AwardsGROUP

Community Involvement Award
Description

The ABEX Community Involvement Award goes to a business demonstrating exceptional commitment to supporting arts and culture, amateur sports, education, healthcare, or voluntary groups. Judging considers the relative size of the business. Greater consideration is given for involvement that is not an extension of the firm's main business activities. This award celebrates businesses that actively contribute to the betterment of their communities, demonstrating a genuine dedication to making a positive impact in areas that extend beyond their core business functions.

Requirements
  • Must be a for-profit business.
  • Must be financially viable.
  • Must be operating in Saskatchewan for at least two years at the time of applying.
  • Cannot have won this category within the past three (3) years.
  • Demonstrate active contributions to community betterment through investment, time-commitment of staff, and/or leading key initiatives.
Criteria
Financial Statements
Safety Plan Pass or Fail
Overall Application Quality
Description of community engagement activities
Staff Time Investment
Staff Active Participation
Defined Corporate Objective
Impact and Measurability
Financial Commitment
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award
Description

The ABEX Award for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion recognizes a business demonstrating outstanding achievement in fostering equitable, sustainable, and measurable change. Recognizing excellence in practices, events, applied research, policy, programs, or other activities, this award highlights initiatives focused on traditionally under-represented groups such as women, visible/racialized minorities, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQ+. Encouraging the celebration of cultural differences, community relationship-building, and substantial progress within organizations and the broader community, this award champions efforts to advance diversity and inclusion.

Requirements
  • Must be a for-profit business.
  • Must be financially viable.
  • Must be operating in Saskatchewan for at least two years at the time of applying.
  • Cannot have won this category within the past three (3) years.
  • Must demonstrate commitment to inclusive employment practices, showcase measurable impact on under-represented groups, and/or display innovative diversity initiatives.
Criteria
Financial Statements
Safety Plan Pass or Fail
Overall Application Quality
Motivation to invest in enhanced diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives
Launch of DEI initiatives and creation of inclusive business environment
Integration into company culture and corporate objectives
Impact and Measurability
Employee Involvement
Growth and Expansion Award
Description

The ABEX Award for Growth and Expansion is given to a business that has made significant changes in their business resulting in “Growth” or “Expansion”. Growth may encompass increased revenue, market share, or customer base, while expansion may include geographical reach, number or size of business locations, product lines, or service offerings. Recognizing achievements such as job creation and substantial investments, this award highlights businesses that strategically evolve and positively impact the economic landscape.

Requirements
  • Must be a for-profit business.
  • Must be financially viable.
  • Must be operating in Saskatchewan for at least two years at the time of applying.
  • Display evidence of prior financial growth, as well as growth or expansion in other areas (market share, customer base, geographical reach, business locations, product lines, service offerings)
  • Showcase the development of strategies and projections for future growth.
Criteria
Financial Statements
Safety Plan Pass or Fail
Overall Application Quality
Initial growth and expansion strategy
Details of growth and expansion (cause, time frame, type of growth & expansion)
Impact on sales and productivity
Job Creation
Plans for continued growth (projections)
Innovation Award
Description

The ABEX Innovation Award recognizes a business that redefines its industry through cutting-edge technologies, systems, services, or products. The successful business not only successfully implements innovative solutions but also leaves a lasting positive impact on their industry and contributes to enhanced sales, productivity, and overall sustainability. This award recognizes the bold trailblazing and positive transformation achieved by the forefront innovator, shaping a better future for both their industry and society.

Criteria
Financial Statements
Safety Plan Pass or Fail
Overall Application Quality
Uniqueness
Length of utilization
Impact, Results, Measurable Outcomes
Additional achievements Pass or Fail
Impact on Sustainability
Description of innovation
New Venture Award
Description

The ABEX Award for New Venture is presented to a new business venture that has been in existence for one to three years and has demonstrated exceptional performance in terms of current or expected profitability, job creation, and entry into new markets. Judging criteria emphasizes financial metrics, the unique nature of the new venture, and its significant impact on job creation and market expansion. This award acknowledges the success and innovative contributions of the winning new venture to the business landscape.

Requirements
  • Must be a for-profit business.
  • Must be financially viable.
  • Must be operating in Saskatchewan for a minimum of one (1) year and a maximum of three (3) years at the time of applying.
  • Showcase the development of strategies and projections for future success.
Criteria
Financial Statements
Safety Plan (Pass/Fail)
Overall Application Quality
Initial strategy and business plan
Success goals and means
Required Investments and Impact
Sales with Projections
FTE Employees and Workforce Evolution
Long-term strategy
Service Award
Description

The ABEX Service Award is presented to a business, regardless of industry, that consistently surpass expectations in delivering high-quality service. Judging criteria consider the unique conditions of each business, evaluating factors such as size, growth potential, and the effectiveness of customer service initiatives. The successful business not only meets but exceeds industry standards, fostering strong customer relationships and contributing significantly to the overall advancement of their respective sector.

Requirements
  • Must be a for-profit business.
  • Must be financially viable.
  • Must be operating in Saskatchewan for at least two years at the time of applying.
  • Demonstrate proof of exceptional customer service initiatives
  • Showcase innovative service offerings.
  • Outline impact of service initiatives on business success.
Criteria
Financial Statements
Safety Plan Pass or Fail
Overall Application Quality
Service Uniqueness
Quality customer service and corporate strategy
Customer service initiatives, staff development, and consistency
Measurement and Tracking of Customer Satisfaction
Additional recognition Pass or Fail
Customer Testimonial
Young Entrepreneur Award
Description

The ABEX Award for Young Entrepreneur of the Year is awarded to an entrepreneur between the ages of 18-35 who has achieved success in launching and operating a new or existing business. Eligible candidates must offer a product and/or service; have long-term goals with corresponding strategies and have a demonstrated ability to innovate in response to marketplace challenges, resulting in a significant competitive advantage. Special consideration will be given to those who display an innovative approach to entrepreneurship.

Requirements
  • Must be a for-profit business.
  • Must be financially viable.
  • Must be operating in Saskatchewan for at least two years at the time of applying.
  • Cannot have won this category within the past three (3) years.
  • Must be 35 years of age or less as of September 30, 2024.
  • Must show evidence of financial success and include strategies for future goals.
Criteria
Financial Statements
Safety Plan Pass or Fail
Overall Application Quality
Business concept, strategies, goals
Revenue-Generating Offerings
Business Idea Development Processes and Resources
Understanding of Clients and Communities
Corporate Social Responsibility or ESG Practices
Leadership
Ability to innovate and adapt
Additional recognition
Non-Profit Impact Award
Description

The ABEX Non-Profit Impact Award is presented to the non-profit organization that contributes to the betterment of Saskatchewan's business landscape. Through innovative practices and transformative initiatives, the successful organization has played an impactful role in building a robust and vibrant ecosystem that contributes to making Saskatchewan an ideal place for businesses to thrive.

Requirements
  • Must be a non-profit organization.
  • Must be financially viable.
  • Must be operating in Saskatchewan for at least two years at the time of applying.
  • Demonstrate proof of community impact or engagement.
  • Showcase measurable outcomes of the impact of the business's involvement.
  • Display effective implementation of innovative programs or projects.
Criteria
Financial Statements
Safety Plan Pass or Fail
Overall Application Quality
Mission Alignment and Community Impact
Innovative Programs or Projects
Community Engagement
Measurable Outcomes
Future Plans

Special AwardsGROUP

Business of the Year Award
Description

The ABEX Business of the Year Award is presented to the business that has exhibited exceptional performance in resilience, growth, stability, and overall business excellence. The recipient of this award is selected from all 2024 ABEX recipients, spanning across all application-based categories. Once you've applied for a category, you may complete the Business of the Year application, should you wish to be considered.

Requirements
  • Must be a for-profit business.
  • Must be financially viable.
  • Must be operating in Saskatchewan for at least three years at the time of applying.
  • Cannot have won this category within the past three (3) years.
  • Must show evidence of business excellence across multiple areas of business. 
  • Must show evidence of economic impact on the province
Business Leader of the Year
Description

This award is presented to an individual who exemplifies the qualities of a business visionary and has contributed meaningfully to the local business community.

Community Leader of the Year
Description

This award is presented to an individual who has made a positive impact in Saskatchewan through volunteerism and philanthropy.

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Farm Credit Canada
The Saskatchewan Business Hall of Fame
Description

The Saskatchewan Business Hall of Fame was established in 1990 to recognize businesses that have demonstrated excellence over an extended period of time and have contributed to the economic well-being of Saskatchewan.

The Roger Phillips Chamber Builder Award
Description

This award is presented to a person with a long-standing history of committing time, intelligence and leadership to the chamber network in Saskatchewan.

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