Awards Categories
We're proud to offer a variety of award categories to ensure we recognize excellence across all sectors and scales of business in our community. Review the categories below and see where your business or nominee shines!
Export Achievement
The Export Achievement award recognizes a business that has achieved outstanding success in reaching markets outside of Nova Scotia, contributing to the economic growth of Lunenburg and/or Queens Counties. This business demonstrates excellence in exporting products or services, showcasing innovation, resilience, and the ability to compete on a broader stage.
Eligibility Requirements:
The nominee must have an active for-profit business located or operating in Lunenburg or Queens County.
The business must have a proven track record of exporting goods or services beyond Nova Scotia.
Nominees should demonstrate measurable impact from their export activities, such as increased revenues, market diversification, or international recognition.
Rising Star (New Business 3 Years or Less)
The Rising Star award recognizes a business that has shown significant promise and exceptional growth in its early years, indicating strong potential for continued success. Their innovation, dedication, and/or impactful presence within the community set them apart as a promising new leader.
Eligibility Requirements:
The nominee must have an active for-profit business located or operating in Lunenburg or Queens County.
Nominees must have been in business for less than three years as of November 20, 2026.
Nominees cannot be an expansion of an existing business, a name change, or a new location of an existing organization.
Tourism
The Tourism award celebrates a business that significantly contributes to the local tourism industry, enhancing the attractiveness and economic vitality of Lunenburg and/or Queens Counties. They demonstrate excellence in promoting the region as a prime destination.
Eligibility Requirements:
The nominee must have an active for-profit business located or operating in Lunenburg or Queens County.
Nominees must have been in business for at least two years as of November 20, 2026.
The business should actively engage with the community and demonstrate potential for further growth in the tourism sector.
Business Leader / Entrepreneur of the Year
The Business Leader/Entrepreneur of the Year award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, business acumen, and community involvement,
significantly contributing to the success and growth of their business.
Eligibility Requirements:
The nominee must have an active for-profit business located or operating in Lunenburg or Queens County.
Nominees must have demonstrated strong leadership and significant contributions to their business and community.
Innovator
The Innovator award acknowledges a business that demonstrates a forward-thinking approach through the development and implementation of innovative products, services, or processes, significantly contributing to the business’s growth and success.
Eligibility Requirements:
The nominee must have an active for-profit business located or operating in Lunenburg or Queens County.
Nominees must have introduced an innovative product, service, internal process, etc., on or before November 20, 2026, or operate in a mode where innovation is built into the company’s culture.
Hidden Gem
The Hidden Gem award celebrates a small business that may not be widely known but has made a significant impact on its community through exceptional service, unique offerings, and/or dedicated customer engagement.
Eligibility Requirements:
The nominee must have an active for-profit business located or operating in Lunenburg or Queens County.
Nominees must be an independently owned and operated business with a total number of employees not exceeding 20.
Outstanding Service
The Outstanding Service award honors a business that has consistently provided exceptional customer service, demonstrating a commitment to customer satisfaction and excellence in service delivery.
Eligibility Requirements:
The nominee must have an active for-profit business located or operating in Lunenburg or Queens County.
Nominees must be recognized for their exemplary service standards and customer satisfaction.
Business Legacy / Lifetime Achievement - Lunenburg
The Business Legacy/Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals who have made a lifelong impact on the business community in Lunenburg County through their sustained dedication, leadership, and significant contributions to the local economy and community.
Eligibility Requirements:
The nominee must have an active for-profit business located or operating in Lunenburg County.
Nominees must have demonstrated a lifetime of achievement and impact on the local business community.
Business Legacy / Lifetime Achievement - Queens
The Business Legacy/Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals who have made a lifelong impact on the business community in Queens County through their sustained dedication, leadership, and significant contributions to the local economy and community.
Eligibility Requirements:
The nominee must have an active for-profit business located or operating in Queens County.
Nominees must have demonstrated a lifetime of achievement and impact on the local business community.