AWARD NOMINATION CATEGORIES AND CRITERIA
BEYOND BORDERS BUSINESS AWARD
The Beyond Borders Business Award recognizes an SME up to 500 employees that has implemented a successful export strategy.
Criteria:
- Prominent business presence in Ontario and strong financial position.
- Small (1-50 employees) or Medium (50-500 employees) sized business.
- Demonstrated innovation through product/service development and commercialization, leading to an expansion in global markets.
- Product and/or service must be manufactured and/or delivered from Ontario.
- Growth in export sales of at least 50 per cent over the past three years.
- Annual sales of over $5 million (if 50+ employees) or over $2 million (if 1-50 employees).
- Proven ability to create new jobs.
- Nominees to provide a business plan/market entry plan, if available.
YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR AWARD
The Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award recognizes an Ontario entrepreneur who has successfully built a unique and game-changing venture.
Criteria:
- Must be under 35 years of age as of July 1, 2025.
- Launched a unique venture with demonstrable high-impact business potential.
- Commercial product and/or service on the market for a minimum of one fiscal year.
- Proven ability to establish strategic partnerships to commercialize a product or service.
- Two letters of reference in support of the nominee.
ACCESSIBLE EMPLOYMENT AWARD
The Accessible Employment Award recognizes a business that has created an accessible work environment. This organization values the contributions of persons with disabilities and promotes the development of an inclusive workplace culture for all.
Criteria:
- Company must be rooted in Ontario and have a strong financial position.
- Compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
- Demonstrates industry or community leadership in accessible hiring, training and employment, with specific examples of how it promotes an inclusive workplace culture, including:
- Make hiring accessible by notifying applicants of the availability to accommodate individuals with disabilities
- Tell staff about policies for supporting employees with disabilities
- Make information accessible to employees
- Help employees with disabilities stay safe in the workplace
- Develop accommodation plans for employees with disabilities
- Help employees with disabilities return to work
- Make performance management, career development and job changes accessible to employees
- Include two letters of reference from members of the community.
SME INNOVATION AWARD
The SME Innovation Award is given to a business with up to 250 employees that exemplifies forward-thinking in all aspects of its business – leading to productivity, business growth and positive impact on its employees, customers and community.
Criteria:
- Prominent business presence in Ontario and strong financial position.
- Demonstrated and measurable innovation leading to productivity improvements, product/service excellence and business growth (sales, jobs, etc.).
- Demonstrated ability to build a culture of innovation that inspires its employees, customers and community.
EXCELLENCE IN INNOVATION AWARD
The Excellence in Innovation Award is awarded to a business that exemplifies forward-thinking in all aspects of its business – leading to productivity, business growth and positive impact on its employees, customers and community.
Criteria:
- Prominent business presence in Ontario and strong financial position.
- Demonstrated and measurable innovation leading to productivity improvements, product/service excellence and business growth (sales, jobs, etc.).
- Demonstrated ability to build a culture of innovation that inspires its employees, customers and community.
SUSTAINABILITY AWARD
The Sustainability Award is presented to the business that shows a sustainable and long-term commitment to improving the quality of life in its community and is recognized as being a leader and/or has implemented an industry-leading environmental or corporate sustainability initiative.
Criteria:
- Prominent presence in business in Ontario and strong financial position.
- Project or initiative is embedded within everyday business processes and planning with a positive impact on the community.
- Sustainability initiative that contributes positively to stakeholder engagement.
- Include two letters of reference from members of the community.
- Please provide 2-3 examples demonstrating community influence and impact.