How to Nominate:

Who can submit a nomination?
Anyone from the community can submit a nomination — including customers, employees, and fellow business owners. You don't have to be a Chamber member to nominate.

Can I nominate more than one business or individual?
Yes! You can submit multiple nominations across different categories. Just be sure to complete a separate form for each nomination.

Do I need permission from the nominee before nominating them?
No, we'll contact nominees directly to confirm their interest and invite them to complete an official entry form.

What happens after I submit a nomination?
Once submitted, the nominee receives an automated email letting them know they've been nominated and inviting them to complete their entry. Only completed entries move forward to judging.

Using the Awardify Website

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.

When you're finished, tap the "Send to Judges" button at the bottom of the entry form. 

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.

Entry Process

Who is eligible for nomination?

  • A nominee can be a business, non-profit organization, or an individual.
  • Nominees must meet the general and specific criteria outlined for each award.

Are there any restrictions on previous winners?

  • Yes, nominees must not have won a Business Excellence Award in the same category in the past 3 years (2021, 2022, 2024).

What are the criteria for businesses?

  • For-profit businesses must have been in operation for at least 2 years (24 months) as of October 1, 2025.
  • Businesses nominated for the Business Excellence Award must have been in operation for a minimum of 4 years (48 months) by October 1, 2025.
  • Nominees for the Rising Star Award must have been in operation for less than 2 years (24 months) by October 1, 2025.

What are the criteria for non-profits?

  • Non-profit organizations, including registered charities, must have been in operation for at least 2 years (24 months) as of October 1, 2025.
  • They must make a substantial contribution to the social well-being and have a significant impact on the community.

Can I nominate myself or my organization?

  • Yes, self-nominations are allowed.

Who is ineligible for the awards?

  • Alberni Valley Chamber staff and their immediate family members.
  • The Alberni Valley Chamber Board of Directors are ineligible for the Rising Star and Business of the Year awards.
  • The Title Sponsor is ineligible for the Business of the Year award.
  • Award sponsors are ineligible to win in the specific category they are sponsoring.