The BBB Torch Awards for Ethics, presented by the BBB Integrity Foundation, recognize and honor organizations in Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky that exemplify high standards of ethical business practices. Established in 1998, the Torch Awards were created to spotlight organizations that demonstrate leadership, character, and commitment to building trust within their industry, among employees, and throughout their communities. This program aligns with the BBB's overarching mission of advancing marketplace trust and ethics.
The Torch Awards are open to for-profit entities and 501(c)(6) nonprofit organizations of all sizes operating within the BBB service area covering Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky. Organizations must have been in continuous operation for at least three years and hold a minimum “B” rating with the BBB. Notably, BBB Accreditation is not a prerequisite for application, and businesses do not need to be nominated to apply. However, organizations that have received the Torch Award in the past three years, as well as government agencies, are not eligible.
The award process is designed to spotlight organizations whose leadership and operations consistently adhere to ethical standards that instill trust in consumers and the broader community. Applications for the program will open soon, while nominations are already being accepted. Once the application window opens, interested parties will be required to complete a submission that details their organizational practices and approach to ethics.
There are no public details provided about the components of the application or specific evaluation criteria. Likewise, the site does not indicate whether a pre-application step such as a Letter of Intent is required. Judging and selection details are not specified, nor is the performance or award period timeline once winners are announced. It is clear, however, that the Torch Awards are a recurring, annual program with new cohorts of winners and finalists recognized each year.
For more information, applicants and nominators can reach out to the BBB Integrity Foundation at their main office in Nashville, Tennessee. Contact can be made via phone at (615) 250-1094 or by email at IntegrityFoundation@gobbb.org. These contacts may also assist with inquiries about eligibility and the forthcoming application timeline.
