How it works

The application process.

If your small to medium-sized business is eligible, you can be nominated (or nominate yourself) to enter the Telstra Best of Business Awards. Once nominated, the next step is to set up a profile and enter Stage 1, which is often a valuable learning experience in itself.

The fundamentals.

The Telstra Best of Business Awards are comprised of 3 stages, designed to assess your relevant real world business expertise against category criteria. Your businesses will be assessed at each Stage in order to progress to the next.

Key dates for the 2024 Awards program.

Nominations

Nominations close 5 May 2023. If you miss this date, you can still nominate in advance for next year’s program.

Stage 1

Entries close 17 May 2023. If you’ve been nominated, you need to complete your profile and enter Stage 1 by this date.

Stages 2 & 3

Successful Entrants will progress through additional stages in May, July and September. Details for your state will be available in the Hub.

National Awards Experience

The National Awards Experience will run from 12–14 February 2024, involving events over 3 days concluding with the National Gala Dinner.

To enter

To begin, set up your Award Hub profile and complete Stage 1 by Wednesday, 17 May 2023, 5pm AEST.

Three stages

There are three, 100% online stages to complete before finalists are announced.

Support all the way

If you experience any difficulty or have any questions, feel free to contact our team on 1800 AWARDS.

State and National Awards

If you win at state level, you’ll go on to compete at national level.

Stage 1: Multiple choice questions

The initial Stage is a straightforward multiple choice assessment about your business and how successful it is. Your total score will determine whether you progress to Stage 2. You will be advised of the outcome of your entry by email.

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Estimated Time:

1-2 hours

Open:

27 March 2023

Close:

17 May 2023, 5pm AEST

Format:

Multiple choice

Assessment Criteria

Economic sustainability

Your business has a proven track record of financial viability anchored by a distinct and successful value proposition.

Operational effectiveness and technology adoption

Your business uses technology effectively to optimise day-to-day operations, drive collaboration and connect with customers.

Progressive leadership and culture

Your business leaders are resilient, empathetic and nurture a diverse workplace with a 'people-first' culture.

Social and community contribution

Your business makes meaningful contributions to, and is involved in, the communities they serve.

Stage 2: Video and written submissions

For this Stage, the goal is to gain a deeper understanding of your business and give you an opportunity to expand on answers in Stage 1.

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Stage 2 gives Judges an opportunity to get to know you and your business, and what makes it successful. Don't worry, you won't be judged on your camerawork or clothing. We'll supply you with some practice questions before you prepare your submission.

Once your Stage 2 assessment is completed, an expert panel will review your submission and score it against the success criteria. Your total score will determine if you'll progress to Stage 3. You will be advised of the outcome of your entry by email.

Estimated Time:

1-2 hours

Open:

23 May 2023

Close:

13 June 2023, 5pm AEST

Format:

Short written response and video submissions

Assessment Criteria

Purpose and vision for the future

Your business has a defined purpose, vision for the future and a strategy to get you there.

Thought leadership and innovation

Your business tackles challenges with a solutions-focussed mindset to ensure positive outcomes.

Making a positive impact or contribution

Your business makes a significant and sustainable impact or contributes to your chosen category.

Commitment and perseverance

Your business is committed long-term to solving, or contributing to your chosen category's goal.

Stage 3: Pitch Pack & Q&A

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Pitch Pack overview

Stage 3 is divided into two parts - Pitch Pack and Q&A. For the Pitch Pack portion, the goal is to understand how you would pitch your business to prospective investors or partners. We will let you know what Judges will be looking for and provide suggestions to guide you through this crucial final piece. You will be advised of the outcome of your entry by email.

Estimated Time:

6-8 hours

Open:

17 July 2023

Close:

4 August 2023, 5pm AEST

Format:

Mixed

Q&A Overview

This 30-minute Q&A session is your opportunity to discuss your submission in further detail with the Judging Panel. The highest scoring businesses in each state will be named State Finalists and, again, you will be advised of the outcome of your entry by email.

Estimated Time:

One scheduled 30min interview

Open:

26 September 2023

Close:

29 September 2023, 5pm AEST

Format:

Online

Assessment criteria

Your communication skills

Concise, relevant, accurate and honest answers.

Your business expertise

An understanding of business principles, philosophies and practices.

Making a positive impact or contribution

Your success story to date, plans and vision for the future.

Proof of your success

Evidence of your business success, positive outcomes and contributions you're making.

Selecting State Winners

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State Winners will be announced at their respective State Awards Nights, happening during late 2023.

Onwards to Nationals

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The remarkable State Winners will go on to represent their state on the national stage where they’ll pitch their businesses to a new panel of judging luminaries. To help them craft their final pitch, they’ll be teamed with an expert presentation and speech coach before being flown to Nationals to present.

Judges will determine this year’s National Winners, including the Business of the Year. These incredible businesses moving Australia forward, will be announced at the exclusive Telstra Best of Business Awards National Gala Dinner. National media will be on hand to capture all the excitement. It’s also an excellent opportunity to mingle and network with Telstra Executives and more of Australia’s brightest business minds.

Have a question?

Try our FAQs or speak with our Award Team. Call 1800 AWARDS Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm (AEDT).

Nominations open all year round.

Nominate an exceptional business moving Australia forward – even your own.

Nominate now