How our awards work - judging

Our judging process

Integrity, equality and inclusivity are the guiding principles which underpin the Telstra Best of Business Awards judging process.

What our judges look for

Our diverse panel of judges work diligently to ensure the winners in each category are contributing to Australia’s economic, social and cultural prosperity.

Economic sustainability

Makes sound financial decisions and manages cash flow effectively
Is profitable over a period and can articulate potential profits
Sustains goals and purpose over a period and can outline potential future impact
Has proven examples of achieving mission-critical goals and objectives
Considers competitor behaviours and how to counteract them
Has examples of how they’ve found better ways to reach new markets
Exceeds customer expectations and delivers brilliant experiences

Operational effectiveness and technology adoption

Harnesses technology in innovative ways to move the business forward
Pivots to adapt to market changes
Has developed new internal processes, production or services to operate more effectively
Takes a creative approach to solving customer problems
Tenaciously pushes the boundaries to maintain success

Progressive leadership and culture

Has a visionary, future-facing business strategy
Takes a courageous approach to risk, and adapts when necessary
Fosters internal team culture by celebrating innovation, collaboration and diversity
Invests in employee development and growth
Is committed to reducing bias of any kind at any level and approaches hiring accordingly
Proactively engages with diverse groups to understand different perspectives and apply them to their business
Approaches customer feedback as an asset and uses it to enhance the business

Social and community contribution

Purposefully contributes to the wellbeing of the communities they serve, or society in general
Promotes the importance of social impact internally, and demonstrates this externally
Provides or contributes measurable value to their communities or society
Behaves and operates in a transparent and ethical manner

We focus on the positive impacts made by small and medium business

For businesses entering these categories, judges will be looking for all the ways they've helped move Australia forward.

Positive and sustainable impact

Is proactively finding solutions for a prevalent problem, gap or need
Understands the overall significance of their service, product, solution or contribution
Has a plan to achieve their vision for change or progress
Can produce measurable evidence of how they’ve contributed to a key issue within their chosen category
Creates a visible difference, provides value or delivers a marked effect on people, communities or industries
Has created a legacy of positive impact that is sustained and will stand the test of time
Possesses the scalability and growth potential to increase their impact or contribution

Thought leadership and innovation

Takes an innovative approach to forge new paths and create progress for the category
Uses creative and strategic thinking to solve problems and overcome barriers for their chosen challenge
Challenges the status quo by celebrating and fostering fresh thinking in a way that demonstrably inspires others

Commitment and perseverance

Purposefully seeks to motivate, create and affect positive change or progress
Shows passion and courage in achieving their current and future goals
Tenaciously approaches and overcomes any challenge

Advice from our judges

Get insights and pro tips from the judges of the Telstra Best of Business Awards to help you on your business journey.

Explore Behind the Panel for more insights

Behind the Panel

What makes award-winning businesses stand out

What do Telstra Best of Business Awards Winners have in common? Go Behind the Panel to discover the judges’ views on five key traits that help businesses thrive.

5 minute read · 18 November 2025
Behind the Panel

How successful businesses live their purpose, inside and out

Go Behind the Panel with judges from the Telstra Best of Business Awards for insights on how purpose and impact work together to help fuel long-term business success.

6 minute read · 01 December 2025
Behind the Panel

How small businesses turn constraints into creativity to win

Go Behind the Panel with judges from the Telstra Best of Business Awards for insights on how top businesses turn pressure into innovation, and constraints into long-term strength.

6 minute read · 05 December 2025

Our program dates

Our 2026 Program

Stay tuned for the announcement of our 2026 program dates.

Nominations open

All year round

We accept nominations all year round. If you know an exceptional business moving Australia forward, nominate them today.

Nominate now