FAQ
Submitting a Nomination
How do I submit a nomination?
• Be sure to read the eligibility requirements below.
To nominate a business OTHER THAN YOUR own:
• Visit the nominations page
Can I nominate my own business?
No. The nomination process is a great way to recognize and celebrate your team's success, both internally and with the community.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to nominate businesses other than their own, however feel free to encourage your champions to nominate your business!
Can I nominate a business in more than one category?
Businesses can be nominated in a maximum of two categories each. Businesses nominated in multiple categories MUST only select 2 categories to put forth for submission.
When is the nomination deadline?
All nominations must be received by the Chamber by July 17th, 2026 at 11:59PM.
Late entries will NOT be accepted. Nominations must be submitted online or via email (see nominations forms).
How can I write an effective nomination?
Check out our Tips from the Judges.
Creating/Using an Account
NOTE: You only need to create an account if you are nominating an INDIVIDUAL. If you are nominating a business in any category other than Business Citizen of the year or Immigrant business of the year, please visit the nominations page.
How do I create an account?
Click here to find the "create account" form. Fill in your name, contact information, and email and password, and you're set! When you sign up, you'll be logged in automatically and can start creating your entries right away.
Where do I go to submit entries?
When you first log into your account, you'll see a "Start a new entry" form. Simply choose which category you want to enter, give your entry a title, and click the "Start" button. In the form that loads, you will find all the information you need in order to submit an entry to your selected category. You don't have to complete your entry all in one sitting. Your entry saves while you work, so you can always come back to it later.
Can I make changes to my entry after I've submitted it?
Yes, you can continue to edit your entries until the submission deadline. After the deadline, you will be able to view your entries, but the editing controls will be disabled.
Do I need any kind of special software to make my entries?
This awards system is entirely web-based. You can create your entries on your phone, iPad, laptop, or any computer. All you need is a browser.
How do you protect my information?
Your account is protected by industry-leading 4096-bit encryption, and the entire system is backed up every day.
Categories
What categories are available?
The full list of categories can be found here.
Eligibility
What are the eligibility requirements?
In order to be eligible for nomination for any of the award categories the nominee must be located within the City/County of Peterborough, or have been founded and still have headquarters here.
You have the opportunity to submit nominations in two categories per business. Check out the full list of categories. Businesses nominated in multiple categories MUST only select 2 categories to put forth for submission.
In any business/organization category, the previous year's recipient is ineligible but may apply again in future years. In the categories recognizing individuals (Business Citizen of the Year and Immigrant business of the year), previous recipients are ineligible.
Does the business have to be a Chamber Member?
Businesses do not need to be members of Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.
Selection Process
How are the finalists and recipients selected?
All nominations are given out to a special Judging Committee who will review all completed nominations to select 3 finalists in each category. Note: All nominations are judged solely on the nomination submitted. Any known community history and/or previous achievements not included on the nomination form will not be considered.
When are the finalists and recipients announced?
Finalists are announced each August. Recipients will be announced during the 2026 Business Excellence Awards event on October 22, 2026.
The Event
When and where is the event?
The 2026 Business Excellence Awards Gala information will be revealed in July! STAY TUNED!
How can I purchase tickets to the event?
Tickets sales will open FOLLOWING AN ANNOUNCEMENT in August- Stay tuned
What is the dress code?
"Formal gala attire"- Suit and tie/ formal dress
