We're glad you asked.

You can nominate any business you believe is making a difference and deserves recognition - even your own. If you’ve been nominated, make sure to check the eligibility criteria for each category before entering.

You absolutely can. If your business meets the criteria then you’re more than welcome to self-nominate.

Congratulations on your nomination. Keep an eye on your inbox for an email that will tell you how to join the Awards program, please follow the prompts outlined inside. For any urgent questions not covered here, call 1300 AWARDS, Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm (AEST).

No. If you've been nominated, but feel the Awards aren't for you right now, it's ok. If you know who nominated you, feel free to reach out and thank them for their support.

Once a business is nominated, we contact them by email with an invitation to enter the Awards program. There's no further action required from the person who made the nomination.

No. The number of nominations a business might receive has no bearing on their success.

No. Nominating and entering the Telstra Best of Business Awards is completely free.

Any business that is making a difference and deserves recognition. Before you enter, make sure to check the eligibility criteria for that category.

The reimagined Awards program and entry process were developed in the midst of COVID-19 and designed to be an online experience. Activities like judging interviews can all take place online.

We'll monitor the situation closely and decisions will be made as event dates draw near.

If you still have any concerns, please feel free to contact our Awards team.

The Awards program runs from May 2022 to March 2023. Review our key dates and approximately how long each of the 4 entry stages take here.

Anyone from within your business can help you with your entry. Use your business subject matter experts to your advantage. If you happen to outsource aspects of your business such as accountancy or marketing, you're welcome to use their contributions too.

The range of Award Categories has been carefully created to ensure inclusivity with options for every kind of small and medium-sized business. Consider categories that align with your business, values and purpose. 

Read stories from our 2022 program finalists and winners to help give you an idea of the type of small and medium-sized business who have won previously.

If you're still unsure, consider discussing the options with your staff. Otherwise, feel free to contact our Awards team.

As many as you like. We encourage you to select the category or categories that best reflect your business.

Yes you can. As each of your entries gets judged independently, it's definitely a possibility. Ensure each entry is tailored to each category you decide to go for.

Yes. Every question must be answered to validate your entry (or entries). Answer questions carefully, and be sure to highlight every business achievement. Answers will be referred to throughout the judging process.

If you find the financial questions tricky, your business’s registered accountant can help. Entries are only valid if all questions are fully and accurately answered. Please bear in mind, successful entrants will be asked for verification from their accountant that all figures submitted are accurate.

100%, the Telstra Best of Business Awards welcomes NGOs, and charities with open arms.

Absolutely, the Telstra Best of Business Awards have been designed to cater to most small to medium-sized businesses, and sole traders are an essential part of this group.

Yes. If you own more than 60% of the business, have been operating for at least 12 months and your franchisor is an Australian-owned company not listed on the ASX, you are eligible to enter.

You are invited to enter the Awards when you are nominated and Stage 1 entries open. You can nominate yourself or be nominated by someone else. Once nominated, keep an eye on your inbox for an email that will tell you how to set up your Awards Hub profile and begin your entry.

Once entries open on Monday 16 May 2022, submit your entry (or entries) via the Awards Hub. Each section, once completed, will prompt you to save and submit.

Yes. A Profit & Loss Statement is required for Stage 3 of the entry.

All personal and sensitive information contained in your entry submissions are treated in accordance with our privacy statement (available here: https://www.telstra.com.au/privacy). This information and your responses to the entry forms will be used for judging interviews and may be shared with our related entities, business partners or other third-parties that we engage for the purposes of the Awards.

Once submitted, unfortunately not. You only have one chance to record your official submission.

There is a practice feature built into the Awards Hub. It’s definitely worth taking advantage of.

If you can’t complete a video due to technical difficulties, we may be able to help.

The Pitch Pack structure details are provided on the Awards Hub. All you need to do is answer the questions and upload supporting information in your preferred format.

Submit your Pitch Pack on the Awards Hub. Once completed, simply click save and submit.

All files can be easily uploaded on the Awards Hub, using the attach file function. If you have trouble call us on 1800 AWARDS Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm (AEST).

Our Judges are a carefully curated and diverse panel of business luminaries and academics with deep industry experience. They’re all passionate advocates for small to medium-sized businesses who volunteer their time to participate in the judging process.

For ambitious businesses, there is much to learn and experience. Visit our Why Enter page and read our Alumni Stories.

If you become a State Finalist, you’re automatically added to our Alumni community of Australia’s best and brightest business minds.