* Common Eligibility Requirements for all categories:
- Business is operating within or primarily serving East Hants and/or districts.
EHCC Staff and Judges are excluded - Business should be in operation for at least 2 years as of August 2026 (unless otherwise stated in individual category criteria)
- Business may be any size or sector (unless otherwise stated in individual category criteria)
1. Business of the Year (up to 6 employees)
Recognizes an outstanding business with up to 6 employees including the owner, that demonstrates excellence in operations, customer service, innovation, leadership, and community impact. This award celebrates small businesses that make a meaningful contribution to the local economy and community.
Eligibility * (including the common eligibility requirements) *
- Entrepreneurs with up to 5 employees.
- Must be operating for at least 3 years as of August 2026.
- Must be an EHCC member by August 2026.
Criteria:
- Demonstrates strong performance, stability, or growth through adaptability or overcoming challenges.
- Delivers exceptional customer service and maintains a strong reputation.
- Demonstrates innovation or creativity in its products, services, marketing, or operations—particularly with limited resources
- Fosters a positive, respectful, and supportive workplace.
2. Business of the Year (7+ employees)
Recognizes an established business with 7 or more employees that demonstrates excellence in business performance, leadership, innovation, and community impact. This award honours organizations that contribute significantly to the local economy, provide quality employment, and serve as leaders within the business community.
Eligibility * (including the common eligibility requirements) *
- Business with 7 or more employees.
- Must be operating for at least 3 years as of August 2026.
- Must be an EHCC member by August 2026
Criteria:
- Demonstrates strong performance, long-term sustainability, and responsible growth. Consider financial stability, strategic planning, adaptability, and operational excellence
- Demonstrates effective management practices, strategic decision-making, and vision.
- Positively supports and values its employees through workplace culture, employee development, health and safety, diversity and inclusion, and retention.
- Maintains a strong reputation in its industry or market through customer satisfaction, service quality, and brand trust.
- Contributes to the community through job creation, local investments, partnerships, sponsorships, charitable involvement, and environmental responsibility.
- Demonstrates innovation, continuous improvement, or strategic growth with new initiatives, technologies, expansion, or future-focused planning.
3. Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award
Recognizes an outstanding young business leader who has demonstrated initiative, innovation, leadership, and impact through entrepreneurship. This award celebrates individuals who are building successful businesses, contributing to the local economy, and serving as role models for the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Eligibility * (including the common eligibility requirements) *
- Nominee must be under 40 yearsas of August 2026.
- Nominee must be the founder, co-owner, or principal decision-maker of the business.
Criteria:
- Demonstrates entrepreneurial drive in starting or growing their business through vision, risk-taking, and with motivation behind launching the venture.
- Demonstrates business progress including growth in revenue, employment, clientele, market reach, or operational milestones.
- Introduced innovation or creativity through products, services, processes, or marketing.
- Demonstrates leadership within their business through decision-making, team leadership, mentorship, or commitment to personal and professional growth.
- Active in the community through volunteering, partnerships, mentorship, contributions to the local economy or social development.
4. New Business of the Year
Recognizes a recently established business that has demonstrated outstanding performance, entrepreneurial spirit, and positive community impact in its early stages. This award celebrates innovation, resilience, and promise shown by a new venture contributing to the local economy.
Eligibility * (including the common eligibility requirements) *
- Business must have been in operation for one (1) to three (3) years as of August 2026
- Not a previously operating business.
Criteria
- Business has performed highly since opening in areas such as customers, revenue, staffing, marketing presence, or achieved milestones successfully.
- Business stands out in its own industry or market such as products, services, branding, etc.
- Demonstrates excellent customer service.
- Contributes to the local community and economy.
- Demonstrates leadership, professionalism, resilience and potential for long term growth.
5.Excellence in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging & Accessibility Award
Recognizes a business that demonstrates a strong commitment to creating an inclusive, equitable, and accessible workplace and customer experience. This award celebrates organizations that foster a culture of belonging, embrace diversity, and actively remove barriers to participation for employees, customers, and the broader community.
Eligibility * (see the common eligibility requirements) *
Criteria
- Business demonstrates a clear commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and accessibility in its workplace and practices
- Creates a welcoming and inclusive environment for employees, customers, and the community
- Implements policies, programs, or initiatives that promote equity and reduce barriers (e.g., hiring practices, training, accessibility improvements)
- Demonstrates respect for diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences
- Shows leadership and accountability in advancing inclusive practices within its sector or community
- Contributes positively to building a more inclusive and accessible local community
- Demonstrates ongoing effort, learning, and improvement in DEIBA practices
6. Innovative Business of the Year
Recognizes a business that demonstrates exceptional innovation in products, services, processes, or overall business strategy. This award celebrates forward-thinking organizations that embrace creativity, drive change, and contribute to the growth and competitiveness of the local economy.
Eligibility * (see the common eligibility requirements) *
Criteria
- Business demonstrates innovation through new or improved products, services, processes, or business models
- Business stands out within its industry or market through creativity, originality, or unique offerings
- Demonstrates the ability to identify opportunities and adapt to change or emerging trends
- Innovation has contributed to measurable success (e.g., growth, efficiency, customer engagement, or market reach)
- Demonstrates a culture of creativity, continuous improvement, and forward-thinking leadership
- Contributes to the local economy and may inspire or influence innovation within the community
- Shows potential for continued innovation and long-term sustainability
7.Tourism & Hospitality Business of the Year
Recognizes an exceptional business in the tourism, eco-tourism, or hospitality sector that delivers outstanding visitor experiences, demonstrates operational excellence, and contributes positively to the local economy and community. This award celebrates businesses that help position the region as a desirable place to visit, stay, dine, and experience.
Eligibility * (including the common eligibility requirements) *
- Business must operate within the tourism or hospitality sector (e.g., accommodations, food & beverage, attractions, events, tour operators, visitor services)
Criteria
- Business demonstrates excellence in customer service and consistently delivers high-quality, memorable visitor experiences
- Business stands out within the tourism or hospitality sector through its offerings, service, innovation, or overall experience
- Demonstrates strong operational practices, professionalism, and attention to detail
- Contributes to the local economy through employment, partnerships, and attracting visitors to the region
- Actively promotes the region as a destination through marketing, partnerships, or visitor engagement
- Participates in and supports the local community through collaboration, sponsorships, or initiatives
- Demonstrates innovation, adaptability, and commitment to continuous improvement or growth
8.Non-Profit Organization of the Year
Recognizes a not-for-profit organization that demonstrates outstanding commitment to its mission, delivers meaningful impact, and strengthens the community through its programs, services, and leadership. This award celebrates organizations that make a positive difference in the lives of others and contribute to the overall well-being of the region.
Eligibility
- Organization must be a registered not-for-profit, charity, or community-based organization
- Organization must have been in operation for a minimum of two (2) years
- Organization may be any size
Criteria
- Organization demonstrates strong commitment to its mission and delivers impactful programs or services
- Provides measurable benefit to the community or specific populations it serves
- Demonstrates effective leadership, governance, and accountability
- Operates efficiently and uses resources responsibly
- Collaborates with partners and contributes to community initiatives
- Demonstrates innovation, adaptability, and responsiveness to community needs
- Shows sustainability and potential for continued impact and growth
9.People’s Choice Award
Recognizes an individual or organization that consistently delivers exceptional customer service and creates positive, memorable experiences. This award celebrates those who go above and beyond to meet customer needs and contribute to a strong culture of service excellence in the community.
Eligibility
- Nominee may be an individual or a business/organization
- Must be in good standing and operating within or primarily serving East Hants and/or districts
- Individual or business must have been active for a minimum of one (1) year
- Current board members or award judges may be excluded (if applicable)
Criteria
- Demonstrates outstanding commitment to customer service and satisfaction
- Provides consistently positive, professional, and responsive service experiences
- Builds strong relationships with customers and the community
- Receives positive feedback, testimonials, or recognition from customers
- Goes above and beyond to meet customer needs or resolve concerns
- Stands out as a leader in customer service within the community
Selection Process
- This award is determined by public vote.
- Nominees will be promoted to the community, and the recipient will be selected based on the total number of votes received
10. Agriculture Business of the Year
Recognizes an outstanding agricultural business that demonstrates excellence in farming, production, innovation, and stewardship. This award celebrates businesses that contribute to the local food system, economy, and rural community while maintaining high standards in quality and sustainability.
Eligibility * (including the common eligibility requirements) *
- Business must operate within the agriculture sector (e.g. farming, food production, agri-business, aquaculture, forestry, or related services)
- Business must have been in operation for a minimum of one (1) year
- Business may be any size
Criteria
- Business demonstrates excellence in agricultural production, quality, or service
- Shows strong business practices, professionalism, and operational efficiency
- Contributes to the local economy through employment, local sourcing, or supply chains
- Demonstrates responsible land stewardship and sustainable or environmentally sound practices
- Adapts to challenges and shows resilience within the agriculture sector
- Participates in and supports the local community and agricultural industry
- Demonstrates innovation, growth, or diversification within the business
11. Excellence in Skilled Trades Award
Recognizes an outstanding skilled trades business or individual that demonstrates excellence in workmanship, professionalism, reliability, and contribution to the local economy and community. This award celebrates those who uphold high standards in their trade while supporting workforce development and industry growth.
Eligibility (including the common eligibility requirements) *
- Business or individual must operate within the skilled trades sector (e.g., construction, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, HVAC, automotive, welding, or related trades)
- Business or individual must have been active for a minimum of one (1) year
Criteria
- Demonstrates excellence in workmanship, quality, and attention to detail in their trade
- Maintains a strong reputation for reliability, professionalism, and safety
- Delivers high-quality customer service and builds positive client relationships
- Shows strong business practices, including organization, efficiency, and accountability (if applicable)
- Supports the local economy through employment, partnerships, or apprenticeships/mentorship
- Demonstrates leadership within the skilled trades sector and contributes to industry development
- Shows adaptability, innovation, or continuous improvement in tools, techniques, or services