Trust sparks from the entrepreneur.

An entrepreneur builds their business with what they have;

core values, integrity and Character.

They respect and celebrate their team by fostering a collaborative Culture.

Together, they are in tune and want to give back to their Community.

BBB starts with trust, and trust starts with a spark.

Social entrepreneurs, startup founders and new business owners demonstrating this

foundation for trust are the future of a trusted marketplace. They inspire all of us.

BBB’s Integrity Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization working in Middle TN & Southern KY

to build marketplace trust by building better businesses at every stage.

BBB’s Spark Award is its early-stage program.

PRESENTING SPONSOR:

Benefits of Winning a BBB Spark Award

SIGNAL TO THE MARKETPLACE

Winning a BBB Spark Award is a signal to the community that your business meets a higher standard of trust. As the voice of trust in the business community, your story is promoted as a winner of our BBB Spark Award throughout the community, including in-person BBB events, social media, and media advertising. Our intention is to lift up your story as a beacon of inspiration to others to build trustworthy businesses. You are the model.

RELATIONSHIP BUILDING

As part of the class of BBB Spark Award winners, you are featured at exclusive BBB events, programs and opportunities. We could potentially hire your business to create the awards, cater events and even build content programs to highlight your expertise. We are creative partners to help you build your business. Within our network, we look for specific introductions that could help your business blossom and are open to learning who you need to meet.

TRUSTMAKING THE FUTURE

The BBB Spark Award is just getting started as an international program, but we intend to build it into a global community of trustmakers, connected to one another and our global community. You are the future of trust -- we see you -- and we want to stay connected.

BRAND & MARKETING

Winners will be featured on BBB’s website, social media pages, and newsletters.

Winners receive a branding toolkit to utilize the 2025 Spark Awards logo in their own marketing materials.

Spark Awards trophy to display your achievement.

CASH PRIZES

First, Second, and Third places receive a cash prize.

ONE YEAR ACCREDITATION

1 year of BBB accreditation for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners.

(Valid for a one-year accreditation. All businesses are subject to normal accreditation research standards.)

 Eligibility Criteria for Spark Award

    • Businesses

    • Social Enterprises

    1. Owner/Co-Owner is 35 years old or younger

    2. Entity is not more than 3 years old

  • No, you do not.

    Exclusions:

    • Earned less than a “B” rating from BBB

    • Indications entity have not not met their financial obligations

    • Entity is not a government agency (Government contractor CAN confirm their eligibility by contacting their local BBB)

Spark Award Nominations and Applications are Closed