Award Descriptions

The SDCC reserves the right to adjust the quantity of awards granted for any category. The number of awards granted will reflect the number of nominations accepted for the category. All achievements described below must have occurred within the Award Year (October 1st, 2021, to September 30th, 2022).

Agricultural Award

  • A Company that has made a substantial contribution to the field of agricultural development
  • Innovation and creativity in business (production and/or processing, and/or sales and marketing)
  • Proven business sustainability and/or growth
  • Outstanding accomplishments in agriculture, aquaculture, and/or value-added food processing
  • Shows active involvement in the community
  • Dedication to environmental agricultural practices

Business Excellence Award

  • Open to all businesses operating in the Sussex & District area or are members of the Sussex & District Chamber of Commerce in good standing
  • Candidates will be judged on all the following criteria:
  • Dedication to customer service
  • Quality of product or service
  • Innovation and creativity in business
  • Consistent pre-sales and after sales customer service
  • Proven business growth
  • Outstanding business accomplishments
  • Active involvement in the community and/or business associations
  • Expertise in their industry

Community Award

  • Strong record of exceptional generosity through direct financial support or through significant volunteer time
  • Has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to philanthropy
  • Has encouraged and motivated others in the business community to take leadership roles in philanthropy and community involvement
  • Active interest in the civic, cultural, social and moral welfare of the community 

Cultural Diversity and Inclusion Award

  • Active interest in diversity and inclusion in the community either as an employer or newcomer.
  • Employer who is eager to learn how to diversify their workforce and developing creative strategies to support new employees’
  • Employers and organizations creating collaboration between employers, settlement agencies, municipalities, community members, and various government levels to create new opportunities
  • Newcomers who want to contribute to the growth and prosperity of our region through their own business

Entrepreneur of The Year Award

  • Individually or partner owned and operated
  • Successful in expanding their business
  • True trendsetter in recognizing a new market, product, service, technological advancement or opportunity and led the way
  • Business is profitable, has a comprehensive business plan and is ready for next-stage growth
  • Shows true innovation and a willingness to take risks

Home Based Business of The Year Award

  • Individually owned and operated business out of their home in Sussex, the surrounding areas or as a member in good standing with the Sussex & District Chamber of Commerce
  • Active involvement in the community and/or business associations
  • Business is profitable, has a comprehensive business plan
  • Shown innovation and creativity in business
  • Potential for sustainability of future business growth
  • Overcoming challenges
  • Dedication to customer service

Start Up Business Award

  • Operating between 0-3 years
  • Newly established
  • Showed growth and success
  • Nominees for this award should be exceptional leaders whose businesses and business practices affect our community
  • Shown innovation and creativity in business
  • Potential for sustainability of future business growth
  • Overcoming challenges
  • Active involvement in the community and/or business associations
  • Has not previously won this award

People’s Choice Award

  • Vote online for your favourite business via the form hosted by the Sussex & District Chamber of Commerce
  • Pick a company that demonstrates one or all the below criteria:
  • Principles and practices of excellence in customer service
  • Going above and beyond expected service; friendly & helpful
  • Value for money
  • Product knowledge
  • After-sales service

Nominations close: Wednesday, October 12th,2022