FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Any questions? We’re here to help

I. About the BASA Awards

What are the BASA Awards?

The BASA Awards are independent awards created to promote exceptional small companies. The Awards aim to display small businesses' excellent work and contributions to the country's economy. The BASA Awards are the largest awards for small businesses in Canada. To learn more about BASA Awards, click here.

How many categories are available?

There are six classes or tracks with more than 150 categories involving products, services, technology, and innovations for you to choose from.

II. What do the winners receive?

How many winners and finalists will be recognized at the BASA Awards?
Each category will crown a winner. The entries that judges award 75% or more become finalists.The finalists will qualify to join public voting to compete to become winners or join the TopList.

The entries with the highest public scores will automatically become Toplisters. They will secure a place in the Business Hall of Fame as the best upcoming businesses in Canada. They will also receive the TopList kit and be promoted on BASA's social media platforms, website, and other channels. To find out more about the judging and award process, click here.

Do BASA Awards winners receive an award?
The entry that gets the highest score from the public votes and judges becomes the category winner. All category winners will get digital badges and a winner's certificate. The TopListers will receive a digital certificate and the seals. Only the category winners can order the Atlanta trophy. To learn more about the trophy Atlanta, click here.

Are there additional awards available for winners?
Category winners have the opportunity to get more awards. Only the winners get to order the Atlanta trophy, a handmade statuette crafted in Italy by Ithaca.

What advantages come with applying?
Participating in the BASA Awards has many benefits, including Industry Recognition, enhanced Brand Visibility and Media Coverage, increased productivity, and networking. These are just a few of the benefits of joining the award. Click here for a detailed overview of the reasons and benefits behind submitting your application.

III. On the application process

Who is eligible for nomination?
The BASA Awards are only open to small businesses in Canada.

Who can apply?
All small companies, startups, and entrepreneurs operating in Canada are welcome to apply for the BASA Awards. To learn more about our categories, click here.

Is participation limited to small businesses?
BASA is strictly for small companies. Big and medium companies are automatically disqualified.

Can non-profit organizations submit applications?
Non-profit companies can apply for BASA Awards if they are not medium or large companies.

When is the deadline?
The applications open on 20 May, 2024, and close on 30 August, 2024. Click here for the BASA Award calendar.

What is the entry fee?
The BASA Awards are self-funded and operate independently, relying solely on the application fee. Click here for more info about the entry fee.

Why are the application requirements for most categories so loosely outlined?
The application requirements are loosely outlined because we understand that every organization is unique in its culture, accomplishments, and why and how it seeks recognition. The requirements are structured so that each organization can determine and cite its achievements. We did not want to narrow the award's focus by strictly defining the application requirements.

IV. On the judging process

Who are the judges?

The BASA Awards feature a panel of judges made up of industry experts. They are independent third parties. Click here to view the lineup of judges for 2024.

Are submissions confidential?

The BASA Awards organizers prioritize the privacy and confidentiality of all the applicants. The organizers ensure that judges sign non-disclosure agreements, contracts that do not allow them to reveal any information about the entries they review. Applicants are advised against including company secrets or any sensitive information in their submissions. The winners and the TopListers are encouraged to remove confidential details before publishing them on BASA's sites.

Why are the application requirements for most categories loosely defined?

The application requirements are intentionally broad as we realize the distinctiveness of each organization in its culture, achievements, and motivations for seeking recognition. We designed the requirements to allow flexibility for organizations to showcase their specific accomplishments. We intended to avoid restricting the award's scope by imposing rigid definitions on the application criteria.

Who are the BASA Award judges?

The BASA judging panel comprises industry experts and corporations committed to giving back and fostering the growth of small businesses.

How Can I apply to become a judge?

To apply for a position on the BASA judging panel, please complete the form provided here. Once accepted, you can participate in online judging from August to September 2024.

Will there be an awards ceremony this year?

There won't be an award ceremony broadcast for the 2024 BASA. Winners and Finalists will receive notifications via email, and their certificates will be sent to their addresses.

V. The Trophy

The Atlanta Trophy: Regarded as one of most prestigious and coveted prizes, the Atlanta Trophy is a hand-made masterpiece uniquely created in Italy by the internationally acclaimed artist Ithaca. Read more.

Last revision: 1 January 2024

Contact us at: awards@basawards.com