The Better Business Bureau of Greater Columbia & Charleston is now accepting nominations for the 2026 BBB Torch Awards for Ethics, an annual celebration recognizing businesses that exemplify honesty, integrity and a commitment to ethical business practices.

The 2026 Torch Awards will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 4, at the Riverbanks Zoo & Garden in Columbia, bringing together business leaders, community partners and supporters to honor organizations that consistently earn the trust of their customers and communities.

"The Torch Awards are about much more than business success," said Chris Hadley, president and CEO of the BBB Greater Columbia & Charleston. "They recognize organizations that lead with integrity, make ethical decisions and demonstrate a genuine commitment to serving their customers and communities every day. Those are the businesses we want to celebrate."

This year's nominations will once again be evaluated by an independent panel of volunteer judges from SCORE, the Service Corps of Retired Executives, whose members bring decades of business leadership and experience. Their independent review process helps ensure that each nomination is evaluated fairly and objectively using established criteria centered on ethics, leadership and trust.

In addition to recognizing businesses, the Torch Awards also support the BBB's ongoing commitment to workforce development through its Trade School Scholarship Initiative. Scholarship funding helps individuals pursuing careers in the skilled trades.

Businesses may nominate themselves, or nominations may be submitted by customers, employees, community members or fellow business professionals who have witnessed a company's commitment to ethical business practices.

"We know there are countless businesses across our region quietly doing the right thing every day," Hadley said. "This is an opportunity for our community to shine a spotlight on those organizations and recognize the positive impact they make."

Nominations are now being accepted through Oct. 2.

For nomination information, sponsorship opportunities or additional details about the 2026 BBB Torch Awards, visit BBB.org or contact the Better Business Bureau at 800-892-3584.