All applications are reviewed during the preliminary judging process, which begins in mid to late November. A team of preliminary judges representing a cross-section of local business organizations evaluates each application against the criteria for its respective award category. Individual judges' scores are averaged to determine the rankings.

The top two companies in each award category will advance as finalists and proceed to the second stage of judging, which includes a site visit by a team of finalist judges in early January. For the Business of the Year categories (Small, Medium and Large), the top four companies will advance as finalists.

All applicants will be notified of their status by the BAA Award Coordinator by mid December. Businesses selected as finalists will be expected to participate in award-related media coverage and attend the finalist presentation scheduled for February.

For details regarding finalist site visits, finalist presentation and other important dates, please refer to the 'Key Dates' section on our website.