Nominations

Category

• 1 - Business of the Year: 10+ Employees

  Business of the Year (10+ Employees)

  This award celebrates a well-established business with 10 or more employees that has demonstrated strong leadership, consistent performance, and meaningful contributions to the Halton Hills business community.

  Nominees should show a track record of growth and stability, combined with a commitment to excellence across operations — from customer service and employee engagement to financial management and community involvement.

  Judges will consider factors such as:

  1. Business growth and long-term sustainability
  2. Leadership and strategic direction
  3. Innovation and adaptability
  4. Positive workplace culture and staff development
  5. Community impact and corporate citizenship

  This award honours businesses that set a strong example for others — contributing to both economic prosperity and the fabric of Halton Hills.

• 2 - Business of the Year: 1-9 Employees

  Eligibility: Must be an established business and a current Chamber member.

  This award recognizes a small business that has demonstrated consistent performance, resilience, and meaningful contributions to the Halton Hills business community. Nominees should have a solid track record and be actively engaged in local business life.

  Nominees will be considered based on one or more of the following:

  1. Steady business growth (e.g. sales, job creation, market expansion, or future prospects)
  2. A clear strategic vision and effective planning
  3. Adaptability in the face of challenges or change
  4. Sound financial management
  5. A strong focus on employee development and/or customer satisfaction
  6. 
     

  All nominations should reflect a commitment to sustainable, long-term success.

  Sponsors

  

• 3 - Mayor's Rising Star Award

  Mayor's Rising Star Award

  This award celebrates a local resident under the age of 30 who is making a significant impact in the business or professional world—either as an entrepreneur, leader within an organization, or contributor to a growing enterprise.

  Nominees should demonstrate early success, a strong work ethic, and leadership potential. This may include launching or growing a business, driving innovation within a company, achieving measurable results, or contributing to the economic development of Halton Hills.

  Nominees may be working in a business, institutional, or non-profit setting - such as healthcare, public service, education, or charitable organizations - and are recognized for their achievements, leadership potential, and promise as part of the next generation of Halton Hills community and corporate leaders.

  Sponsors

  

• 4 - Emerging Business of the Year (less than 5 Years in Business)

  This award honours a new and emerging Halton Hills business that has shown strong early success, clear growth potential, and a meaningful contribution to the local business community.

  The recipient demonstrates what's possible when innovation, determination, and community connection come together — serving as a role model for other new businesses in Halton Hills.

• 5 - Employee of the Year

  This award recognizes an individual whose outstanding commitment, performance, and attitude have made a significant impact within their company or organization.

  They consistently go above and beyond in their role, contribute to a positive workplace culture, and support the success of those around them.

  This award is best supported by a nomination from a supervisor, manager, or colleague who can speak to the nominee's contributions and dedication. In not-for-profit organizations, volunteers may also be nominated.

• 6 - HomeTown Hero

  This award recognizes an individual or organization whose contributions have made Halton Hills stronger, more connected, and more vibrant.

  Their leadership, community service, and collaborative spirit have supported meaningful change and inspired others to get involved. This recognition honours their dedication to making a positive difference — not for recognition, but because they care about where we live, work, and gather.

  Sponsors

  

• 7 - Community Excellence: Business

  Honours a for-profit business that actively integrates community involvement into its business strategy — using its resources, people, or platform to make a lasting local impact.

  This award recognizes businesses that see giving back not as a side project, but as part of how they operate and grow. Their investments of time, funding, or expertise have helped improve quality of life in Halton Hills and strengthened community well-being.

  Examples may include:

  1. Ongoing partnerships with local charities or nonprofits
  2. Employee volunteer programs or donation-matching initiatives
  3. Sponsorship of community events or youth programs
  4. Using business offerings to support local causes or needs
• 8 - Association of the Year: Not for Profit This award recognizes a non-profit association, charity, or agency that has made an outstanding contribution to the social, cultural or economic well-being of Halton Hills, is consistently responsive to community needs, delivers outstanding service to its beneficiaries, and communicates a well-articulated vision and mission in support of a strong and viable community.

  Sponsors

  

• 9 - Innovation in Business Award

  This award recognizes a business or organization that demonstrates innovation and forward-thinking in a meaningful way.

  It honours those who are improving how things work — whether for their customers, employees, or the broader community — by embracing new tools, ideas, or approaches.

  Nominees may be recognized for:

  1. Leveraging technology or creative problem-solving to improve products, services, or internal processes — such as launching a new app, automating workflows, adopting e-commerce or CRM tools, streamlining operations through digital systems, or introducing new products in their industry
  2. Leading or contributing to initiatives that apply innovation to create long-term, positive impact within their industry or community

  Sponsors

  

View full category information