Know a business doing great work? Learn how to nominate a small business for the 2026 Telstra Best of Business Awards. It’s a quick, free and simple way to show your support.
2025 Telstra Best of Business Awards celebrations
Behind every small business is a story, and an extraordinary person taking risks to fulfil their dreams. The Telstra Best of Business Awards celebrates Australia’s small and medium-sized businesses. The great news is that you can be part of it.
Anyone can nominate a business in just a few minutes. It might be your own business, one you work for, or just a business you love. Show your support and give them a boost by nominating them today.
There’s still time to nominate a business you think is making a difference for the 2026 Telstra Best of Business Awards. Nominations close 5pm AEST, 28 July 2026.
Small businesses play a vital role in Australia’s economy. They contribute to local communities and shape industries in practical ways. But recognition doesn’t always happen automatically. Business owners are often more focused on running their business, than seeking recognition.
An award nomination from a customer, employee or partner is an easy way to acknowledge the hard work of the people behind a business. It sends a message that they’re admired and could encourage them to enter.
Nominating a business is less about winning awards and more about recognition. It can:
Past participants have shared how the awards experience helped them reflect on their business journey and progress they’ve made.
As an organisation, we've learned that we've actually come a long way and we are making a real difference.
Craig Doran – Founder and CEO, Comtrac,
2025 Telstra Best of Business Awards National Winner
Explore how a clear customer value proposition helped Comtrac grow.
Your nomination could help build the confidence of a business you admire to enter and discover the benefits of business awards.
Anyone can nominate a business by completing the short online nomination form. You don’t need to be a business owner. Customers, employees and community members can nominate a business they believe deserves recognition.
There’s no cost to nominate, and the process only takes a few minutes. Business owners can also nominate themselves.
To nominate a business for the Telstra Best of Business Awards:
If you need help, call 1800 AWARDS (1800 292 737) or go to contact us.
After you nominate a business, they’re notified by email. It’s up to them if they want to enter the Telstra Best of Business Awards.
They’ll be given more information to check their eligibility and guidance to help them decide whether to enter.
For those who continue, the program can help open new opportunities for their future.
It's not just recognising what we've done before, it's looking forward to the future and it's opening doors.
Justin Manton – Founder and Managing Director, Li-ion Energy,
2025 Telstra Best of Business Awards National Winner
Even if they decide not to enter the Telstra Best of Business Awards this year, they may consider it later. For some business owners, simply being nominated can brighten their day.
A nomination offers a business you love recognition, whether they choose to enter the Awards or not. It signals to business owners that their work is valued and can provide important encouragement during busy or challenging periods.
For business leaders looking to the future, award winner stories can be inspiring as they reflect on their own ambitions.
This is going to change the trajectory of Rahma's journey forever and it will truly accelerate our progress and accelerate our ability to reach community - it's amazing.
Dr Naba Alfayadh – Founder, Rahma Health,
2025 Telstra Best of Business Awards Business of the Year
Learn how Rahma Health sees growth as a social responsibility.
If there’s a business you value, nominating them is a simple way to show your support.
Nominations for the 2026 Telstra Best of Business Awards close at 5pm AEST 28 July 2026, so nominate a business you love today.
You might admire a local business that offers services or products you rely on. Or you could nominate a growing company that you’re impressed with. You can nominate more than one business so consider the benefits of entering business awards and don’t hold back.
Anyone can nominate a business for the Telstra Best of Business Awards. It could be your own business or a business you admire. You just need to complete the short online nomination form.
No. It’s completely up to the business that’s nominated whether they choose to enter the Telstra Best of Business Awards.
Yes. You can nominate as many businesses as you like by completing the short online nomination form.
To nominate a business, you will need to know the business name, their website address and have a contact email address for them. You’ll also need to provide your own name and email address.
Inspirational founder stories celebrating success and sharing inspiration from small and medium businesses recognised as Telstra Best of Business Awards finalists and winners.
Whether it's your own business or one you admire, now's your chance to celebrate the most extraordinary of Australian small and medium-sized businesses.
Nominations close 5pm AEST Tuesday, 28 July 2026.
