Frequently Asked questions
Can I nominate a business to enter?
Yes, you can. Nominations for the 2021 Geelong Business Excellence Awards are now closed. However, you can nominate today for the 2022 program. Click Here to nominate.
Please note: You do not need to be nominated to enter the program.
Can I nominate a business leader or young entrepreneur?
Yes.
Please note: You do not need to be nominated to enter the program.
How does it work?
Entries for the 2021 Geelong Business Excellence Awards program have now closed.
The 2021 Entry criteria for Businesses, Young Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders are available for your reference.
When are entries open and close?
Entries open on 6 May 2021.
Entries Close Friday 16 July at 4.00pm.
Dates for the 2022 program will be available soon.
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?
Entries have now closed for the 2021 Geelong Business Excellence Awards program.
What is the word count?
The word count is strictly 2500 words. If you exceed the word count, your entry will be ineligible.
How big can my attachments be?
The online entry form allows you to upload up to 15MB per attachment.
Can I get assistance in completing the awards criteria?
Entries are now closed for the 2021 Geelong Business Excellence Awards program.
To further understand the program and learn how to write a winning entry. Click onto a recording of an Information Session here
If you are a first time business entrant, you have the opportunity to have your submission reviewed by an appointed review judge.
What is the closing date for entries?
Friday 16 July 2021 at 4.00pm
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?
Entries have now closed for the 2021 Geelong Business Excellence Awards program.
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 9 August to 9 September.
For Individual Entrants, judges will review all entries and select the finalists. All finalists will be required to sit an interview on Friday 13 August 9.00am to 5.00 pm.
All finalists, families and networks are invited to the awards presentation event on Thursday 14 October 2021.
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?
There will be an Awards Presentation evening on Tuesday 19 October 2021 where 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 2021.
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?
presentation event
When is the Presentation Event
Tuesday 19 October 2021. This year will be a virtual awards presentation event.