Frequently Asked questions
Can I nominate a business to enter?
Business nominations for 2020 have now closed. Nominations for 2021 will be available soon.
You do not need to be nominated to enter the program.
You can encourage businesses to enter the program after this date. Your show of support will no doubt make their day!
Can I nominate a business leader or young entrepreneur?
Yes. You can nominate up until Wednesday, 29 April 2020.
Please note: You do not need to be nominated to enter the program. Entries need to be submitted by 24 July 2020, 4pm.
How does it work?
Entry Criteria for Businesses and Individuals will be available in early 2021.
Once you have developed answers to each of the questions, you are then required to upload your PDF document online.
Businesses and Business leaders do not need to be nominated to enter the Geelong Business Excellence Awards.
Your entry submission response is to be based on the period 1 April 2020 to the 31 March 2021.
When are entries open and close?
Entries open on 26 February 2021.
Further dates will be made available by December 2020.
How do I know if I or my business are eligible to enter?
Click Here to understand who is eligible to enter the awards.
Who is eligible to enter the awards?
Click here to understand the reasons why you should enter.
How do I enter the Awards?
More information on how to enter for 2021 will be made available by December 2020.
Entries must be completed in accordance with the terms and conditions and received by the closing date to be considered as an award entrant.
What is the word count?
The word count is strictly 2500 words. If you exceed the word count, your entry will be ineligible.
Can I get assistance in completing the awards criteria?
Yes. View the Writer’s workshops online to get assistance or feedback from the judges.
First year entrants are welcome to send their written entry to the awards team for initial feedback from our appointed reviewers. These entries must be submitted at least 1.5 weeks prior to the closing date.
Can I mail or email my entry?
No. Entries will not be accepted by mail or email.
Are there any fees to enter the Geelong Business Excellence Awards?
No. The awards are free to enter.
How do we enter our business?
To participate in the business awards, click here to understand the process.
To participate in the individual awards, click here to understand the process.
Do all the questions have to be answered?
Yes please. The Judges score each answer individually and the entries are often referred back to during the awards process. You should therefore consider all questions carefully, and ensure to detail all your business achievements.
What happens after I enter?
For the Business Entrants, judges will review all entries and select the finalists for each category. Each finalist is required to undertake a site tour for further judging. Site tours will commence from the 25 May to 29 June.
For Individual Entrants, judges will review all entries and select the finalists. All finalists will be required to sit an interview on Friday 21 August 9.00am to 5.00 pm.
All finalists, families and networks are invited to the Virtual Event to be held on Thursday 15 October 2020 at 7pm.
Will all entries become finalists?
No. Judges will eliminate entries based on areas such as an incomplete entry, exceeding word count, inability to meet the awards criteria or unsuitable eligibility requirements.
How do I know if I have been selected as a finalist?
You will be notified by the Awards team if you become a finalist. The awards team will then book in a site visit time or interview.
How do I know if I become a winner?
At the Virtual Event on Thursday 15 October 2020, all winners will be announced and acknowledged.
Can I enter both Business Leader of the Year and Young Entrepreneur of the Year categories?
Yes, you can.
Do I need to be affiliated with an awards sponsor to enter?
No. This will not affect the judging process.
Can an entrant win more than one award?
Yes. It’s possible that any given business could win multiple awards.
What type of photos do I need to upload?
Business Entrants: It’s important that we have news-ready photos, should we promote your business. You will need to supply us with minimum of 1 High Resolution (minimum 1 MB or larger) JPEG images.
Individual Entrants: You will need to supply us with 1 High Resolution Colour profile photo (minimum 1 MB or larger, JPEG format).
JUDGING
Who judges the entries?
Representatives from a variety of industries and associations who have experience or an understanding of businesses are involved in the judging of all entries.
The judges will treat all entry information professionally and sign confidentiality agreements before judging commences.
Click here to view the judging panel for 2020.
What do the Judges look for in an entry?
Our judges are looking for concise answers that are relevant, accurate and honest.
They are wanting to get an understanding of the business principles, philosophies and practices.
For example: Describe your plans and visions for the future. How did your business become successful?
virtual event
How do I purchase tickets to the Virtual Event?
The Virtual Event will be a free event held virtually and accessible for everyone.
How do I watch the Virtual Event?
More information on how to watch the event will be made available soon. Register here to get the latest information
Who should I bring to the Virtual Event?
Bring staff members and use the evening as a thank you and celebration. Bring suppliers because, like your staff, you need them to operate. Most importantly, bring your family as they are your rock during the good times and bad.