Programs
Business Education & Events
Education is key to business growth, success, and improvement. From financial wellness seminars through Focus CFO to free business counseling through SCORE to Continuing Education for professionals, our Foundation is dedicated to partnerships that empower regional businesses to do better and be better.
EDUCATION, LEARNING, AND INFORMED DECISION-MAKING
RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS GROWTH AND SUSTAINABILITY
TRUST-BUILDING, ETHICAL PARTNERSHIPS AND BBB STANDARDS
ETHICAL BUSINESS OPERATION & TRUSTED LEADERSHIP
About the Business Education Program
In today’s fast-moving marketplace, ethical business practices and informed decision-making are more important than ever. The Business Education Program equips entrepreneurs, small business owners, and nonprofit leaders with the tools they need to build trust, operate with integrity, and succeed responsibly. From workshops and webinars to resource guides and expert panels, the program supports ethical growth at every stage of business.
- Focus CFO Business Financial Wellness Seminars
- SCORE Business Counseling Services
- CE Presentations
opportunities for businesses
We offer a variety of opportunities for businesses throughout the year, including Focus CFO Business Financial Wellness Seminars that provide practical financial insights, SCORE Business Counseling Services that connect entrepreneurs with confidential mentoring and resources, and CE Presentations that deliver engaging programs on ethics and consumer protection. Together, these events help businesses strengthen their financial health, gain expert guidance, and stay informed on best practices.
Torch & Spark Awards
The Torch Awards for Ethics are BBB legacy program. We’ve reimagined and expanded the program for stronger participation from our outlying counties, and we’ve added the Spark Awards for younger owners and newer businesses.
John J Evola DDS Inc.
Small Business Torch Awards Winner 2025
What are the torch awards?
The
BBB Torch Awards for Ethics honor businesses and nonprofits that demonstrate an exceptional commitment to integrity and ethical practices. This prestigious recognition celebrates organizations that go above and beyond in building trust with their customers, employees, and communities. Recipients of the Torch Award exemplify the highest standards of leadership, character, and transparency, setting an example for others to follow in the marketplace.
What are the Spark
awards?
The
BBB Spark Awards recognize young entrepreneurs and new business owners who are committed to leading with integrity from the very start. Designed for leaders typically under 35, the Spark Awards highlight individuals and companies that embody the BBB’s values of trust, honesty, and transparency in their early business journeys. The award aims to inspire a lifelong dedication to ethical business practices and to “spark” the next generation of trustworthy entrepreneurs.
What are the Requirements?
To be eligible for a Torch Award, a company must first be nominated. There are four categories, based upon size:
- Small Business: 1 – 9 employees
- Medium Business: 10 – 49 employees
- Large Business: 50 or more employees
- Non-Profit
After a company/organization is nominated, they are asked to complete a formal entry. The entry asks each company/organization to demonstrate its commitment to ethics by addressing the following categories character, culture, customers, and community.
A business must also meet the requirements listed below:
- They have been in business for more than a year
- They have earned a “B” rating or higher from BBB
- There have met all their financial obligations and civil cases
- They must not have won the award within the past three years
2024
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northwest Ohio
Frogtown Roofing
Finley Dentistry
Integrity Home Exteriors
2023
The Ability Center of Greater Toledo
Forte Music School
Freedom Roofing, Windows, and Siding LLC
Jon Frankel Dentistry
2022
K + M Contracting
Holt Roofing Company
Designetics
Bittersweet Farms
2021
David R. Webb Builders
USA Insulation
Everdry Waterproofing
Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity
2020
Fantasy Custom Golf Carts
Howard, Nicholas & Baburek, DDS
Adopt America Network
2019
Accessible Renovations Inc.
Twin Builders, LTD
Residential Renovations
American Frame
United Collection Bureau Inc.
Central City Ministry School of Toledo
Kings & Queens Youth Program
2018
New Century Tree & Lawn, Inc.
AccuShred
David Arthur Consultants, Inc.
K Kern Painting LLC
Farmers & Merchants State Bank
Allen County Council on Aging, Inc.
2017
Dunright Building Services
Battery Wholesale
The Image Group
Marco's Pizza
Christian Clearing House
2016
National Payment Corporation
Close to Home Childcare Center
AAA Car Care Plus
Monroe Bank & Trust
Imagination Station
2014
Lay's Transmission Co.
Roemer Insurance
Garner Transportation Group
Toledo Fair Housing Center
Taylor Automotive Group
2013
Coyle Funeral Services & Cremation Services
Little Wonders Child Care Center
Metzgers Printing and Mailing
Tireman Auto Service Centers
Ronald McDonald House of NW Ohio
2012
Gillette Roofing, LLC
Earl Bros. Transmission & Auto Repair
Edgewood Manor Nursing Center
Huntington National Bank
American Red Cross of NW Ohio
Kidney Foundation of NW Ohio
2011
Professional Remodelers Organization
Occupational Care Consultants
Arnold's Home Improvement
Yark Automotive Group
Hillsdale County Senior Services
2010
Wesson Builders
SMB Construction
Gleaner Life Insurance Society
Sylvania Area Family Services
2009
Mullan Insurance Services
That Special Woman
Toledo Lasik Center
Uckele Health & Nutrition
Children's Discovery Center
Lutheran Social Services of NW Ohio
2008
Island Variety
Holt Roofing
Davis College
Toledo Area Ministries
2007
Fannin Remodeling Co.
Central Travel & Ticket
Rudolph/Libbe Inc.
YMCA of Greater Toledo
2006
Golden Construction
EverDry Waterproofing
Ballas Buick GMC
2005
Joe Ann Steele Financial Center
Bostleman
The Andersons
2004
Williams Norwalk Tire & Alignment
Weber O'Brien Ltd.
Brooks Insurance Agency
2003
Hart's Ambulette, LLC
Steven's Disposal & Recylcing Services, Inc.
Marathon Ashland Petroleum, LLC
2002
Golden Construction
Toledo Metal Spinning
Lifestyles for Ladies
Latino business initiative
Latino Business Initiative is one of the BBB Foundation’s newest and most exciting programs. Latino Business Initiative connects and empowers Latino entrepreneurs in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan through practical business education, trusted resources, and community support. With a warm, motivating approach, and our spirit of “Ponte las pilas”, we guide, support, and champion the growth of Latino businesses across the region.
About the Latino Business initiative
Marketplace Matters (Español): A Spanish-language newsletter offering practical tips, trusted resources, and ethical guidance to help Latino entrepreneurs make confident, informed decisions.
Latino-Owned Business Directory: A searchable directory highlighting Latino-owned businesses in our region, designed to increase visibility, build trust, and strengthen our local economy.
La Prensa: Featured content from La Prensa, a trusted Spanish-language publication serving Northwest Ohio, sharing community news, business highlights, and cultural stories.
Events: Workshops, networking opportunities, and community events focused on education, connection, and growth for Latino business owners and professionals.
Business Accreditation: Spanish-language guidance on business accreditation, certification, and credibility-building resources to help your business grow with confidence.
Collabs: A hub for interviews, podcasts, and media features spotlighting Latino entrepreneurs, leaders, and community voices.
Mental Health & Wellness Support
Mental health challenges have been on the rise and local systems are stretched. We collaborate with several mental health-focused organizations in our region for events like NAMI Walks and our own “Shred the Stigma” shred day fundraiser. The need is great and we are always looking for new ways to partner.
What is namiwalks?
NAMIWalks is a nationwide community walk that brings people together to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and support mental health for all. Hosted by local NAMI affiliates across the country, each walk celebrates hope, connection, and recovery while raising funds that help provide free mental-health education, support groups, and advocacy in local communities. Open to individuals, families, friends, and supporters, NAMIWalks events create a welcoming space where everyone can show that no one walks the mental-health journey alone.
What is shred the stigma?
Hosted by NAMI, the Better Business Bureau Serving Northwest Ohio, and in partnership with AccuShred, Shred the Stigma is a collaborative community aimed to promote both mental-health awareness and consumer protection.
The event combines free document shredding—helping individuals safely dispose of sensitive papers to prevent identity theft—with resources, education, and conversations that encourage people to break down the stigma surrounding mental health. By pairing practical protection with meaningful awareness, Shred the Stigma creates a safe, supportive space where community members can take care of their well-being in more ways than one.
ScamGuard workshop series
Everyone knows scams steal money and personal information, but they can also trigger mental health problems like depression—especially for seniors. Senior ScamGuard equips older adults and their caregivers to recognize, resist, and report scams in an increasingly online world. 100+ presentations every year across NW Ohio and SE Michigan. Click Here to see upcoming events or schedule a presentation.
scam awareness & fraud prevention
digital & Tech safety
Community
Education
Independence &
Aging-in-place
Military & Veterans
The BBB Military & Veterans Initiative teaches area service members, veterans, and their families to identify scams and make smart financial decisions—protecting their money, their benefits, and their peace of mind. We also support a variety of local programs helping veterans facing PTSD and other post-discharge mental health challenges.
About the Scamguard workshop series
It’s no secret that older adults are frequently targeted for scams. Modern technology like social media, texting, auto-calls, and email lets fraudsters steal from people at a scale never seen before. Everyone is at risk but seniors are particularly vulnerable because they often lack robust support networks and don’t always know how the latest technology can be used to trick them.
Education is the key. When seniors are educated about scams, they become well-equipped to resist and a valuable family and community resource to teach others! Senior ScamGuard educates our older population and their caregivers to foster dignity, independence, and aging-in-place, providing over 90 in-person presentations each year across northwestern Ohio and southeastern Michigan.
All presentations and programs are free, as are the handout materials.
- Telephone & text scams
- Gift cards scams
- Internet scams (credit card and online purchase scams)
- Fake charity scams
- Grandparent Scams
- Free “trial offers” (medicines and remedies)
- Sweepstakes/lottery
- Cat phishing/dating
- Caller ID/AI and algorithms
About the Senior military & veterans program
The BBB Institute for Marketplace Trust aims to empower service members, veterans, and their families with financial readiness and scam-prevention education. Equipping BBB community outreach professionals and certified financial counselors with specialized training so they can deliver monthly, in-person and virtual workshops tailored to the military community.
how do donations help?
Donations to the ScamGuard Workshop Series support free scam-prevention education for older adults and their caregivers. Contributions fund in-person presentations, outreach, and educational materials that help seniors recognize fraud, stay independent, and protect themselves from financial harm.
The Scholarship Factory
The Scholarship Factory is a dynamic new initiative designed to empower students who demonstrate exceptional integrity, character, and drive. Through a diverse range of giving options, we invite donors to invest in the future of education by supporting scholarships that reflect their personal values and philanthropic goals.
Named Scholarships
Donors may establish personalized scholarships tailored to criteria such as field of study, geographic region, or specific student characteristics (e.g., first-generation college students). Because these awards require additional customization and administration, The Scholarship Factory includes a 25% administrative fee above the scholarship amount. For example, a $1,250 gift funds a $1,000 scholarship.
General Scholarship Fund
This flexible fund supports scholarships for students who exemplify integrity, as demonstrated through video essays and other competitions that highlight their commitment to positive change and leadership. Each year, 95–100% of donations to this fund are awarded directly as scholarships.
Endowment Fund
For donors seeking a long-term, sustainable impact, our Endowment Fund is designed to build principal that generates investment returns for future scholarships. 100% of all contributions are added to the Endowment principal. Funds will remain invested until the Endowment reaches $250,000, at which point 50% of annual investment returns will be transferred to the General Scholarship Fund to support yearly awards—creating a growing, perpetual source of opportunity.