2026 Business Achievement Awards Call for Business Nominations

Pete Fisher
2 hours ago
• Categories: Local

Organizers Announce New Award Categories
The Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Cobourg are pleased to announce nominations are open for the 23rd Annual Business Achievement Awards.

The Business Achievement Awards have recognized hundreds of outstanding businesses and individuals from the Town of Cobourg, the Township of Hamilton and the Township of Alnwick/Haldimand.

“The Business Achievement Awards Committee listened closely to the feedback we have received over the past few years,” said Tanya Colford, Chair of the Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors and Co-Chair of the Business Achievement Awards Committee.

As a result of the feedback, the award categories have been refined to better reflect the businesses being nominated and to clearly define the criteria for each award. The publicly nominated award categories will now alternate every other year to allow for more opportunities across various sectors.

“By moving to a two-year awards cycle, we have been able to divide some of the broader categories into more specific awards, ensuring that every nominee competes on a truly level playing field,” said Ms. Colford. “The committee is excited about what this fairness, clarity and continued celebrating excellence across our business community.”

The Business Achievement Awards have refreshed and revised their business categories, making it easier than ever to celebrate the incredible range of local businesses in our community. Businesses can be nominated in the following new categories:

• Entrepreneurship Award

• IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility) Award

• Farming & Agribusiness Award

• Health & Wellness Award

• Not-For-Profit Community Services Award

• Outstanding Customer Experience Award

• Professional Services Award

• Small Retail Trade Award (9 or fewer employees)

• Tourism Operator Award

The updated categories better reflect today’s local business landscape, recognizing innovation, resilience, service excellence, and the diverse ways businesses contribute to the local economy and community life.

The public can now nominate local businesses in categories that are more relevant, inclusive, and aligned with how the businesses operate and succeed today. If you know a business doing outstanding work—whether a long-standing local favourite of yours or a rising star—be sure to put them forward for consideration.

Nomination Deadline
Community members, customers, and fellow businesses are encouraged to submit nominations to help shine a spotlight on local business excellence. Nominations must be submitted by Thursday, February 19, 2026. The nomination form is available online at https://nccofc.ca.

To qualify for the Business Achievement Awards, nominated businesses must be located in the Town of Cobourg, the Township of Alnwick/Haldimand, or the Township of Hamilton, and must have been operating for a minimum of two (2) years. Businesses cannot nominate themselves. Employees of the Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce and the Corporation of the Town of Cobourg are not eligible for nomination.

Celebration of Business
The Business Achievement Awards Ceremony will take place on Friday, March 27, 2026, at the Best Western PLUS Cobourg Inn & Convention Centre.

Show your local business and community support by purchasing a ticket to the 2026 Business Achievement Awards. Tickets are $100 + HST each and will be available online at https://nccofc.ca.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available.