In order to start filling our your nomination form, you must create an account. Click here to find the "create account" form. Fill in your name, contact information, and email and password, and you're set! When you sign up, you'll be logged in automatically and can start creating your entries right away. 

FAQ

Nomination Process:

  1. Who can be nominated? All companies, or divisions of companies, and charity / not-for-profit organizations or local chapters of national and international charity / not-for-profit organizations are eligible for nomination. All businesses must be located in Hamilton, Ontario. 
  2. How do I nominate a business? In order to start filling our your nomination form, you must create an account. Click here to find the "create account" form. Fill in your name, contact information, and email and password, and you're set! When you sign up, you'll be logged in automatically and can start creating your entries right away. 
  3. Can I self-nominate my business? Yes! You can nominate your business or submit an application on behalf of another company or individual. 
  4. Where do I go to submit entries? When you first log into your account, you'll see a "Start a new entry" form. Simply choose which category you want to enter, give your entry a title, and click the "Start" button. In the form that loads, you will find all the information you need in order to submit an entry to your selected category. You don't have to complete your entry all in one sitting. Hit the "Save" button any time, and come back to it later.
  5. Is there a fee to nominate for the awards? No, there is no fee to apply. 
  6. How many nominations can I submit? Please only nominate a business or individual in ONE (1) category. If you are nominated in more than one category, the Hamilton Chamber will reach out to determine the best category for your business.
  7. Does my business need to be a member of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce? Any individual can make nominations (including self-nominations) for any of the categories according to the criteria outlined for each Award.  Chamber membership is not required to be nominated for, or be a recipient of, an Outstanding Business Achievement Award.
  8. When do the nominations close? Nominations close on Thursday, February 6th at 11:5PM 

Finalists & Acceptance:

  1. How will I know if I'm a finalist? Finalists will be notified by Chamber staff. Please note at this time we do not contact all submitters to inform them if they are not finalists, but if you are unsure, you can reach out to the Chamber team to confirm.
  2. What happens if I am a finalist? How exciting! A member of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce will contact all finalists and work with them to communicate important details and upcoming deadlines in the lead-up to the Outstanding Business Achievement Awards Gala. To help us celebrate and promote each business, we'll request marketing assets and each business' participation in a video shoot. The winners of each category will be announced on-stage at the big event! 
  3. When will the award recipients be announced? Winners for each category will be announced on-stage at the Awards Gala. Each recipient will have the option to provide a short acceptance speech. 

Software:

  1. Do I need any kind of special software to make my entries? This awards system is entirely web-based. You can create your entries on your phone, iPad, laptop, or any computer. All you need is a browser.
  2. Can I make changes to my entry after I've submitted it? Yes, you can continue to edit your entries until the submission deadline. After the deadline, you will be able to view your entries, but the editing controls will be disabled.
  3. How do you protect my information? Your account is protected by industry-leading 4096-bit encryption, and the entire system is backed up every day.

Do you have a question not answered here?

Please email Katie Stiel at k.stiel@hamiltonchamber.ca