Can You Buy a CBRB Award? How CBRB Recognition Actually Works

A common question businesses may have when they first hear from the CBRB Canadian Business Review Board is whether CBRB recognition can simply be purchased.

The answer is no.

Businesses cannot pay CBRB to become selected. A business must first be identified, nominated, or reviewed and meet CBRB's selection standards before it is eligible for recognition. Purchasing an optional package does not determine whether a business is selected.

Selection Comes Before Payment

CBRB separates its business selection process from its optional paid services.

Businesses are reviewed using CBRB's selection process, which may consider factors such as customer satisfaction, online reputation, consumer feedback, professionalism, consistency of service, publicly available business information, business history, and commitment to customers.

Not every business reviewed is selected.

This means a business cannot simply contact CBRB, pay a fee, and automatically receive recognition. Selection must come first.

For a more detailed explanation of the process and criteria, read How Does CBRB Select Businesses?

Is There a Free CBRB Recognition Option?

Yes.

Businesses selected by CBRB are eligible to receive a Standard Digital CBRB Badge at no cost.

This is an important part of understanding how CBRB recognition works. A business does not have to purchase an upgraded package in order to receive its basic digital recognition.

The Standard Digital Badge gives selected businesses a way to display their CBRB recognition online without purchasing additional promotional services.

Why Does CBRB Offer Paid Packages?

CBRB is a private business recognition and promotional organization. In addition to its complimentary Standard Digital Badge, CBRB offers selected businesses optional packages with additional recognition and promotional features.

Depending on the package selected, these services may include enhanced business profiles, physical recognition materials, additional digital materials, social media promotion, and other marketing opportunities.

These packages are optional and are separate from the initial decision to select a business.

A business that chooses not to purchase an upgraded package does not change the fact that it was selected.

Does Paying for a Package Improve a Business's Chances of Being Selected?

No.

Businesses are reviewed and selected before optional packages are offered. Paying for additional services is not part of determining whether a business qualifies for CBRB recognition.

This distinction is fundamental to the CBRB model:

Businesses are reviewed and selected first. Optional promotional services are offered afterward.

CBRB does not offer businesses a way to bypass the review process by paying a fee.

What Happens After a Business Is Selected?

Once a business has been selected, CBRB may contact the business to inform it of the recognition and explain the available options.

The business can choose to receive its complimentary Standard Digital Badge or explore optional packages if it wants additional recognition materials or promotional exposure.

There is no requirement to purchase an upgraded package simply because a business has been selected.

Is CBRB a Pay-to-Win Award?

CBRB does not operate on a model where payment determines who receives initial recognition.

The ability of a selected business to receive a Standard Digital Badge without purchasing a package is an important distinction. Paid packages provide additional products and promotional services; they do not purchase the underlying selection.

For a more detailed discussion of this subject, read Is CBRB a Vanity Award?

Why Transparency Is Important

Businesses should know what an organization is offering before deciding whether to participate.

CBRB is a private business recognition and promotional organization. It is not a government agency, regulatory authority, or the Better Business Bureau.

CBRB believes in clearly distinguishing between the selection of businesses and the optional services available after selection.

Businesses should be able to understand what they have been selected for, what complimentary recognition is available, and what additional services they may choose to purchase.

The Bottom Line

You cannot simply buy a CBRB selection.

Businesses must first be selected through CBRB's business review and selection process. Selected businesses are eligible to receive a Standard Digital CBRB Badge at no cost, with no requirement to purchase an upgraded package.

For businesses that want additional exposure or recognition materials, CBRB offers optional paid packages. Those services are separate from the initial selection decision.

The process can be summarized simply:

Review → Selection → Free Standard Digital Recognition → Optional Paid Upgrades

CBRB recognition begins with selection—not payment.

For more information about CBRB recognition and why selection is separate from optional paid packages, read Is CBRB a Vanity Award? The Facts About CBRB Recognition. 

Explore the CBRB Best Businesses in Canada 2026 Winners in our directory.

Interested in being recognized? Apply to be considered for the CBRB Best Businesses in Canada. 

For more insights on business recognition, credibility, and growth, visit the CBRB blog.