Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
Yes. Nominations and registrations for the 2025 Geelong Business Excellence Awards are now open.
Click Here for more information
You do NOT need to be nominated to enter the program.
Yes. Nominations are now open for the 2025 Geelong Business Excellence Awards.
You do not need to be nominated to enter the program.
Click Here to enter the 2025 program.
Entries for the 2025 Geelong Business Excellence Awards open on May 1.
Click here to understand the Business Entry process.
Click here to understand the Individual Entry process.
Please note: You do not need to be nominated to enter.
Entries are now open for the 2025 Geelong Business Excellence Awards program on May 1
Entries close at 4pm on Friday 11 July.
We encourage all entries, Business, Business Leaders and Young Entrepreneurs, to attend an Information Session.
At the Information Session you will:
Hear from past winners & judges as they share their insights and experiences;
Gain valuable tips on how to write a successful submission;
Learn more about the program including key dates and entry criteria;
Discover how participating in the awards can elevate your business profile and drive growth.
Click Here to understand who is eligible to enter the awards.
Entries for the 2025 Geelong Business Excellence Awards open 1 May.
Want to craft a winning entry?
Learn from the best!
Five dynamic info sessions were held both in person and online with past winners and expert judges sharing insider tips, real-life experiences, and proven strategies to help you create a standout submission.
Ready to get the edge?
Click here to understand the Business Entry process.
Click here to understand the Individual Entry process.
The word count is strictly 2500 words. If you exceed the word count, your entry will be ineligible.
The online entry form allows you to upload up to 15MB per attachment.
Attachments are included in the word count. Descriptions to graphs and tables are not included in the word count.
If you are a first-time entrant or have never been a finalist of the business awards (including individual entrants), you are able to email your written entry (word format only) to the awards team for initial feedback from our appointed review judges.
By submitting your entry early for review, you will receive valuable feedback from the judges on how to improve your entry.
This is a complimentary service.
Entries will be accepted from the 2nd of June to 4pm, 30 June 2025. This is a free service.
Email: gbea@geelongchamber.com.au
Once you have received your feedback from the review judges, you will need to formally submit online by the 11th of July, 4pm deadline.
We also encourage all entrants to attend an Information Session. You can find the event link here
Entries for the 2025 Geelong Business Excellence Awards 4pm, 11th of July 2025.
No. Entries will not be accepted by mail or email. The entry must be submitted online.
Click here to enter.
No. The awards are free to enter.
Entries for the 2025 Geelong Business Excellence Award open 1 May. You do not need to be nominated to enter.
Click here to understand the Business Entry process.
Yes. 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.
Please ensure to read the judges tips before entering.
For the 2025 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 11 August to 10 September.
For Individual Entrants, judges will review all entries and select the finalists.
All finalists will be required to sit an interview on Friday 8 August between 9.00am to 5.00 pm.
All finalists, families and networks are invited to the awards presentation event on Thursday 30 October 2025.
Tickets will be available to purchase in August 2025.
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.
All finalists will be announced on this website and social media platforms on Thursday, 31 August 2025.
You will also be notified by the Awards team if you become a finalist. The awards team will then book in a site visit time or interview.
There will be an Awards Presentation evening on Thursday 30th of October 2025 where all winners will be announced and acknowledged.
Tickets will be available to purchase in August 2025.
Yes, you can.
No. This will not affect the judging process.
Yes. It’s possible that any given business could win multiple awards.
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. We prefer photos of your team.
Individual Entrants: You will need to supply us with 1 High Resolution Colour profile photo (minimum 1 MB or larger, JPEG format).
Judging
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.
If any conflicts of interest exist, the judge concerned will not be able to read your entry.
Click here to view the judging panel for 2025.
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?
A winning entry is often one with well-considered answers accompanied with evidence. Ensure to validate your statements by using stats/graphs, industry benchmarks, testimonials etc.
Click here to read the judges tips.