Eligibility & Criteria for SETX Torch Awards
Learn what the judges are looking for and to address in your submission. Receive application assistance by BBB staff.
Awards are given in the following categories:
Large Business: 51+ employees
Medium Business: 11-50 employees
Small Business: 3-10 employees
Micro Small Business: 1-2 employees
Additional Categories (must be 51% or more in ownership)
Minority Owned Business
Veteran Owned Business
Eligibility:
The BBB Torch Awards for Ethics is open to businesses of all sizes and is free to apply.
- BBB Accreditation is not required
- Applicants must have a “B” rating with BBB
- Organizations must have been in business for three years
- All financial obligations must be met
- Applicants are not eligible if they have received the BBB Torch Awards for Ethics in the past three years
- Government agencies are not eligible to submit an application.
All businesses will be judged by 4 criteria:
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.
Judging process:
Entries are evaluated by an independent, voluntary panel of judges comprised of business and community leaders. Your submission, including 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.
For additional assistance contact Darren Erwin at 409-527-3718 or darrenerwin@bbbsetexs.org