Nominations are now open until July 17 for the Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 Business Excellence Awards.
According to a media release from the Chamber, the annual event “celebrates and recognizes local businesses that demonstrate excellence, inspire innovation, and set the standard for outstanding business practices throughout the community.”
“I love that the Chamber gets to shine a light on the incredible businesses and people who keep our region moving forward,” says Chamber president and CEO Brenda Whitehead in the release. “I’m so excited to open nominations and can’t wait to see the community come together to celebrate the innovation, heart, and hustle that make Peterborough and the Kawarthas such an amazing place to do business.”
Nominations are available in 18 award categories, with any business operating within the borders of the city and county of Peterborough eligible to be nominated. While anyone can nominate a business, self-nominations are not accepted. However, businesses can encourage their supporters to nominate their business. A business can be nominated in up to two categories, and does not need to be a Chamber member to be nominated.
“The Business Excellence Awards celebrate the innovation, leadership, resilience, and community impact that make Peterborough and the Kawarthas such a vibrant place to live and do business,” says Chamber board chair Susan Dunkley. “These awards provide an opportunity to recognize the outstanding individuals, organizations, and entrepreneurs whose dedication and achievements help strengthen our local economy and inspire future success.”
Nominations can be made online at pkcc.awardify.io until Friday, July 17. Nominees will then be asked to submit detailed information about their businesses. Finalists will be announced in August, with the winners chosen by a panel of independent judges based on nominee submissions and announced during the 2026 Business Excellence Awards event on October 22.
Below is a list of all 18 award categories with descriptions as provided by the Chamber.
Retail
In recognition of a business or organization showing commitment to innovation and excellence in retail. This business should be one leading in exceptional retail services from daily customer interactions to overall management. This business should have outstanding reviews, foster a positive environment for clients and employees and above all, demonstrate excellence in their field.
Tourism
A business who drives tourism to the Peterborough and Kawarthas area through exceptional service and product delivery. This is a business who is focused on building the area through attraction and boasts a unique flare that attracts customers.
Hospitality
A business who is customer experience focused and strives to create a welcoming environment to all patrons. This is a strong partner that works well to promote their business through exceptional service and client satisfaction.
Local Focus
A business who holds true to the “Love Local” first message that holds the business community together. This is a business whose core focus is to support local small businesses and strives to partner with fellow entrepreneurs to create a healthy, locally driven, business ecosystem.
Customer First
In recognition of a business or organization that demonstrates exceptional customer service and ongoing employee training in that regard. They are able to provide examples of being friendly, honest, innovative, and approachable, and have community involvement. This is a business whose focus is to encourage feedback for improvement, values the customers through appreciation and strives to provide an exceptional experience in their business.
Not-For-Profit
In recognition of a not-for-profit organization that exemplifies excellence and/or growth in programs and services, with clear community-based mission and values that align with not-for-profit standards. They lead in volunteer management (recruitment, training, recognition, etc), fundraising initiatives, transparency/disclosure, strategic partnerships, and marketing & promotion.
Skilled Trades
This is a business in the skilled trades sector who is performing at top levels for customer satisfaction and exceptional product delivery. This business has what it takes to successfully build in their field, provide necessary services and delivers every time.
Employer of the Year
In recognition of a business or organization that exemplifies excellence in its employee focus, which could include: job creation, diversity of hiring, training & support programs, morale initiatives, recognition & reward programs, workplace wellness, and a commitment to professional and personal development, as well as community involvement. This is an employer who focuses on creating a positive work space, supports inclusivity and encourages team work in a healthy environment. This business truly focuses on the employees because they understand that business depends on them.
Health & Wellness
In recognition of a business or organization that promotes wellness and vitality in the community by providing ongoing internal training and educating and inspiring individuals and the community at large, to achieve optimal health, and has community involvement. It is their goal to foster a healthy balanced lifestyle it is ingrained in their daily practices. This business promotes health and wellness in their values and they align with their statements through leading by example.
Professional Services
In recognition of a business or organization showing excellence in the provision of services that are regulated by a provincial regulatory body. This business supports professional requirements for the community, business owners and the public. They pick up where their clients need them to and provides exceptional services in their field. This business knows how to support its clients through polished and refined practices.
Entrepreneurial Spirit
In recognition of a small business or organization, with fewer than 50 employees, showing excellence in any of the following: new or innovative product or service, quality of merchandise/customer service, job creation, growth potential, market served and community involvement. This is a business that performs at all levels. They are innovative and always creating new initiatives for their business. This business encompasses a true entrepreneurial spirit.
Indigenous Led Business
This award recognizes an Indigenous entrepreneur who demonstrates excellence in business leadership, delivers positive and reliable customer service, and shows a meaningful commitment to the community they serve. Nominees should have a compelling story that reflects the entrepreneurial spirit through innovation, resilience, integrity, and community impact.
Marketing & Promotion
In recognition of a business or organization, their in-house designer, or a Marketing, Design or Communications Company who has created a multi-media, marketing, or design campaign, that has been outstanding, innovative and noticeable, raising awareness and increasing business for its client, or itself, and has community involvement. This is a business that supports marketing and promotion as their objective for success. This company will exemplify professionalism, have a unique flare for marketing and an extensive reach for promotions.
Business Citizen of the Year
In recognition of a lifetime of achievement of a member of the business community. This business exemplifies what it means to be a success in this community. Their dedication to their product or service is a platform for other business owners to strive towards.
Immigrant Entrepreneur of the Year
Profiling the achievements of an immigrant entrepreneur who shows excellence in business leadership, demonstrates positive customer service and reliability, and has some involvement in the broader community. Nominees should have a compelling story that reflects the entrepreneurial spirit through innovation, resilience, integrity, and community impact.
Commercial Development or Renovation
In recognition of either the business/property owner or the contractor for a project showing excellence in overall visual impact or distinctiveness, innovative design and/or commitment to heritage, a commitment to the environment and community involvement. This business has completed a major commercial development or renovation in the past year. This could be anything from a full build out of a new business, to a commercial development, or a renovation of an existing property.
Micro Business (fewer than 5 employees)
In recognition of a small business or organization that has demonstrated significant business achievement, growth, and/or other significant business milestones in the past year, as well as community involvement. This business should have fewer than 5 employees.
4-Under-40 Profiles in memory of Kathy Windrem
The 4-Under-40 Profiles Program is designed to recognize individuals in the community who are under the age of 40 and who are making their mark in the Peterborough area. Their individual achievements may be recognized through business success, community involvement, and/or contributions to the not-for-profit sector. The Chamber strives for balance, ensuring a diverse group of finalists to profile in terms of business niches, gender, and ethnic background. The Chamber looks for compelling stories that highlight business and community leadership.
