2025 Business Excellence Awards – CATEGORIES/AWARDS DESCRIPTIONS
Excellence comes in many forms, and we’re excited to recognize so many of the different ways our local businesses contribute to Grimsby.
NOMINATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED! Thank you to all who nominated/self-nominated. We are looking forward to a wonderful ceremony on October 23rd!
BUSINESS ELIGIBILITY
- Self-nomination (we encourage self-nominations!)
- Have not received an award in the category within the past two years (see past winners below)
- Located in Grimsby, Ontario
- Been in operation 12 months
Ceremony registration is now open. Register TODAY!
Interested in sponsoring our awards ceremony this year? Explore partnership opportunities HERE and make sure your business is front and centre as we celebrate business and entrepreneurial excellence!
THANK YOU TO OUR CURRENT BUSINESS AWARDS SPONSORS
Congratulations to past award winners!
2024
Small Biz, Big Impact – Grimsby Books
Big(ger) Business – Harmony Jewellers
Rising Star – Train2Empower Fitness
Next Generation – Shear Image Salon Beautique
Collaboration is Key – Grimsby Books
Community Impact – The FORT
Trailblazer – Greenbelt Academy
InnovateHER – Mrs. Greenway
2023
Small Biz, Big Impact – Mrs. Greenway
Big(ger) Business – H2GO Mobile Wash
Rising Star – Grimsby Books
Next Generation – Simon Says Ice Cream
Collaboration is Key – McNally House Hospice
Community Impact – GBF Community Services
Trailblazer – Mrs. Greenway
InnovateHER – The Lynn Fee Team
CATEGORIES/AWARDS
SMALL BIZ, BIG IMPACT (Small Business Award)
This award recognizes the tremendous contributions Grimsby’s small businesses make to our community. This award will be given to a business with fewer than 10 employees that consistently demonstrates outstanding customer service, involvement in the community, and a high level of customer and employee satisfaction. The successful nominee shows excellence in their approach to overall operations, customer service, community participation, and employee management.
BIG(GER) BUSINESS (Large Business Award)
This award recognizes the tremendous contributions Grimsby’s bigger businesses make to our community. This award will be given to a business with 10 or more employees that consistently demonstrates outstanding customer service, involvement in the community, and a high level of customer and employee satisfaction. The successful nominee shows excellence in their approach to overall operations, customer service, community participation, and employee management.
RISING STAR (New Business Award)
This award recognizes the importance of the entrepreneurial spirit. This award will be given to a business that has been in operation for 24 months or less and has demonstrated growth and a high level of customer satisfaction in their short time in operation. The successful nominee has shown significant growth, commitment to the local community, and a consistent focus on excellent customer service.
NEXT GENERATION (Young Entrepreneur Award)
This award recognizes the outstanding achievements and potential of the next generation of Grimsby’s business leaders. This award will be given to a young professional or entrepreneur who has demonstrated leadership, innovation, growth, and commitment to community. The successful nominee is between the ages of 18 and 35, and shows a high level of social, cultural, and environmental awareness.
COLLABORATION IS KEY (Partnership & Community Award)
This award recognizes vital importance of working together to boost our economy and wider community. This award will be given to a business that has consistently demonstrated outstanding commitment to community, and/or created unique partnerships in the business community. The successful nominee gives back through volunteering or other means of contribution to the community, and/or consistently collaborates with other businesses and organizations.
COMMUNITY IMPACT (Not-for-Profit Award)
This award recognizes the important contributions that Not-for-Profit organizations make to creating a better Grimsby for everyone. This award will be given to a not-for-profit that has significantly contributed to the overall quality of life for the Grimsby community through its programming and/or activities. The successful nominee makes a difference in the daily lives of the majority of people targeted by its services.
TRAILBLAZER (Innovation & Marketing Award)
This award recognizes the ever-changing face of business and celebrates new ideas and approaches. This award will be given to a business that is creating commercial value through the development or application of better, or more effective products, processes, services, or technologies. The successful nominee thinks outside the box in how they operate and communicate, demonstrating originality both internally and customer-facing.
INNOVATE|HER (Women in Business Award)
This award recognizes the achievements and contributions of women leaders in our community. This award will be given to a woman-led business that has demonstrated innovation, determination, and commitment to community. The successful nominee exhibits a strong commitment to supporting and empowering other women leaders in their pursuit of excellence in Grimsby’s business community.