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General Eligibility Requirements for 2026 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 CATEGORIES & DESCRIPTIONS

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. It is presented to a business that has been operating for less than three years and has demonstrated innovation and growth. The business must also 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.

NEW! NON-PROFIT OF THE YEAR AWARD: Sponsored by Crowe MacKay LLP

Recognizes a non-profit organization that has demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation, and impact in strengthening the Yellowknife community. This award celebrates organizations that deliver meaningful programs, services, or initiatives while demonstrating strong organizational excellence, collaboration, and community engagement.

Organizations must operate as a registered non-profit or charitable organization and demonstrate a positive and lasting contribution to the social, cultural, economic, or community well-being of Yellowknife.

SKILLED TRADES AWARD: Sponsored by Skills Canada NWT 

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.

OUTSTANDING INDIGENOUS BUSINESS AWARD: Sponsored by NAKA Power Utilities (NWT)

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: Available for Sponsorship

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 that has been operating for more than three years, employing 20 or fewer people, and 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 that has been operating for more than three years, employing 21 or more people, and 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 Close: September 6, 2026 at 23:59 MT

Nominee Acceptance Deadline: September 14, 2026 at 23:59 MT

Nominee Supplementary Materials Due: September 23, 2026

Judging & Public Voting Period: October 1–14, 2026

Business Awards Gala Tickets Go On Sale: September 2026

Winners Announced: October 24, 2026 at the Business Awards Gala