Torch & spark awards

Celebrating Ethics & Integrity in Business

What are the torch awards?

The BBB Torch Awards for Ethics honor businesses and nonprofits that demonstrate an exceptional commitment to integrity and ethical practices. This prestigious recognition celebrates organizations that go above and beyond in building trust with their customers, employees, and communities. Recipients of the Torch Award exemplify the highest standards of leadership, character, and transparency, setting an example for others to follow in the marketplace.

BBB Spark Awards logo: Blue flame above

What are the Spark awards?

The BBB Spark Awards recognize young entrepreneurs and new business owners who are committed to leading with integrity from the very start. Designed for leaders typically under 35, the Spark Awards highlight individuals and companies that embody the BBB’s values of trust, honesty, and transparency in their early business journeys. The award aims to inspire a lifelong dedication to ethical business practices and to “spark” the next generation of trustworthy entrepreneurs.

A dental team celebrates, holding an award and certificate in a bright office.

John J Evola DDS Inc.

Small Business Torch Awards Winner 2025

Group of people holding Torch award, smiling near a banner and balloons in an office.

AAA Northwest Ohio

Non-Profit Torch Awards Winner 2025

What are the Requirements?

To be eligible for a Torch Award, a company must first be nominated. There are four categories, based upon size:


  • Small Business: 1 – 9 employees
  • Medium Business: 10 – 49 employees
  • Large Business: 50 or more employees
  • Non-Profit


After a company/organization is nominated, they are asked to complete a formal entry. The entry asks each company/organization to demonstrate its commitment to ethics by addressing the following categories character, culture, customers, and community.


A company is not eligible to compete if any of the following conditions apply:


  • They have been in business for less than 1 year
  • They have earned less than a “B” rating from BBB
  • There are indications they have not met their financial obligations
  • They have won the award within the past five years

Past winners

2024

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northwest Ohio

Frogtown Roofing

Finley Dentistry

Integrity Home Exteriors

 

2023

The Ability Center of Greater Toledo

Forte Music School

Freedom Roofing, Windows, and Siding LLC

Jon Frankel Dentistry

 

2022

K + M Contracting

Holt Roofing Company

Designetics

Bittersweet Farms

 

2021

David R. Webb Builders

USA Insulation

Everdry Waterproofing

Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity

 

2020

Fantasy Custom Golf Carts

Howard, Nicholas & Baburek, DDS

Adopt America Network


2019

Accessible Renovations Inc.

Twin Builders, LTD

Residential Renovations

American Frame

United Collection Bureau Inc.

Central City Ministry School of Toledo

Kings & Queens Youth Program


2018

New Century Tree & Lawn, Inc.

AccuShred

David Arthur Consultants, Inc.

K Kern Painting LLC

Farmers & Merchants State Bank

Allen County Council on Aging, Inc.

 

2017

Dunright Building Services

Battery Wholesale

The Image Group

Marco's Pizza

Christian Clearing House

 

2016

National Payment Corporation

Close to Home Childcare Center

AAA Car Care Plus

Monroe Bank & Trust

Imagination Station


2014

Lay's Transmission Co.

Roemer Insurance

Garner Transportation Group

Toledo Fair Housing Center

Taylor Automotive Group


2013

Coyle Funeral Services & Cremation Services

Little Wonders Child Care Center

Metzgers Printing and Mailing

Tireman Auto Service Centers

Ronald McDonald House of NW Ohio



2012

Gillette Roofing, LLC

Earl Bros. Transmission & Auto Repair

Edgewood Manor Nursing Center

Huntington National Bank

American Red Cross of NW Ohio

Kidney Foundation of NW Ohio


 2011

 Professional Remodelers Organization

Occupational Care Consultants

Arnold's Home Improvement

Yark Automotive Group

Hillsdale County Senior Services


2010

Wesson Builders

SMB Construction

Gleaner Life Insurance Society

Sylvania Area Family Services


2009

Mullan Insurance Services

That Special Woman

Toledo Lasik Center

Uckele Health & Nutrition

Children's Discovery Center

Lutheran Social Services of NW Ohio


2008

Island Variety

Holt Roofing

Davis College

Toledo Area Ministries

2007

Fannin Remodeling Co.

Central Travel & Ticket

Rudolph/Libbe Inc.

YMCA of Greater Toledo


2006

Golden Construction

EverDry Waterproofing

Ballas Buick GMC


2005

Joe Ann Steele Financial Center

Bostleman

The Andersons

2004

Williams Norwalk Tire & Alignment

Weber O'Brien Ltd.

Brooks Insurance Agency


2003

Hart's Ambulette, LLC

Steven's Disposal & Recylcing Services, Inc.

Marathon Ashland Petroleum, LLC


2002

Golden Construction

Toledo Metal Spinning

Lifestyles for Ladies