstanding commitment to accessibility and inclusion in their operations and customer service. It is open to businesses of all sizes and sectors that go above and beyond to ensure their services, spaces, and practices are welcoming and accessible to all patrons. It focuses on those who actively remove barriers, engage inclusively with diverse communities, and exemplify best practices in creating equitable environments. The thoroughness of the application is vital to the selection process.
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Hall of Fame Inductee
(SELECTED BY A SEPARATE JUDGING COMMITTEE) A business in the Exploits region that has been in business for 25 years or more.

2026 Business Excellence Awards Sponsors

Presenting Sponsor

Reception Sponsor

Small Business of the Year

“Helping Hands” Award

The “Ambassador” Award

Customer Service Award

The Personal Excellence Award

Business of the Year Award

The Business Growth Award

Indigenous Award

Youth Entrepreneur Award

Accessibility & Inclusion
Leadership Award

Businesperson of the Year