Spark Awards for Entrepreneurship in Colorado and Wyoming

The BBB Spark Awards for Entrepreneurship is an annual recognition program administered by BBB Serving Northern Colorado and Wyoming. It celebrates emerging entrepreneurial businesses that exemplify strong character, cultivate authentic internal cultures, and actively contribute to their local communities. The Spark Awards are tailored specifically for early-stage for-profit businesses, offering both visibility and credibility to firms that prioritize ethical leadership and stakeholder engagement as core elements of their operations. To be eligible, businesses must be located within BBB’s 38-county service area across Northern Colorado and Wyoming. They must have been operational for at least six months but no longer than three years at the time of application. BBB Accreditation is not required, but all applicants must be in good standing with the Better Business Bureau and hold at least a “B” rating. Government agencies and companies that have not met their financial obligations or have unresolved ethical concerns are ineligible to apply. The awards focus on three evaluation pillars: Character, Culture, and Community. Applicants are required to demonstrate how their business models and leadership styles reflect these values. Character is evaluated based on a leader's teachability, openness to feedback, and commitment to personal growth. Culture is assessed by how intentionally a business builds an inclusive, mission-driven workplace. Community is judged by the company’s level of engagement with local causes, peer businesses, and broader social impact. The application process consists of nine narrative questions aligned with the award criteria, allowing businesses to describe their values in action through storytelling and documentation. Applicants are also encouraged to upload supporting materials, such as policies, testimonials, photos, or strategic documents that illustrate their organizational practices. A mandatory video testimonial (maximum of three minutes) must accompany each application. This video should communicate, in the applicant’s own words, how their business exemplifies character, culture, and community. Submissions can be provided via Dropbox or YouTube, and recipients must agree to provide full rights for promotional use. Entries are reviewed by an independent panel of community and business leaders. The winners will be publicly honored at the BBB Celebration of Ethics, scheduled for April 21, 2026, at the Embassy Suites in Loveland, Colorado. This high-profile event attracts more than 500 business and civic leaders each year, offering honorees an opportunity to expand their visibility, connect with peers, and celebrate business ethics in action. For questions about eligibility or the submission process, applicants can contact Jami Jonckowski-Wiens at jami@wynco.bbb.org or by phone at 970-488-2048.

Use real examples and storytelling. Keep the video simple and authentic—smartphone recording is fine. Include metrics, policies, and visuals when relevant.