Sterling Awards

OUTSTANDING BUSINESSES WORTH CELEBRATING!

For 39 years the Sterling Awards has embodied the spirit of our organization by celebrating the people and organizations that demonstrate excellence, innovation, and community stewardship, making Scottsdale one of the finest cities in the United States.

Over the years we have honored our city’s best corporate neighbors and brightest rising stars. The Sterling Awards recognize winners in four categories - Micro Business, Small Business, Big Business & Non-Profit. A brief overview of each award category follows.

The Sterling Award for Micro Business recognizes an entrepreneurship or emerging business exhibiting success through innovation, creativity, and collaboration. (1-10 Employees)
The Sterling Award for Small Business recognizes a company demonstrating success through innovation and professionalism, while contributing to the community. (11-75 employees)
The Sterling Award for Big Business recognizes significant contributions to quality of life and the economic fabric of the community. (76 + Employees)
The Sterling Award for Non-Profits recognizes the social, cultural, educational, and economic impact of an organization on its constituents and/or the broader community.

COMPLETE YOUR 2025 STERLING APPLICATION TODAY!

Award Criteria

The Sterling Award recognizes significant contributions to quality of life and the economic fabric of the community. Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria:
• Established for a minimum of three years
• Licensed as a legitimate business or hold a 501 nonprofit tax status in the state of Arizona
• Current member in good standing (for a minimum of 6 months prior to application) of the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce
• 5 years since being awarded as an honoree in this category

Judging and Selection Process

The Sterling Award selection process is among the most credible of all business award competitions in the metro Phoenix area. Following submission, your application will be reviewed by a panel of six (6) judges who will individually score your responses to each question. Judges will use a 10 point grading system for each question, resulting in a cumulative score for each applicant. The three (3) applicants with the highest scores will advance as finalists. Current applicants are not eligible to be a judge. The second phase of the judging process will include an on-site interview during which the judges will visit the finalists’ place of business. Each finalist will have an opportunity to make a formal presentation, conduct a facility tour and respond to additional questions from the judges. This process will result in a second and final set of scores which will determine the Honoree in the category. Honorees will remain confidential until announced on stage at the Sterling Awards Ceremony. All finalists will be recognized at the ceremony along with all video presentations.