How our awards work - applications

Applying for Telstra Best of Business Awards

If your small to medium-sized business is eligible, you can be nominated (or nominate yourself) to enter.

Getting started

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 & enter

Set up your Awards Hub profile and complete Stage 1 by 5pm AEST Friday, 26 April 2024.
Pass three stages

There are three online stages to pass before finalists are announced.
Ask for support

We're here for you, every stage of the process. Contact our team on 1800 AWARDS.
State and National Awards

If you win at state level, you’ll go on to compete at national level.

How Awards stages and Finalist selection work

Multiple choice questions

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

Success criteria

Economic sustainability

Your business has a proven track record of financial viability anchored by a distinct and successful value proposition.

Operational and technological effectiveness

Your business uses technology to optimise day-to-day operations, collaborate and connect with customers.

Progressive leadership and culture

Your business leaders are resilient, empathetic and nurture a diverse workplace with a 'people first' culture.

Social and community contribution

Your business makes meaningful contributions to and is involved in the communities it serves.

Top tip

Preparation is everything. If you need more information for your entry, save and return it when you're ready.

Video and written submissions

Stage 2 involves:

seven, 3-4 minute video questions
two written questions

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

Success criteria

Purpose and vision

Your business has a defined purpose, vision for the future and a strategy to get you there.

Thought leadership and innovation

Your business tackles challenges with a solutions-focused mindset to ensure positive outcomes.

Making a positive impact or contribution

Your business makes a significant and sustainable impact or contributes to your chosen award category.

Commitment and perseverance

Your business is committed long-term to solving, or contributing to your chosen award category's goal.

Top tip

Answering questions on camera is easier if there's someone just off camera asking them. Be yourself and relax.

Pitching your business

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

Success criteria

Communication skills

We'll be looking for concise, relevant and honest answers.

Business expertise

We want to see that you understand business principles, philosophies and practices.

Your story and plans

Your success story to date, plans and vision for the future.

Proof of your success

Evidence of your business success, positive outcomes and contributions you're making.

Top tip

Tell a compelling story. We want to know what you do best and the unique things that make your business a success.

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.

About our judging process

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.

About our judging process

Our program dates