Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
Yes. Nominations and registrations for the 2026 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 2026 Geelong Business Excellence Awards.
You do not need to be nominated to enter the program.
Entries for the 2026 Geelong Business Excellence Awards open on May 7.
We have made some exciting changes for 2026 including the reduced amount of categories and a simpler process for entrants.
Entrants will now focus on specific areas of excellence rather than their entire business. Most submissions will include:
– A short Business Summary
– One category question (max. 500 words)
More information on how to enter and the list of categories will be available late April.
Please note: You do not need to be nominated to enter.
Entries for the 2026 Geelong Business Excellence Awards program on May 1
Entries close at 4pm on Friday 10 July.
We encourage all entries, Business, Leaders and Entrepreneurs, to attend the 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.
Save the date:
Wednesday 13 May
10.00am – 11.00am
Online.
The recording will be made available.
Register your details here to receive updated information.
Click Here to understand who is eligible to enter the awards.
Entries for the 2026 Geelong Business Excellence Awards open 1 May.
More information will be available soon.
The word count for each category is 500 words.
Entering the 2026 Geelong Business Excellence Awards (GBEA) has never been easier.
We’ve simplified the entry process so businesses and individuals can spend less time writing and more time showcasing what sets them apart — while still celebrating excellence across the Geelong business community.
More information will be available soon.
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.
We have simplified the entry process for businesses, leaders and entrepreneurs to enter the awards. Entrants will now focus on specific areas of excellence rather than their entire business.
This makes the process quicker for entrants and ensures submissions are clearer and more focused from the outset. As a result, the Review Judging process will not be required.
We encourage entrants to attend or view the Information Session.
Save the date:
Wednesday 13 May
10.00am – 11.00am
Online.
The recording will be made available.
Register your details here to receive updated information.
Entries for the 2026 Geelong Business Excellence Awards 4pm, 10th of July 2026.
No. Entries will not be accepted by mail or email. The entry must be submitted online. The link will be available when entries open May 7.
No. The awards are free to enter.
Entries for the 2026 Geelong Business Excellence Award open 7 May. You do not need to be nominated to enter.
More information will be available soon.
No.
Entering the 2026 Geelong Business Excellence Awards (GBEA) has never been easier.
We’ve simplified the entry process so businesses and individuals can spend less time writing and more time showcasing what sets them apart — while still celebrating excellence across the Geelong business community.
More information will be available soon.
More information will be available soon.
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.
More information will be available soon.
There will be an Awards Presentation evening in late October where all winners will be announced and acknowledged.
Tickets will be available to purchase in August 2026.
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 2026.
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.