JUDGING COMMITTEE

The Halifax Business Awards uses an independent volunteer judging committee made up of five (5) local business and community leaders across industries to ensure fairness, integrity and transparency. 

The Committee is comprised of a Chair (2-year term; max 2 terms), and five (5) other judges (2-year term; max 2 terms). The Halifax Chamber strives to ensure the members of the Judging Committee reflect the diversity of the local business community.

Judges qualifications include:

- 18 years of age or older

- A member or Board Member of the Halifax Chamber

- An active and upstanding member of the local business community

- Is not an employee of the Halifax Chamber of Commerce

- Is not a nominee for an award in the current Awards year

JUDGING PROCESS

Judging will take place in September when submissions close. 

Once the submission deadline passes, the judges review all complete entries and submit confidential rankings. The average of these rankings determine the top 5 organizations or leaders in each category resulting in 35 finalists. The 5 top ranked finalists will be announced publicly as the winners, one in each of the 7 categories, during the Awards Gala.

*The judges are asked to recuse themselves from scoring any nominee they feel they cannot score without a personal bias. All judges go through Unconscious Bias training ahead of judging.

WHAT ARE THE JUDGES LOOKING FOR?

All submissions are ranked on a scale from 0-20. Each category has a specific set of questions relevant to the category. Nominees have the option of submitting two reference letters and one page of accolades to offer additional context and support for submissions, but are not necessary. The points are ranked on the organization's ability to show the following: 

NEW BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 
The New Business of the Year has been in operation for under two years as of August 31, 2024. They have achieved outstanding business performance in a short period of time, and they demonstrate exceptional promise of continued growth. This business serves as an inspiration for other new businesses and demonstrates a commitment to the community.  They demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the importance of diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion in and out of their organization.

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 
The Small Business of the Year demonstrates an increased workforce and business growth. They have been in business for at least two years as of August 31, 2024. This business is involved in their community and shows potential for business expansion and significant sales growth.  They demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the importance of diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion in and out of their organization.

EXPORT BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 

The Export Business of the Year demonstrates achieved export growth and the ability to sustain that growth. They show evidence of a sustainable competitive advantage and innovation in their marketing strategy. They demonstrate the value and contribution of exporting to their business expansion, and an overall company commitment to international business. They demonstrate a proactive approach to ensuring the importance of diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion in and out of their organization.

INNOVATIVE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 

The Innovative Business of the Year demonstrates vision in the development of new and/or improved technologies, products, services or processes. This business demonstrates the ability to take risks. They are committed to their community. Their innovations make a profit, help the company grow revenue, and/or add value through opening up a new market, improving productivity and employee wellness, and improving the appeal of their products and services. They demonstrate a progressive approach to ensuring the importance of diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion in and out of their organization.

NOT-FOR-PROFIT OF THE YEAR 
The Not-for-Profit of the Year is a registered not-for-profit or charitable organization that has committed themselves to the service of others within the Halifax community and beyond. They are innovators and leaders providing programming and services for the betterment of the community and have made measurable strides in their operations and growth. They support and advance diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion in their organization and in the communities they serve.

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 
The Business of the Year demonstrates continual business excellence through positive business growth. They are leaders in their industry. These businesses exemplify superior customer service, embrace a commitment to quality and has contributed to the development of Halifax by participating in meetings, sitting on committees and offering to help the city grow and prosper. They demonstrate a commitment to advancing diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion in the workplace and with the community/people they serve.

BUSINESS LEADER OF THE YEAR 
The Business Leader of the Year has achieved a high level of respect from customers and the business community for their professionalism, service quality and commitment. They are leaders in the community through mentoring, customer relations, and supporting local events, programs and projects. They demonstrate a commitment to inclusive leadership for their team and business.