Telstra Best of Business Awards are comprised of three stages, each designed to assess your real world business expertise against category criteria. Your business will be assessed at each stage, so you can progress to the next.
Set up your Awards Hub profile and complete Stage 1 by 5pm AEST Friday, 26 April 2024.
There are three online stages to pass before finalists are announced.
We're here for you, every stage of the process. Contact our team on 1800 AWARDS.
If you win at state level, you’ll go on to compete at national level.
Stage 1 is a straightforward, multiple choice assessment about your business and how successful it is. Your total score determines whether you progress to Stage 2. We'll advise you of the outcome by email.
Estimated time
1-2 hours
Opens
4 March 2024
Closes
5pm AEST
26 April 2024
Format
Multiple choice
Your business has a proven track record of financial viability anchored by a distinct and successful value proposition.
Your business uses technology to optimise day-to-day operations, collaborate and connect with customers.
Your business leaders are resilient, empathetic and nurture a diverse workplace with a 'people first' culture.
Your business makes meaningful contributions to and is involved in the communities it serves.
Stage 2 involves:
Our judges want to get to know you and your business and understand what makes it successful. You won't be judged on your camerawork or clothing and we'll give you some practice questions to prepare.
Once your Stage 2 assessment is done, our panel will review your submission and score it against the success criteria. Your total score will determine if you progress to Stage 3. We'll advise you of the outcome by email.
Estimated time
1-2 hours
Opens
2 May 2024
Closes
5pm AEST
24 May 2024
Format
Short written response and video submissions
Your business has a defined purpose, vision for the future and a strategy to get you there.
Your business tackles challenges with a solutions-focused mindset to ensure positive outcomes.
Your business makes a significant and sustainable impact or contributes to your chosen award category.
Your business is committed long-term to solving, or contributing to your chosen award category's goal.
The goal of our final stage is to understand how you would pitch your business to prospective investors or partners.
Stage 3 is structured around what judges will be looking for and we’ll offer suggestions to guide you through this crucial final piece. We'll advise you of the outcome by email.
Estimated time
6-8 hours
Opens
26 June 2024
Closes
5pm AEST
17 July 2024
Format
Business pitch
We'll be looking for concise, relevant and honest answers.
We want to see that you understand business principles, philosophies and practices.
Your success story to date, plans and vision for the future.
Evidence of your business success, positive outcomes and contributions you're making.
If you're successful at Stage 3, you'll be asked to attend a 30 minute Q&A with our judging panel to discuss your entry in more detail. The highest scoring businesses in each state will become State Finalists. We'll advise you of the outcome by email.
State Winners will be announced on this website in November.
If you become a State Winner, you will go on to represent your state on the national stage. Here, you’ll pitch your business to a diverse panel of judges, representing backgrounds and businesses from all across Australia.
During the National Experience you'll get to network with past winners, Telstra Executives and Australia’s brightest business minds.
It culminates in the Telstra Best of Business Awards night of nights, the National Gala Dinner. National media will capture the glamour and excitement as we reveal the top businesses moving Australia forward, along with the Business of the Year.
Explore our award categories, application process, selection criteria and eligibility.
We accept nominations all year round. If you know an exceptional business moving Australia forward, nominate them today.
Stay tuned for the announcement of our 2025 program dates.
Find answers to your frequently asked questions.
Speak with our Awards Team and call 1800 AWARDS Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm (AEDT).