Nominations Now Open for the 2027 BNS Best in Business Awards
BNS News is now accepting nominations for the 2027 Best in Business Awards. The program recognizes local businesses for the quality of their work, customer service, professionalism, and the confidence they have earned among those they serve.
Know a business that deserves recognition? Nominate a company you have worked with, purchased from, or experienced firsthand for consideration.
Submit a Nomination for the 2027 BNS Best in Business Awards →
Recognizing Quality, Service, and Responsible Business Practices
The BNS Best in Business program highlights organizations whose reputations reflect consistent performance, reliable service, and care for the people they serve. Nominations help bring forward businesses that deserve attention within their communities and industries, from independent local companies to established organizations serving a wider market.
For 2027, we are placing greater emphasis on businesses that also consider sustainability and animal welfare in their decisions. Depending on the industry, this may include reducing waste, using resources thoughtfully, choosing responsible suppliers, or adopting practices that reduce harm to animals.
We understand that change does not happen overnight. Businesses at different stages of this work are welcome for consideration, including those taking practical steps toward more sustainable operations and greater consideration for animal welfare. A café might introduce plant-based meals and dairy-free options, while a retailer might begin replacing animal leather products with synthetic or other animal-free alternatives, considering their durability and environmental impact along the way. We welcome specific examples of progress and the steps a business is taking next.
Recognition Across a Wide Range of Industries
Past categories in the BNS Best in Business program have spanned a wide range of industries, including:
- Professional and business services: Accounting, financial services, legal services, immigration consulting, marketing, staffing, logistics, workplace training, security, investigations, and office support.
- Health, wellness, and fitness: Dental and optical care, mental health services, massage, physical wellness, and fitness providers.
- Education and children’s activities: Schools, educational programs, driving schools, and activities for children.
- Home, property, and real estate: Home building, renovations, engineering, architecture, property services and management, realtors, cleaning, moving, storage, lawn care, snow removal, and pool and spa services.
- Automotive services: Vehicle dealerships, parts suppliers, maintenance, and specialty automotive services.
- Beauty and personal care: Aesthetic services, hair salons, barber shops, nail salons, and tattoo and piercing studios.
- Hospitality, recreation, and events: Restaurants, catering, hotels, tourist attractions, recreational facilities, wedding and event services, photography, floristry, and gifts.
- Science and technology: Health, science, technology, and life sciences companies.
- Animal care: Businesses providing care and services for animals.
These examples are a guide, rather than a fixed list of eligible categories. Nominations are welcome from businesses in other sectors, with recognition considered within relevant industries and geographic areas.
These examples reflect the range of organizations featured, rather than a fixed list of eligible categories. Nominations are also welcome from cafés, restaurants, retailers, skilled trades, technology companies, and businesses in other sectors. Whether a company serves one neighbourhood or clients across North America, we want to hear what it does well.
What Makes a Strong Nomination?
A strong nomination explains what a business does well and provides specific examples. Areas of interest include:
- Customer service: Clear communication, responsiveness, thoughtful problem-solving, and dependable support before and after a purchase or service.
- Quality and reliability: Consistent standards, attention to detail, and a record of delivering on commitments.
- Professionalism and trust: Honest information, transparent business practices, and respectful treatment of customers, employees, and partners.
- Student-centred education: For schools, tutoring providers, and educational programs, teaching that responds to students’ needs, supports their progress, and creates a welcoming learning environment.
- Innovation and improvement: Practical changes that improve products, services, accessibility, or the experience of those the business serves.
- Sustainability and animal welfare: Relevant efforts and demonstrated progress toward reducing environmental impact and making more considerate choices about sourcing, materials, products, and operations.
These qualities may look different across industries. A local service provider may stand out for exceptional communication and dependable workmanship, while an educational organization may distinguish itself through individualized instruction and attentive support for students and families.
Who Can Submit a Nomination?
Customers, clients, families, colleagues, and others with direct knowledge of a business’s work are encouraged to submit a nomination. Business owners and representatives may also nominate their own organizations, explaining the practices and achievements they would like considered.
How the Nomination Process Works
Complete the nomination form with the business’s name, location, website or contact details, and your reasons for recommending it. Specific examples of service, quality, or responsible practices help provide a clearer picture of the organization.
Nominations inform the review process; submission does not guarantee selection. Honourees are recognized within relevant business categories and geographic areas.
Recognition for 2027 Honourees
Selected honourees receive access to the official 2027 BNS Best in Business award badge to share their recognition. BNS News may also highlight honourees through coverage exploring their work, approach, and achievements.
A note on the current edition: Recognition for 2026 will continue through December 31, 2026, with businesses still eligible for consideration in categories where an honouree has not yet been selected.
Nominate a Business for 2027
Help us recognize businesses that combine quality work with attentive service and responsible decisions. If an organization has earned your confidence, tell us what sets it apart.