Frequently Asked questions
Can I nominate a business to enter?
Business nominations have now closed.
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?
Click here to download entry criteria for businesses.
Click here to download entry criteria for individuals.
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 2019 to the 31 March 2020.
When are entries open and close?
Entries open on the 26 February 2020 and you must upload your entry response by the 24 July 2020 by 4pm. There will be no extensions.
In the past, you have been required to provide a hardcopy of your entry. This year, you are only required to upload your entry online.
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?
Click here to enter.
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 no later than the 17 July 2020
What is the closing date for entries?
Entries close 24 July 2020 at 4pm.
Can I mail or email my entry?
No. Entries will not be accepted by mail or email. Please uploaded your entry by clicking here.
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 are invited to the Presentation Dinner to be held on Thursday 15 October 2020 at 6pm at the Pier Geelong.
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 presentation dinner 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?
PRESENTATION DINNER
How do I purchase tickets to the Presentation Evening?
Tickets may be purchased by the Geelong Business Excellence Awards website. Tickets will be on sale from August 2020.
How do I receive the purchased tickets?
Once you have successfully purchased your ticket online, we have then received all your details. You don’t need a physical ticket.
Please ensure to advise any dietary and accessibility requirements of you and your guests. Dietary requirements that are not raised prior to the evening will not be catered for.
Who should I bring to the presentation evening?
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.