The Scarborough Business Association

About The Scarborough Business Association

Emerging Business / Start-Up of the Year

Celebrates a new business showing strong growth, innovation, and early success.

Criteria:

Under 5 years in operation
Early traction or growth
Innovative model or product
Strong future potential

Innovation & Technology

Emerging Business / Start-Up of the Year

Recognizes tech-forward businesses driving progress through new solutions or advanced systems.

Criteria:

Use or creation of innovative tech
Measurable impact or improvement
Contribution to Scarborough’s tech ecosystem

Creative & Cultural Industry

Emerging Business / Start-Up of the Year

Creative & Cultural Industry

Honours organizations elevating Scarborough’s arts, culture, media, or creative identity.

Criteria:

Creative or cultural sector business
Strong audience/community impact
Innovation in creative work

Manufacturing

Emerging Business / Start-Up of the Year

Creative & Cultural Industry

Celebrates manufacturers leading in quality, innovation, and economic contribution.

Criteria:

Excellence in production or process
Job creation or sector growth
Safety, sustainability, or efficiency

Food & Beverage Industry

Community Impact & Leadership

Retail & Service Business

Recognizes standout food businesses shaping Scarborough’s diverse culinary scene.

Criteria:

Quality and consistency
Customer engagement
Culinary innovation or authenticity

Retail & Service Business

Community Impact & Leadership

Retail & Service Business

Honours retailers and service providers delivering exceptional customer experience and community value.

Criteria:

Customer satisfaction
Operational strength
Community involvement
Service innovation

Community Impact & Leadership

Spotlights organizations making a meaningful difference through programs, partnerships, or local leadership.

Criteria:

Measurable community benefit
Leadership in inclusion or development
Strong local partnerships

Business of the Year

Community Impact & Leadership

The top honour for a business excelling in performance, innovation, and community leadership.

Criteria:

Strong operational results
Proven innovation
Community impact
Excellence in service and leadership

For the first time in more than 20 years

Scarborough is bringing back its Business Excellence Awards — and it’s going to be historic.

The last Business Excellence Awards in Scarborough took place in 2005, and after two decades without a signature celebration of our business leaders, innovators, and community builders, the Scarborough Business Association is proud to announce the return of this iconic event.

This year, we will host the SBA Mayor’s Gala & Business Excellence Awards — the first of its kind. This is more than an awards show; it’s a moment of pride for our community and a milestone for Scarborough’s business landscape.

It’s historic. It’s epic. And it’s time.

We’re bringing Scarborough together to honour excellence, celebrate success, and shine a spotlight on the incredible people and organizations driving growth in our city.

Join us as we make history and set the stage for a new era of business leadership in Scarborough.