2026 BBB TORCH AWARDS FOR ETHICS

You've Been Nominated. Now Let's Celebrate.

The BBB Torch Awards recognize Central Illinois businesses that do right by their customers, their teams, and their community. If you were nominated, your peers already think you're one of the good ones. Now it's time to tell your story and claim your spot at the biggest business celebration of the year.

APPLICATIONS CLOSE SEPTEMBER 15, 2026

Applications Due · September 15, 2026

Judging · Independent panel review

Awards · October 15, 2026

THE JUDGING PROCESS

What the Judges Want to See

Your application tells the story of how your business does right by four groups of people:

Character

The leaders who set the tone. How do you walk the talk?

Culture

The team you've built. How do you treat your people?

Customers

The people who pay you. How do you earn their trust?

Community

The place you call home. How do you give back?

Real stories beat corporate jargon every time. Tell us about the employee you helped through a hard time. The customer you went above and beyond for. The charity you show up for year after year. Specific examples win — generalities don't.

A Few things

Before You Start

  • Organization overview A short overview of your organization (history, mission, who's in charge)
  • Your written responses to the four pillars Your responses to the four pillars above — real stories, not mission statement language
  • Supporting documentation Any supporting docs that back up your story (employee handbooks, event photos, community involvement records, testimonials)
  • High-resolution logo and photos Your logo and a few photos for event materials if you're named a finalist
  • Confirmation of eligibility Confirmation that you meet the basics (see below)

Get the Application Guide.

The guide walks through every question, what the judges are looking for, and examples of strong supporting documentation. Read it before you start: the strongest applications are the most specific ones.

Average completion time: 15-20 minutes. Try to gather all your information before starting the application.

Can You Apply?

Probably. Here's the checklist:

BBB Accreditation is not required to apply.

Your business has been around 3+ years

Your main location is in BBB Central Illinois' 36-county area

For-profits and 501(c)(6)s: you need a "B" rating with BBB

501(c)(3) nonprofits: you need to complete the Charitable Standards Evaluation

Not Eligible

  • Organizations that have received the Torch Award within the past 3 years

  • Government agencies

  • In business for less than 6 months

READY WHEN YOU ARE

Start My Application.

Tell us a little about your organization and we'll get you into the application.

Organizaton Info

Gather all relevant information before starting the application. The eligibilty requirements and guidelines are available on this page.

Submitter Information

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.

Type/​paste your response here and/​or upload documentation below

Illustrate how your organiztion 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.

Type/​paste your response here and/​or upload documentation below

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.

Type/​paste your response here and/​or upload documentation below

Display organizational programs contribution and activities that return value and support your communtiy.

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.

Type/​paste your response here and/​or upload documentation below

Optional

Reference are not required but may help the selection committee in their decisions. If you choose, please provide contact information for any of the following: 

Applications close September 15, 2026. After you submit, BBB will confirm your eligibility and send you access to the full application. Questions? Contact Andrew Smith at BBB Central Illinois — [email protected] | (309) 271-1450

WHAT WINNERS RECEIVE

More Than a Trophy.

Public Recognition

Honored on stage at the October 15 gala in front of 200+ Central Illinois business leaders.

The Winner Seal

Use the BBB Torch Award winner seal across your marketing, website, and storefront.

Press & Yearbook

Featured in the BBB yearbook and in press coverage across the region.

Proof of Trust

Third-party validation of your ethics that sets you apart from competitors.

Questions Before
You Start.

Everything you need to know about eligibility, the timeline, and the review process.

Do I have to be BBB Accredited?

No. Accreditation is not required to apply. For-profit and 501(c)(6) applicants do need a "B" rating with BBB. 501(c)(3) nonprofits must complete the Charitable Standards Evaluation and meet all BBB Standards for Charity Accountability.

Do I need to be nominated first?

No. Nominations are welcome, but any eligible organization can apply directly.

How long does the application take?

Most applicants finish in 30-45 minutes.

We won before — can we apply again?

Yes, as long as it's been more than 3 years since your last Torch Award.

Can government agencies apply?

No. Government agencies are not eligible.

What kind of supporting documents should we submit?

Anything that shows your ethics in practice — handbooks, internal documentation, event photos, community involvement records, testimonials.

Who reviews the applications?

An independent, voluntary panel of judges made up of business and community leaders.

Applications close September 15, 2026

The Strongest Applications
Start Early.

Questions? Contact Andrew Smith at BBB Central Illinois - [email protected] | (309) 271-1450

BBB of Central Illinois

© 2026 BBB of Central Illinois. All rights reserved.

Torch Awards Home  ·  Nominate  ·  Apply  ·  Sponsors  ·  Tickets