General Eligibility Requirements for 2025 Award Nominations

To qualify for an award nomination, the following criteria must be met:

• Must be operating at the time of nomination and presentation of the award.
• Must be members of the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce - new members are welcome!
• Organizations may be nominated for more than one category. 
• Must not have won in the specific category within the past two years.
• Organizations represented on the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors are not eligible to win an award*

* Chamber staff will notify business/board members of nomination; however they will not be eligible as final nominees.

AWARD-SPECIFIC CRITERIA

BREAKOUT NEW BUSINESS AWARD: Sponsored by GNWT Industry, Tourism and Investment

The Breakout New Business Award recognizes the vital importance of new business start-ups in our community and will be presented to a business that has demonstrated innovation and growth. This company must have a solid foundation in place for continued commercial success.

WORKPLACE HEALTH & SAFETY AWARD: Sponsored by Worker’s Safety and Compensation Commission

The Workplace Health & Safety Award recognizes an organization that has shown leadership through its commitment to improving its health and safety management practices or implemented a new, unique idea to create a safer, healthier work environment.

The organization must not be under investigation or prosecution for any violation of Northwest Territories occupational health and safety legislation. All safety practices must comply with the NWT Occupational Health and Safety Act, Regulations, and Code.

COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD: Sponsored by Northwest Territories Power Corporation

The Community Impact Award is given to a business whose owners or employees have demonstrated a commitment to community involvement by participating in community groups (charitable, not-for-profit, business or professional associations), and whose community work or initiatives have improved life for their fellow citizens.

SKILLED TRADES AWARD 

This award recognizes a company in the skilled trades sector that demonstrates outstanding leadership and acts as an ambassador to increase the sustainability and promotion of skilled trades, fostering an inclusive environment and addressing equity in the industry.

OUSTANDING INDIGENOUS BUSINESS AWARD: Sponsored by NAKA Power Utilities

The Indigenous-Owned Business of the Year Award celebrates the Indigenous business sector and its contributions to the local economy. The award is presented to a business that has demonstrated significant business achievement, service excellence and involvement in our community. Businesses must be 51% Indigenous owned and operated.

TRAILBLAZERS WOMEN IN BUSINESS AWARD: Sponsored by the City of Yellowknife

The Trailblazers Women in Business Award celebrates women in business and their contributions to the local economy. As successful business owners, Yellowknife’s trailblazers play a critical role in shaping our business community. The award is presented to a business who has demonstrated significant business achievement, service excellence and involvement in our community. Businesses must be 51% owned and operated by a woman.

EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR AWARD: Sponsored by Collège Nordique

This award honours an organization in the local business community that has made a commitment to foster employee engagement, promote a work life balance, is committed to building a team with a variety of backgrounds, skills and views, and generally offers an exceptional workplace for their employees.

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD: Sponsored by Prosper NWT

The Small Business of the Year Award is presented to a business with 20 or fewer employees that has demonstrated significant business achievements, service excellence and involvement in our community.

LARGE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD: Sponsored by BDC

The Large Business of The Year Award is presented to a business with 21 or more employees that has demonstrated significant business achievement, financial growth, service excellence and involvement in our community.

CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD OF EXCELLENCE – People’s Choice Award: Sponsored by NorthwesTel

The Customer Service Award of Excellence is given to a business that has best demonstrated outstanding customer service in their everyday business, and leadership in setting high customer service standards for Yellowknife. The winner will be determined by a public online vote.

Key Dates

Nominations Open: July 14, 2025

Nominations Close: September 7, 2025 at 11:59 PM MT

Nominee Acceptance Deadline: September 15, 2025 at 11:59 PM MT

Nominee Supplementary Materials Due: September 24, 2025

Judging & Public Voting Period: October 1–14, 2025

Winners Announced: October 24, 2025 at the Business Awards Gala