2026 AWARDS TIMELINE

CELEBRATING RESILIENCE, PASSION, HARDWORK AND GLOBAL EXCELLENCE, GUIDED BY THE MANTRA "YOU ARE ENOUGH"

01.

Submission

July 12 - Sept 04 2026

Haven’t shared your story yet? Now’s the time!

02.

WINNERS: Public Announcement via Social Media & Email

Sept 25 2026

All winners will be announced across our social media platforms and via email.

03.

Media Package Distribution

Oct 2 2026

Award badges and other assets will be distributed to the winners.

04.

Deadline to Request Plaque or Hardware

Oct 02 - Nov 17 2026

(disclaimer: design, shipping & handling 1 month window)

Winners can request their award plaques or hardware and have them shipped for a third-party fee.

AWARD CATEGORIES

YOUR HUMBLE BEGINNING STORY MATTERS!
6 CATEGORIES - 1 WINNER EACH

Recognizing companies and small businesses that have excelled in innovation, productivity, customer service, growth, and overall impact.

Honoring trailblazing women making waves in leadership, business, advocacy and social change.

Celebrating visionaries who are shaping culture through art, fashion, music, sports, entertainment, culinary arts, design work, academia, media, and storytelling.

Spotlighting individuals and organizations making a lasting impact by generously giving their time, raising awareness and contributing through meaningful gestures within their communities and ecosystems, both locally and abroad.

Recognizing pioneers and leaders who are breaking barriers and redefining success across their personal lives, professional work, and community contributions.

Highlighting dedicated professionals driving change in public service.

SUBMISSIONS ARE OPEN

VETTING & CRITERIA

FORGET THE NORM, DO THINGS DIFFERENTLY!

The awards, curated by Humble Beginning Stories's Founder, leverage over 25 years of personal and professional expertise (co-founder of International Awards Accreditation – an independent team). As the 2023 recipient of the Canadian Volunteer Awards (Business Leader Category given by the Prime Minister OF CANADA: first Ghanaian-Canadian in History to Receive this Award) and a judge for renowned platforms like CASE Awards, COLLISION Awards, Telly Awards, Canadian SME Awards and Canadian Volunteer Awards, the Founder brings a wealth of experience shaped by global travel, volunteerism, education, and a dynamic career. Below are the criteria and format the founder will use to select the winners.