Better Business Bureau (BBB) serving the San Francisco Bay Area and Northern Coastal California is accepting submissions through April 6, 2018.

BBB invites for-profit businesses to apply for the regional 2018 Torch Awards for Ethics competition.

The Torch Awards for Ethics competition was created to honor companies that are committed to trust and marketplace ethics.

The award embodies Better Business Bureau’s mission to be the leader in advancing marketplace trust.

Any for-profit business headquartered in BBB’s 13-county service area that has been in business for at least three years and is not a previous Torch Awards winner can enter the 2018 Torch Awards competition.

The business does not have to be BBB Accredited, but it must be in good standing with BBB and have at least a “B” rating to be considered for the award. More information about eligibility requirements can be found here.

Candidates will be evaluated by a panel of judges from the local business, media, and academic communities. Businesses will be judged on these six categories:

– Leadership Commitment to Ethical Practices;
– Communication of Ethical Practices;
– Leadership Practices to Unify the Organization;
– Organizational Commitment to Performance Management Practices;
– Organizational Commitment to Ethical Human Resource Practices;
– Organizational Commitment to the Community.

Applying for the 2018 Torch Awards for Ethics is free, and the online application process is easy to navigate. You can also nominate a trustworthy business online.

The winners of the 2018 Torch Awards have the unique opportunity to receive widespread public recognition for their commitment to, and excellence in, ethical business practices.

BBB Torch Awards winners receive the following recognition:

– Inclusion in a press release announcing winners;
– Announcements made on BBB’s 6+ active social media channels;
– Lifetime use of the BBB Torch Awards Seal (as long as a “B” BBB rating is maintained);
– Torch Awards trophy presentation and office visit by BBB;
– Professional quality photos and videos taken by BBB;
– Inclusion in an exclusive 2018 winner’s video;
– Web site recognition;
– Perpetual placement on the Torch Awards winners page (as long as a “B” BBB rating is maintained);
– Qualification to enter the 2018 International Torch Awards for Ethics.

The exemplary winners of the 2017 Torch Awards included The Kastrop Group, Wedge Roofing, and Escrow.com. You can see the list of past winners and watch the 2017 winner’s video here.

To apply for the regional 2018 Torch Awards for Ethics, learn more about the competition, or nominate a business, visit www.go.bbb.org/sf-torchawards.

Applications are open now until Friday, April 6, at 5 pm PST.