Business Excellence Award | Small Business
Description
Recognizes an established small business (fewer than 50 employees) that has demonstrated outstanding business performance, innovation, customer service, leadership, and community involvement.
This award celebrates businesses that have successfully built a strong reputation while making meaningful contributions to the local economy and business community.
Requirements
- Business with 50 or fewer employees.
- Minimum 3 years in operation.
- APBOT member in good standing for at least one consecutive year.
- Operates within Ajax, Pickering, or the surrounding region.
- Previous recipients are not eligible to receive the same award category for three (3) years.
Business Excellence Award | Large Business
Description
Recognizes a large business (50+ employees) that demonstrates exceptional organizational leadership, sustained business success, innovation, employee support, and engagement with the local community.
This award honours organizations whose scale and impact strengthen the regional economy and maintain a high level of operational standards.
Requirements
- Business with 51 or more employees.
- Minimum 5 years in operation.
- APBOT member in good standing for at least one consecutive year.
- Operates within Ajax, Pickering, or the surrounding region.
- Previous recipients are not eligible to receive the same award category for three (3) years.
Business Excellence Award | Emerging Business Awards
Description
Recognizes a new business that has demonstrated exceptional promise through innovation, entrepreneurship, and a commitment to serving the Ajax-Pickering business community.
This award celebrates businesses that have established a foundation for long-term success in a short period of time.
Requirements
- Business operating for less than 2 years.
- Open to businesses of any size.
- APBOT member in good standing for at least one consecutive year.
- Operates within Ajax, Pickering, or the surrounding region.
- Previous recipients are not eligible to receive the same award category for three (3) years.
Business Excellence Award | Sustainability Award
Description
Recognizes an organization demonstrating leadership in environmental stewardship, sustainable business practices, and social responsibility.
This award honours organizations that have successfully integrated principles of sustainability into their operations to create measurable benefits for the environment, their stakeholders, and the surrounding community.
Requirements
- Open to businesses and organizations of any size.
- Minimum 2 years in operation.
- APBOT member in good standing for at least one consecutive year.
- Operates within Ajax, Pickering, or the surrounding region.
- Previous recipients are not eligible to receive the same award category for three (3) years.
Business Excellence Award | Business Person of the Year
Description
Recognizes an exceptional business leader whose vision, integrity, and leadership have contributed to the success of their organization while positively influencing employees, customers, and the broader business community.
This award honours individuals who exemplify excellence in leadership and inspire others through their achievements and community involvement.
Requirements
- Owner, executive, president, CEO, or senior leader of an APBOT member organization or business.
- Organization or business must have been operating for a minimum of 5 years.
- APBOT member in good standing for at least one consecutive year.
- Individual must demonstrate an active leadership role within the organization or business.
- Previous recipients are not eligible to receive the same award category for three (3) years.
Business Excellence Award | Accessibility Award
Description
Recognizes a business or organization that has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to creating an accessible, inclusive, and welcoming environment for customers, employees, and the community.
This award celebrates organizations that go beyond legislative requirements to remove barriers and embed accessibility into their workplace culture, customer experience, and business practices.
Requirements
- Open to businesses and organizations of any size.
- Must have been in operation for a minimum of two (2) years.
- Must be an APBOT member in good standing for at least one consecutive year.
- Must operate or provide services within Ajax, Pickering, or the surrounding region.
- Previous recipients are not eligible to receive the same award category for three (3) years.
Business Excellence Award | Community Impact Award (Not-for-Profit/Charity)
Description
Recognizes a not-for-profit organization or registered charity that has made a significant and measurable impact in improving the quality of life within the Ajax-Pickering community.
This award celebrates organizations that demonstrate strong leadership, collaboration, and lasting community impact.
Requirements
- Registered not-for-profit organization or charity.
- Minimum 2 years in operation.
- APBOT member in good standing for at least one consecutive year.
- Serves the Ajax-Pickering community or surrounding region.
- Previous recipients are not eligible to receive the same award category for three (3) years.