The 2026 Business Excellence Awards represent an exciting new chapter in celebrating the businesses, entrepreneurs, leaders, and changemakers who make our community thrive. This season, we've expanded and refreshed our award categories to better reflect the incredible diversity of today's business landscape.
Whether they're a start-up finding their footing, a growing business making bold moves, an established organization leading the industry, or an individual inspiring those around them, there's now a category that recognizes everyone's unique journey and achievements. Our enhanced awards program goes beyond recognizing business success alone. We're celebrating the vision, determination, and people behind every accomplishment.
Nominate a business that YOU think deserves to be recognized!
Small Business Award of Distinction (1-4 employees)
Description
Small but mighty—this award celebrates the heart of our business community. Designed for businesses with 1–4 employees, this category recognizes those who are delivering exceptional service, strong leadership, and big impact with a small team. If you're building something special, adapting, growing, and creating loyal customers along the way—this is your chance to be recognized. Nominate a small business that's doing big things.
Requirements
- Current business license.
- Has not been the recipient in this category in the last five (5) years.
- Has the business been operational for more than three (3) years.
- Is the owner/operator an Alberta resident who has owned the business for one year.
- Must be a member of the Chamber or based within the St. Albert and/or District trade area.
Criteria
| Criterion | Weight |
|---|---|
| Customer Loyalty | 40.0% |
| Leadership Strength | 30.0% |
| Adaptability | 30.0% |
Medium Business Award of Distinction (5-15 Employees)
Description
Growing strong and making an impact—this award is for businesses on the rise. Recognizing organizations with 5–15 employees, this category celebrates those achieving sustainable growth, strong leadership, and consistent excellence. If your business is scaling while staying innovative and customer-focused, this is your opportunity to stand out.
Requirements
- Current business license.
- Has not been the recipient in this category in the last five (5) years.
- Has the business been operational for more than three (3) years.
- Is the owner/operator an Alberta resident who has owned the business for one year.
- Must be a member of the Chamber or based within the St. Albert and/or District trade area.
Criteria
| Criterion | Weight |
|---|---|
| Sustainable Growth | 40.0% |
| Leadership Strength | 30.0% |
| Innovation & Focus | 30.0% |
Large Business Award of Distinction (16 + Employees)
Description
Leading at scale—this award recognizes businesses making a significant impact. For organizations with 16+ employees, this category honours those demonstrating excellence in leadership, operations, and community contribution. If your business is driving economic growth, investing in people, and setting the standard for others—this is your moment.
Requirements
- Current business license.
- Has not been the recipient in this category in the last five (5) years.
- Has the business been operational for more than three (3) years.
- Is the owner/operator an Alberta resident who has owned the business for one year.
- Must be a member of the Chamber or based within the St. Albert and/or District trade area.
Criteria
| Criterion | Weight |
|---|---|
| Operational Leadership | 35.0% |
| Economic Contribution | 35.0% |
| Industry Standard Setting | 30.0% |
Brand & Marketing Impact Award of Distinction
Description
Got a brand that turns heads? A marketing strategy that actually works? This is your moment. We're celebrating the businesses and organizations that are showing up, standing out, and making a real impact through bold branding and smart marketing. From scroll-stopping social media to strategic campaigns that drive growth—this award is all for YOU. Is your business creative, consistent and impactful in the marketing landscape? Whether you're building buzz, growing your audience, or redefining your industry—your work deserves the spotlight.
Requirements
- Current business license.
- Has not been the recipient in this category in the last five (5) years.
- Has the business been operational for more than three (3) years.
- Is the owner/operator an Alberta resident who has owned the business for one year.
- Must be a member of the Chamber or based within the St. Albert and/or District trade area.
Criteria
| Criterion | Weight |
|---|---|
| Creative Execution | 40.0% |
| Measurable Results | 35.0% |
| Market Distinction | 25.0% |
Community Impact Award of Distinction
Description
This award celebrates organizations that go beyond business to make a meaningful difference in St. Albert. Through partnerships, initiatives, and giving back, these businesses are helping build a stronger, more connected community.
Requirements
- Current business license.
- Has not been the recipient in this category in the last five (5) years.
- Has the business been operational for more than three (3) years.
- Is the owner/operator an Alberta resident who has owned the business for one year.
- Must be a member of the Chamber or based within the St. Albert and/or District trade area.
Criteria
| Criterion | Weight |
|---|---|
| Partnership & Initiative | 40.0% |
| Tangible Difference | 40.0% |
| Sustained Contribution | 20.0% |
Food & Production Innovation Award of Distinction
Description
From field to table, who's doing it best? This award celebrates the innovators shaping our local food and production landscape, from farmers and growers to producers and agri-food businesses. If you're pushing the boundaries, embracing sustainability, and strengthening the connection between production and community, this is your moment to stand out.
Requirements
- Current business license.
- Has not been the recipient in this category in the last five (5) years.
- Has the business been operational for more than three (3) years.
- Is the owner/operator an Alberta resident who has owned the business for one year.
- Must be a member of the Chamber or based within the St. Albert and/or District trade area.
Criteria
| Criterion | Weight |
|---|---|
| Process Innovation | 40.0% |
| Sustainability | 35.0% |
| Community Connection | 25.0% |
Health & Wellness Award of Distinction
Description
Who is going above and beyond to support others' well-being? This award honours businesses and organizations that are making a meaningful difference in people's lives through exceptional care, innovation, and compassion. Whether it's through client experience, accessibility, or forward-thinking services, this is your opportunity to showcase leadership in health and wellness.
Requirements
- Current business license.
- Has not been the recipient in this category in the last five (5) years.
- Has the business been operational for more than three (3) years.
- Is the owner/operator an Alberta resident who has owned the business for one year.
- Must be a member of the Chamber or based within the St. Albert and/or District trade area.
Criteria
| Criterion | Weight |
|---|---|
| Client Experience | 40.0% |
| Accessibility Innovation | 30.0% |
| Compassionate Aproach | 30.0% |
Ignite Award of Distinction
Description
New. Exciting. Full of potential. This award celebrates businesses in their first three years that are already making waves. If you've launched something innovative, gained traction, and are building momentum for the future—this is your time to shine.
Requirements
- Current business license.
- Have not been the recipient of this award in the last five (5) years.
- Has been in business for more than one (1) year, but less than three (3) years.
- Is the owner/operator an Alberta resident who has owned the business for one year.
- Must be a member of the Chamber or based within the St. Albert and/or District
Criteria
| Criterion | Weight |
|---|---|
| Growth & Momentum | 40.0% |
| Innovation | 30.0% |
| Future Potential | 30.0% |
Innovation Award of Distinction
Description
Bold ideas. Big risks. Real impact. This award recognizes entrepreneurs who have built or grown a business through determination, creativity, and resilience. Whether you're a founder, owner-operator, or visionary leader, this is your chance to be recognized for tuning ideas into reality.
Requirements
- Current business license.
- Has not been the recipient in this category in the last five (5) years.
- Has the business been operational for more than three (3) years.
- Is the owner/operator an Alberta resident who has owned the business for one year.
- Must be a member of the Chamber or based within the St. Albert and/or District trade area.
Criteria
| Criterion | Weight |
|---|---|
| Bold Execution | 40.0% |
| Resilience | 30.0% |
| Measurable Impact | 30.0% |
Mosiac Award of Distinction
Description
Is your organization leading the way in building a more inclusive and welcoming community? This award celebrates businesses and organizations that are championing diversity, equity, and inclusion - not just in words, but in action. From creating opportunities for underrepresented groups to fostering a culture of belonging, this is your chance to be recognized as a leader in shaping a stronger, more vibrant St. Albert.
Requirements
- Current business license.
- Has not been the recipient in this category in the last five (5) years.
- Has the business been operational for more than three (3) years.
- Is the owner/operator an Alberta resident who has owned the business for one year.
- Must be a member of the Chamber or based within the St. Albert and/or District trade area.
Criteria
| Criterion | Weight |
|---|---|
| Concrete Action | 40.0% |
| Opportunity Creation | 30.0% |
| Culture of Belonging | 30.0% |
Non-Profit & Charity Award of Distinction
Description
Who is making a real difference in our community? This award recognizes the non-profits and charities that are creating lasting impact through leadership, innovation, and dedication to service. From delivering essential programs to engaging the community in meaningful ways, this is your opportunity to highlight organizations that truly change lives. Shine a spotlight on those who are strengthening St. Albert and district —one initiative at a time.
Requirements
- Current business license or Charitable Registration.
- Have not been the recipient of this award in the last five (5) years.
- Has the business been operational for more than three years.
- Is the owner/operator an Alberta resident who has owned the business for one year.
- Must be a member of the Chamber or based within the St. Albert and/or District
Criteria
| Criterion | Weight |
|---|---|
| Program Delivery | 40.0% |
| Innovative Engagement | 30.0% |
| Lasting Impact | 30.0% |
