The Awards process at a glance
The Telstra Best of Business Awards follow a clear, step‑by‑step process.
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Nominate a business
Put a business forward for the Awards. This can be your own business or someone else’s.
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Check eligibility
After your business is nominated, you can check eligibility anytime and confirm it in the Awards Hub when entries open.
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Choose an award category
Choose the one award category that best reflects your business and its impact.
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Complete your entry
Answer guided questions in the Awards Hub and submit your entry for judging.
Before you get started
Before you begin, here are a few key things to know about how the Awards work.
- Nominating and applying are different steps.
- A business must be nominated before it can apply.
- Eligibility is only checked if you choose to continue and start an entry.
- Applying only happens when entries are open.
- An awards program is a specific awards cycle, with its own entry period and dates. Program details are shared when each awards program is announced.
Nominate vs applying – what’s the difference?
Nominate
Nominating puts a business forward for the Telstra Best of Business Awards.
It can be your own business or one you admire, and is a way to recognise a business for what it does.
A business can be nominated at any time.
Apply (your entry)
Applying happens later when entries open.
If your business has been nominated, you can choose whether to continue by completing and submitting an entry for judging.
This includes:
- checking eligibility
- choosing one award category
- answering the entry questions.
Detailed steps in the awards process
The sections below explain each step in more detail, including what to expect and helpful tips along the way.
Step 1: Nominate a business
Nominating puts a business forward for the Telstra Best of Business Awards.
- Nominating can be done at any time.
- No category selection required.
- No entry questions to complete.
Once nominated, the business will be notified when entries open and can decide whether to continue.
Step 2: Check eligibility
You can review the eligibility requirements at any time to understand whether a business is likely to be eligible.
If you've been nominated and you choose to continue when entries are open, you’ll complete and submit an eligibility check in the Awards Hub. This is where eligibility is formally confirmed before you proceed with an entry.
Step 3: Choose an award category
After eligibility is confirmed, choose one category for your business.
There are four award categories:
- Change
- First Nations
- Growth
- Innovation
Each business can enter one award category only.
Step 4: Complete and submit your entry
Complete your entry by answering guided questions in the Awards Hub.
You can save your progress and come back any time during the entry period, so you don't need to do it all in one sitting.
When you’re ready, submit your entry for judging.
What happens after you submit
Once you submit your entry, it will be assessed based on the information you’ve provided and how well it aligns with your chosen category.
If your business progresses, you’ll be contacted with next steps. This may include follow‑up questions or interviews to better understand your business and its impact. You’ll be guided through what to do and given time to prepare.
What judges look for
Judges assess your entry to understand how your business is performing, the impact it’s making and how it aligns with your chosen category.
They consider factors such as:
- economic sustainability
- operational and technological effectiveness
- leadership and culture
- community and social contribution
- positive and sustainable impact
- category alignment.
Clear examples and evidence in your entry will help judges understand your business.
FAQs
You can nominate any Australian small or medium-sized business making a meaningful difference, including your own business.
No. You don’t need to choose a category at nomination.
If you decide to proceed, you'll select one award category when you complete your entry.
If your business has been nominated, you'll answer a short set of guided eligibility questions when you start an entry in the Awards Hub.
These confirm that your business meets the entry requirements and that the category you're applying for is the right fit.
Entries open at specific times during each awards program. If your business has been nominated, you'll be notified via email when entries open.
Need help?
Have a question?
Find answers to common questions about eligibility, categories and completing your entry.
Contact the Awards team
Speak with our Awards team or call 1800 AWARDS (1800 292 737), Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm (AEST).
Eligibility requirements
Review the eligibility criteria to confirm your business meets the entry requirements.