Awards Categories
We have a wide range of categories available, covering everything from entrepreneurship to innovation to community involvement. We encourage you to browse through the categories and apply for any that fit your business. There's no limit to how many categories you can apply for, so feel free to submit your application to multiple categories if you think you're a strong contender.
Don't miss your chance to showcase your excellence in business and stand out in the Saskatchewan business community.
General Eligibility
- Must have operated in Saskatchewan for a minimum of two years at the time of application.
- Must be financially viable.
- Must qualify as a for-profit business (Exception: Nonprofit organizations can apply for the Non-Profit Impact Award).
- Must not apply for a category in which the business has won within the last three years (other categories remain eligible).
- Must not have won Business of the Year for the past three years.
- Must not currently serve as a board member or staff of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce.
- Financial success is an important criterion in recognizing business excellence and as such, all categories ask for audited financial statements. This information is held in strict confidence and is permanently deleted after the ABEX Awards (NOTE: While the submission of financial information is optional, it is important to note that organizations omitting this information may receive lower scores and are less likely to be selected as finalists.)
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 |
Export Award
Description
The ABEX Award for Export goes to a business that demonstrates exceptional performance in exporting Saskatchewan goods or services, showcasing remarkable performance on both national and international fronts. The successful business not only contributes to the growth of Saskatchewan's export sector, but also distinguish themselves as innovators in expanding the reach of Saskatchewan goods and services, while elevating the reputation of the province on the global stage.
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 success and growth in national or international markets.
- Showcase strategies and projections for future export success.
- Showcase impact of business exports on Saskatchewan's economy.
Criteria
| Financial Statements |
| Safety Plan Pass or Fail |
| Overall Application Quality |
| Entry into New Markets |
| Approach and Initial Contact with New Markets |
| Tangible Outcomes from Engaging with New Markets |
| Contribution to Overall Business Growth |
| Short Term Plan for Further Expansion |
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 |
Marketing Award
Description
The ABEX Marketing Award is presented to the business showcasing outstanding performance in the planning and execution of impactful marketing campaigns. This award recognizes innovators who have not only embraced creativity in their marketing endeavors but have also achieved measurable success in enhancing brand visibility, engagement, and overall market impact. This award highlights businesses that go beyond conventional approaches, and exhibit a deep understanding of their target audience, industry trends, and a commitment to achieving excellence through strategic marketing initiatives.
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 success in at least one (1) marketing campaign within the last three (3) years.
- Showcase innovation in marketing techniques.
- Employ data and analytics to demonstrate the measurable impact of their campaigns.
Criteria
| Financial Statements |
| Safety Plan Pass or Fail |
| Overall Application Quality |
| Target Market |
| Marketing Campaign Description |
| Goals and Objectives |
| Success and Evaluation and Challenges |
| Campaign alignment with company objectives, overall marketing strategy |
| Major elements, decisions, tools |
| Explanation of team roles and agency usage |
| Additional achievements |
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.
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.
