You can nominate any business you believe is making a difference and deserves recognition, even your own. If you’ve been nominated, be sure to check the eligibility criteria for each award category before entering.
Absolutely. If your business meets the eligibility criteria outlined in our application process, you’re welcome to self-nominate.
Congratulations! Keep an eye on your inbox for an email that contains all the details on how to join the Awards program and just follow the instructions. For any urgent questions not covered here, call 1800 AWARDS, Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm (AEDT).
No. If you've been nominated, but feel the Awards aren't for you right now, that's OK. If you know who nominated you, feel free to reach out and thank them for their support.
Once a business is nominated, we contact them by email with an invitation to enter the Awards program. There's no further action required from the person who made the nomination.
No. The number of nominations a business receives has no bearing on their success.
No. Nominating and entering Telstra Best of Business Awards is free.
Any business that is making a difference and deserves recognition. Before you enter, make sure to check the eligibility criteria for the award categories.
The Awards program runs from March to November 2025. Refer to our application process to review important dates and approximately how long each of the four entry stages take.
Anyone from within your business can help you. Use your business subject matter experts to your advantage. If you outsource aspects of your business such as accountancy or marketing, you can use their contributions too.
Each of our award categories have been designed to ensure inclusivity with options for every type of small and medium-sized business. Consider categories that align with your business values and purpose.
Read our alumni stories to help give you an idea of the type of businesses that have won previously.
If you're still unsure, consider discussing the options with your staff. Otherwise, contact our Awards team.
As many as you like. We encourage you to explore our award categories and choose the category or categories that best reflect your business.
Yes! As each of your entries is judged independently, it's possible. Ensure you tailor each entry to the award category you decide to enter.
Yes. Every question must be answered to validate your entry (or entries). Answer questions carefully and be sure to highlight every business achievement. Our judges will refer to your answers throughout the judging process.
If you find the financial questions tricky, the registered accountant for your business can help. Entries are only valid if all questions are accurately answered. Please remember, if you're a successful entrant, we will ask your accountant to verify all submitted finances.
Of course! Telstra Best of Business Awards welcomes NGOs, and charities with open arms.
Absolutely. Telstra Best of Business Awards has been designed to cater to most small and medium businesses, and sole traders are an essential part of this group.
Yes. If you own more than 60 percent of the business, have been operating for at least 12 months and your franchisor is an Australian-owned company not listed on the ASX, you're eligible.
You will be invited to enter the Awards when you are nominated and Stage 1 entries open. You can nominate yourself or be nominated by someone else. Once you receive a nomination, keep an eye out for an email that tells you how to set up your Awards Hub profile and begin your entry.
Once entries open on Monday 3 March 2025, submit your entry (or entries) via the Awards Hub. As you complete each section, you'll be prompted to save and submit it.
Yes. A Profit and Loss Statement is required for Stage 3 of your entry.
All personal and sensitive information contained in your entry submissions are treated in accordance with our Privacy Statement. This information and your responses to the entry forms will be used for judging interviews and may be shared with our related entities, business partners or other third parties we engage for the purposes of the Awards.
For ambitious businesses, there's much to learn and experience. Discover how your business can benefit and gain valuable insights from our alumni stories.
For our terms of entry for the Telstra Best of Business Awards, please view our official Terms and Conditions.
Unfortunately not. You only have one chance to record your official submission.
There's a practice feature built into the Awards Hub. We highly recommend you take advantage of it.
If you're experiencing technical difficulties, we may be able to help. Contact us if you need help
The pitch pack details are provided on the Awards Hub. All you need to do is answer the questions and upload supporting information in your preferred format.
Submit your pitch pack on the Awards Hub. Once completed, simply save and submit.
All files can be easily uploaded on the Awards Hub, using the attach file function. If you have trouble, call us on 1800 AWARDS, Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm (AEDT).
Our judges are a diverse panel of business luminaries and academics with deep industry experience. They’re passionate advocates for small and medium businesses who volunteer their time to participate in the judging process.
If you become a State Finalist, you’re automatically added to our alumni community of Australia’s best and brightest business minds.
That's what we're here for! Please contact our Awards Team or call us on 1800 AWARDS Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm (AEDT).