Business awards can be a great boost to your business, both in terms of growth and exposure, giving you a huge advantage over your competitors. Award wins give you a chance to get media coverage, network with industry experts, gain much deserved recognition for all of your business efforts, and build your trust and credibility in your market.
There are a whole lot of excellent business awards you can apply for in Australia. Here are some of the business awards you can apply for in 2022 and 2023 and when entries open:
JUMP TO AWARDS:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is my business ready to enter an award?
If your business has a clear mission, real results, and stories of progress (whether in growth, innovation, impact, customer experience or culture) you’re likely more ready than you think. Awards aren’t only for big brands; they celebrate businesses of all sizes. Even the process of preparing a submission helps clarify your strengths. If you’re unsure, we can assess your readiness and match you with the awards you’re most likely to succeed in.
Why should I outsource the awards process to an expert?
Award submissions are detailed, time-consuming, and highly competitive. Working with an expert saves you hours and significantly improves your chances of success. We know what judges look for, how to shape a compelling narrative, and which awards best suit your goals.
Can you guarantee my business will be a finalist or winner?
No one can guarantee a win (judges are independent) but we can guarantee that your submission will present your strongest possible case. Our methodology, experience and success rate (99% of our clients have been shortlisted or won at least one award) give you the best chance of success.
How do you keep our information private?
Confidentiality is essential to our work. All information is handled securely, and we’re happy to sign NDAs. Your data, financials and internal insights remain strictly private.
Awards & Eligibility
What are the main benefits of winning a business award?
Awards offer powerful third-party validation, instantly strengthening trust with prospective clients, investors, partners and media. Benefits include increased brand credibility, stronger market positioning, improved team morale, and a competitive edge in tenders and sales conversations.
Do I need to be a large business to win a major award?
Not at all. Many programs (including Telstra Best of Business Awards, Australian Small Business Champion Awards and the Local Business Awards) specifically recognise SMEs. Judges care about impact, innovation, and strong evidence, not size.
Why do some awards programs charge entry fees?
Entry fees cover the administration of running an awards program, including judging, auditing, platform management and event delivery. For most businesses it will prove to be a cost-effective investment that delivers long-term credibility and visibility.
Should I enter the same awards every year?
It depends on the award. Some awards will recognise winners year on year, demonstrating consistency and momentum over time. Other awards may prefer to recognise different finalists and winners each year. If you’ve won before, you can enter a different category or highlight your next phase of achievement. If you didn’t win, judges feedback (where provided) offers valuable insights.
Can I use AI tools to help write my award submissions?
Generic AI tools can help you organise information or brainstorm ideas, but they cannot write a winning submission on their own. Judges can spot generic, vague or templated content instantly. Strong submissions require evidence, data, nuance, and storytelling, all based on your real achievements. Generic AI tools work best as a support tool, not a writer.
What makes a submission stand out to judges?
Clear results, strong evidence, a compelling narrative, and alignment with the criteria. Judges want substance, not fluff. The best submissions balance data with storytelling and clearly demonstrate impact.
Can I enter multiple awards in the same year?
Yes. In fact, many businesses run an annual awards program across several local, state, national or international opportunities. A strategic approach ensures your efforts compound rather than overlap.
Working with Green Door Co
What is the process for working with Green Door Co?
We manage the entire process for you:
Award Matching: Identify the best-fit awards and categories.
Strategy: Align submissions with your goals and strengths.
Interviews: Extract insights from your team.
Writing: Craft a tailored, polished, evidence-backed submission.
Project Management: Handle deadlines and lodgement.
You stay focused on running your business while we handle the heavy lifting.
How much does your service cost?
Pricing depends on the number and complexity of submissions. We provide tailored proposals based on your goals. Get in touch to request a personalised quote.
Does awards writing involve ‘spin’?
No. Judges want evidence, not exaggeration. We focus on presenting your real achievements in the strongest, clearest and most compelling way, aligned directly to what the judges are assessing.
How far in advance should I start preparing a submission?
Ideally 3-4 weeks before the deadline. This allows enough time to gather evidence, craft your narrative, and review everything thoroughly. For major programs, earlier is even better.
What happens if I miss a deadline?
Most awards do not accept late submissions. Working with us removes this risk. We track every deadline and manage the entire timeline.
State, National & International Awards
Can I enter state-based awards if my business operates nationally?
Yes. If you have a presence or meaningful impact within a specific state, you’re typically eligible for state-level programs. These can also serve as a strong pathway to national awards.
Are international business awards relevant for Australian companies?
Absolutely. Awards like the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards or International Business Awards offer powerful global visibility. They’re especially valuable if you’re expanding into international markets or seeking global partnerships, but you typically don’t need to export internationally to be eligible.
What’s the difference between a Local Business Award and a State Business Award?
Local Business Awards focus on community contribution and customer service in a specific region, Local Government Area (LGA) or suburban area.
State Awards recognise broader excellence in innovation, strategy, leadership and growth across the entire state.
Can start-ups or early-stage businesses enter awards?
Yes. Many awards celebrate emerging businesses, fast growth, innovation, or impact, even at early stages. As long as you have clear achievements and evidence, you can be highly competitive.
