The ABEX Awards celebrate excellence in Saskatchewan's business community across a diverse range of categories, including entrepreneurship, innovation, and community impact. Browse the categories to find the best fit for your business, you can apply for multiple awards if eligible.
Seize the opportunity to highlight your achievements and gain recognition as a leader in Saskatchewan's business landscape!
Note: 2026 ABEX Awards are open to businesses operating in Saskatchewan at the time of application and must remain in operation through the ABEX Awards Gala. Before applying, please review the eligibility criteria for each category carefully.
*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. While the submission of financial information is optional, it is important to note that organizations omitting this information will receive significantly lower scores and are less likely to be selected as finalists.
*'Operating' entails engaging in commercial activities, providing goods or services, generating revenue, or carrying out other business-related functions within Saskatchewan's borders.
Application-Based AwardsGROUP
These awards are open to all businesses operating in Saskatchewan, and require an application to be submitted. Please review the eligibility requirements prior to applying.
Community Involvement Award
Description
The ABEX Community Involvement Award recognizes a business that demonstrates meaningful and sustained commitment to supporting its community beyond its core business activities. This may include engagement in arts and culture, amateur sport, education, healthcare, or volunteer organizations. Judging considers the relative size of the business and emphasizes intentional, impactful contributions that strengthen Saskatchewan communities through leadership, employee engagement, and measurable outcomes.
Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for this award, the organization must:
- Be a for-profit business.
- Demonstrate financial viability by submitting financial statements.
- Have been operating in Saskatchewan for at least two years as of April 1, 2026.
- Not have been the recipient of this award in the previous year.
- Not have won Business of the Year the previous year.
- Not currently serve as a board member or staff of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce.
Evaluation Criteria
To be successful in this category, organizations should ideally:
- Demonstrate active contributions to community betterment through investment, time-commitment of staff, and/or leading key initiatives.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award
Description
The ABEX Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award recognizes the business that has demonstrated outstanding achievement in fostering equitable, sustainable, and measurable change. within its operations and broader business ecosystem. Judging criteria consider the size and stage of the organization, recognizing that meaningful progress looks different across contexts. The successful organization shows both a strong culture of inclusion and clear structural systems that promote equitable outcomes, leadership accountability, and inclusive economic participation through its workforce, governance, and supply chain. This award evaluates organizational systems and impact, not business ownership.
Note: This award focuses on structural equity systems and measurable inclusion outcomes. Business ownership, growth performance, and general workplace excellence are recognized in other ABEX categories.
Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for this award, the organization must:
- Be a for-profit business.
- Demonstrate financial viability by submitting financial statements.
- Have been operating in Saskatchewan for at least two years as of April 1, 2026.
- Not have been the recipient of this award in the previous year.
- Not have won Business of the Year the previous year.
- Not currently serve as a board member or staff of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce.
Evaluation Criteria
To be successful in this category, organizations should ideally
- Demonstrate a clear and intentional commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Provide measurable workforce and culture outcomes from the past two years.
- Show meaningful initiatives that foster inclusion, accessibility, and equitable opportunity.
- Demonstrate leadership accountability and measurable impact on employees, customers, or community.
Growth & Expansion (Small Business) Award
Description
The ABEX Growth & Expansion Award (Small Business) recognizes a business with fewer than 50 employees that has achieved significant growth or expansion through strategic initiatives. Growth may include increased revenue, market share, customer base, or accelerated scaling in its early years, while expansion may involve new locations, expanded product or service offerings, or entry into new markets. Businesses that have successfully expanded their reach through export—whether within Canada or internationally—will also be recognized for their role in strengthening Saskatchewan's presence beyond provincial borders.
Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for this award, the organization must:
- Be a for-profit business.
- Demonstrate financial viability by submitting financial statements.
- Have been operating in Saskatchewan for at least one year as of April 1, 2026.
- Not have been the recipient of this award in the previous year.
- Not have won Business of the Year the previous year.
- Not currently serve as a board member or staff of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce.
- Have less than 50 employees.
Evaluation Criteria
To be successful in this category, organizations should ideally:
- Display evidence of 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.
Growth & Expansion (Medium & Large Business) Award
Description
The ABEX Growth & Expansion Award (Medium & Large Business) recognizes the business with 50 or more employees that has successfully executed growth or expansion strategies, leading to measurable business success. Growth may include revenue increases, workforce expansion, or market share gains, while expansion may encompass new geographic markets, product diversification, or investment in innovation. Businesses that have grown Saskatchewan's economy through export—whether by bringing local goods and services to national or global markets—will be recognized for their contributions to expanding the province's economic footprint.
Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for this award, the organization must:
- Be a for-profit business.
- Demonstrate financial viability by submitting financial statements.
- Have been operating in Saskatchewan for at least two years as of April 1, 2026.
- Not have been the recipient of this award in the previous year.
- Not have won Business of the Year the previous year.
- Not currently serve as a board member or staff of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce.
- Have more than 50 employees.
Evaluation Criteria
To be successful in this category, organizations should ideally:
- Display evidence of 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.
Indigenous Business Leadership Award (NEW)
Description
The ABEX Indigenous Business Leadership Award recognizes an Indigenous-owned business that demonstrates exceptional leadership, measurable growth, and meaningful economic impact in Saskatchewan. Judging criteria consider the size and stage of the business, recognizing that growth trajectories vary across sectors. The successful business shows strong financial performance, strategic vision, market competitiveness, and leadership that contributes to long-term economic advancement.
Note: This award focuses on business ownership, leadership, and performance. Internal workplace or DE&I initiatives are assessed in other ABEX categories.
Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for this award, the organization must:
- Be a for-profit business.
- Be at least 51% Indigenous-owned (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit ownership).
- Demonstrate financial viability by submitting financial statements.
- Have been operating in Saskatchewan for at least two years as of April 1, 2026.
- Demonstrate active business operations and measurable performance over the past two years.
- Not have been the recipient of this award in previous years.
- Not have won Business of the Year the previous year.
- Not currently serve as a board member or staff of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce.
Evaluation Criteria
To be successful in this category, organizations should ideally:
- Demonstrate strong business performance and sustainable growth.
- Show measurable economic and community impact.
- Demonstrate leadership that advances Indigenous entrepreneurship and economic reconciliation.
- Provide evidence of long-term vision, resilience, and sector or community influence.
Innovation Award
Description
The ABEX Innovation Award recognizes a business that has demonstrated exceptional innovation in products, services, processes, or business models, resulting in measurable impact and competitive advantage. Innovation may include the development or adoption of new technologies, operational improvements, market disruption, or creative approaches that redefine how value is delivered to customers. The successful business demonstrates bold thinking, effective execution, and measurable results that strengthen its performance and influence within its industry.
Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for this award, the organization must:
- Be a for-profit business.
- Demonstrate financial viability by submitting financial statements.
- Have been operating in Saskatchewan for at least two years as of April 1, 2026.
- Not have been the recipient of this award in the previous year.
- Not have won Business of the Year the previous year.
- Not currently serve as a board member or staff of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce.
Evaluation Criteria
To be successful in this category, organizations should ideally:
- Demonstrate successful ideation and implementation of an innovation.
Marketing Award
Description
The ABEX Marketing Award recognizes businesses that have achieved exceptional results through innovative and impactful marketing strategies. Businesses may acknowledge the contributions of their marketing partners or agencies in their submission. 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. The award highlights businesses that go beyond conventional approaches, exhibiting a deep understanding of their target audience, industry trends, and a commitment to achieving excellence in the competitive landscape.
Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for this award, the organization must:
- Be a for-profit business.
- Demonstrate financial viability by submitting financial statements.
- Have been operating in Saskatchewan for at least two years as of April 1, 2026.
- Not have been the recipient of this award in the previous year.
- Not have won Business of the Year the previous year.
- Not currently serve as a board member or staff of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce.
Evaluation Criteria
To be successful in this category, organizations should ideally:
- Demonstrate innovative and effective marketing strategies.
- Show measurable success in brand visibility, engagement, or market impact.
Non-Profit Impact Award
Description
The ABEX Non-Profit Impact Award is presented to the non-profit organization that has contributed to the betterment of Saskatchewan's business landscape. Through innovative practices and transformative initiatives, the successful organization plays a crucial role in building a robust and vibrant ecosystem that contributes to making Saskatchewan an ideal place for businesses to thrive.
Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for this award, the organization must:
- Be a registered non-profit organization.
- Note: Charities are not eligible. As per the CRA, organizations operating as charities cannot be considered non-profits.
- Demonstrate financial viability by submitting financial statements.
- Receive no more than 50% of funding from government entities.
- Have been operating in Saskatchewan for at least two years as of April 1, 2026.
- Not have been the recipient of this award in the previous year.
- Not currently serve as a board member or staff of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce.
Evaluation Criteria
To be successful in this category, organizations should ideally:
- Provide proof of impact on the Saskatchewan business community.
- Showcase measurable outcomes that highlight the organization's contributions and achievements.
- Demonstrate effective implementation of innovative programs or projects that have driven meaningful change for businesses or the broader economic landscape.
Service Award
Description
The ABEX Service Award is presented to the business that consistently surpasses expectations in delivering exceptional customer service. Judging criteria consider the size and operating context of each business, evaluating the effectiveness of customer service strategies, customer satisfaction outcomes, and the strength of client relationships. The successful business not only meets but exceeds industry standards, demonstrating measurable impact through customer loyalty, reputation, and sustained service excellence.
Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for this award, the organization must:
- Be a for-profit business.
- Demonstrate financial viability by submitting financial statements.
- Have been operating in Saskatchewan for at least two years as of April 1, 2026.
- Not have been the recipient of this award in the previous year.
- Not have won Business of the Year the previous year.
- Not currently serve as a board member or staff of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce.
Evaluation Criteria
To be successful in this category, organizations should ideally:
- Demonstrate proof of exceptional customer service initiatives.
- Showcase innovative service offerings.
- Outline impact of service initiatives on business success.
Sustainability Leadership Award
Description
The ABEX Sustainability Leadership Award recognizes a business that demonstrates practical leadership in advancing sustainability initiatives that deliver measurable environmental and economic value. This includes efforts such as responsible resource management, emissions reduction, energy efficiency, clean energy innovation, and operational improvements that strengthen long-term performance. The successful business shows that sustainability is not separate from strategy, but a driver of resilience, competitiveness, and growth across sectors.
Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for this award, the organization must:
- Be a for-profit business.
- Demonstrate financial viability by submitting financial statements.
- Have been operating in Saskatchewan for at least two years as of April 1, 2026.
- Not have been the recipient of this award in the previous year.
- Not have won Business of the Year the previous year.
- Not currently serve as a board member or staff of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce.
Evaluation Criteria
To be successful in this category, organizations should ideally:
- Demonstrate practical sustainability or clean energy initiatives that deliver both environmental and economic value.
- Provide measurable outcomes from the past two years, such as emissions reductions, energy efficiency improvements, waste diversion, water conservation, or renewable energy adoption.
- Show innovation in sustainability practices, technologies, or business models beyond standard industry norms.
- Demonstrate clear business benefits, including cost savings, operational resilience, competitiveness, or market growth.
- Show leadership and influence within their sector or community in advancing sustainability.
Workplace Excellence (NEW)
Description
The ABEX Workplace Excellence Award is presented to the organization that demonstrates exceptional commitment to creating a strong, healthy, and engaging workplace. Judging criteria consider the size and stage of the organization, recognizing that high-performing workplaces take different forms across sectors. The successful organization fosters a positive employee experience through intentional culture, leadership practices, employee engagement, wellbeing initiatives, and meaningful feedback systems. This award recognizes organizations that consistently invest in their people and create environments where employees can thrive and contribute at their highest potential.
Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for this award, the organization must:
- Be a for-profit business.
- Demonstrate financial viability by submitting financial statements.
- Have been operating in Saskatchewan for at least two years as of April 1, 2026.
- Not have been the recipient of this award in the previous year.
- Not have won Business of the Year the previous year.
- Not currently serve as a board member or staff of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce.
Evaluation Criteria
To be successful in this category, organizations should ideally:
- Demonstrate a strong, intentional workplace culture that supports a positive employee experience.
- Provide measurable outcomes from the past two years, such as engagement, retention, turnover, promotions, or employee satisfaction results.
- Show clear programs and practices that promote employee wellbeing, psychological safety, recognition, and development.
- Demonstrate leadership commitment and accountability in fostering workplace excellence.
- Provide evidence that workplace initiatives positively impact both employees and overall business performance.
Young Entrepreneur Award
Description
The ABEX Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award recognizes an entrepreneur between the ages of 18–35 who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and measurable success in launching and growing a business. Eligible candidates should operate a revenue-generating business and show clear strategic direction, market traction, and the ability to adapt and innovate in response to competitive challenges. The successful recipient exemplifies entrepreneurial vision, resilience, and performance, contributing meaningfully to Saskatchewan's business community.
Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for this award, the organization must:
- Be a for-profit business.
- Demonstrate financial viability by submitting financial statements.
- Have been operating in Saskatchewan for at least two years as of April 1, 2026.
- Not have been the recipient of this award in the previous year.
- Not have won Business of the Year the previous year.
- Not currently serve as a board member or staff of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce.
- Be the ages of 18-35 as of April 1, 2026.
Evaluation Criteria
To be successful in this category, organizations should ideally:
- Demonstrate evidence of financial success.
- Include strategies for future goals.
Special AwardsGROUP
These are hand-selected by the ABEX judging committee. Applications or nominations are not accepted.
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 2026 ABEX finalists, spanning across all application-based categories.
Requirements
- Be a for-profit business.
- Demonstrate financial viability by submitting financial statements.
- Have been operating in Saskatchewan for at least two years as of April 1, 2026.
- Not have been the recipient of this award in the previous year.
- Not have won this category within the past five (5) years.
- Not currently serve as a board member or staff of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce.
- Show evidence of business excellence across multiple areas of business.
- 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.
