The Geelong Business Excellence Awards are back for 2026 and this year brings an exciting new approach designed to make it simpler, more accessible, and more impactful than ever before.
Nominations are now open!
This is your opportunity to recognise the businesses, leaders, and entrepreneurs who are making a real difference; the ones raising the bar, supporting our community, and driving our region forward.
✨ What’s new for 2026?
We’ve listened to our business community and made some important changes:
- Fewer, more focused categories – recognising true excellence across key areas
- Simplified entry process – making it easier and faster for businesses and departments to enter
- Expanded reach – any business from the LGAs of Geelong, Surfcoast, Bannockburn, Bellarine, Colac Otway and Queenscliff can enter
No lengthy submissions. No complicated process. Just a chance to showcase what makes your business, leader, or team exceptional.
You can now nominate your own business or another. We are looking for businesses that deserve to be recognised for:
- Business of the Year – Which business is setting the benchmark for success?
- Customer Experience & Service – Who’s redefining what great service feels like?
- Financial & Operational – Who is running a tight ship and delivering outstanding results?
- Marketing & Brand Impact – Which brand is cutting through and getting noticed?
- Environment & Sustainability – Which business is leading the way to a greener future?
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion – Who’s building a workplace where everyone belongs?
- Healthy, Safe & Wellbeing – Who is creating a workplace where people genuinely feel safe and supported?
- Employer of Choice – Which organisation stands out as a place people love to work and grow?
- Outstanding Growth – Who is achieving impressive growth and setting the pace in their industry?
- Innovation, Technology & Digital – Who is thinking differently and leading with smart, future-focused solutions?
- Community & Social Impact – Who’s making a meaningful difference where it matters most?
- Leader of the Year – Who is leading from the front and inspiring others to succeed?
- Entrepreneur of the Year – Who is turning big ideas into bold success stories?
Whether you’re nominating someone else or putting your own name forward, this is your moment to be part of something special.
👉 Nominate today and help us celebrate the very best of our business community.
Entries officially open on Thursday 14 May – so now is the perfect time to get involved and build momentum.
We can’t wait to see the incredible stories that emerge in 2026.
Register to receive regular updates and to be notified when entries open.