How our awards work - applications
Applying for Telstra Best of Business Awards
If your small to medium-sized business is eligible, you can be nominated (or nominate yourself) to enter.
Getting started
Telstra Best of Business Awards are comprised of three stages, each designed to assess your real world business expertise against category criteria. Your business will be assessed at each stage, so you can progress to the next.
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Set up & enter
Set up your Awards Hub profile and complete Stage 1 by 5pm AEST Wednesday, 23 April 2025.
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Pass three stages
There are three online stages to pass before finalists are announced.
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Ask for support
We're here for you, every stage of the process. Contact our team on 1800 AWARDS.
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State and National Awards
If you win at state level, you’ll go on to compete at national level.
How Awards stages and Finalist selection work
Multiple choice questions
Stage 1 is a straightforward, multiple choice assessment about your business and how successful it is. Your total score determines whether you progress to Stage 2. We'll advise you of the outcome by email.
Estimated time
1-2 hours
Opens
3 March 2025
Closes
5pm AEST
23 April 2025
Format
Multiple choice
Success criteria
Economic sustainability
Your business has a proven track record of financial viability anchored by a distinct and successful value proposition.
Operational and technological effectiveness
Your business uses technology to optimise day-to-day operations, collaborate 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 it serves.
Video and written submissions
Stage 2 involves:
- seven, 3-4 minute video questions
- two written questions
Our judges want to get to know you and your business and understand what makes it successful. You won't be judged on your camerawork or clothing and we'll give you some practice questions to prepare.
Once your Stage 2 assessment is done, our panel will review your submission and score it against the success criteria. Your total score will determine if you progress to Stage 3. We'll advise you of the outcome by email.
Estimated time
1-2 hours
Opens
30 April 2025
Closes
5pm AEST
20 May 2025
Format
Short written response and video submissions
Success criteria
Purpose and vision
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-focused mindset to ensure positive outcomes.
Making a positive impact or contribution
Your business makes a significant and sustainable impact or contributes to your chosen award category.
Commitment and perseverance
Your business is committed long-term to solving, or contributing to your chosen award category's goal.
Pitching your business
The goal of our final stage is to understand how you would pitch your business to prospective investors or partners.
Stage 3 is structured around what judges will be looking for and we’ll offer suggestions to guide you through this crucial final piece. We'll advise you of the outcome by email.
Estimated time
6-8 hours
Opens
19 June 2025
Closes
5pm AEST
10 July 2025
Format
Business pitch
Success criteria
Communication skills
We'll be looking for concise, relevant and honest answers.
Business expertise
We want to see that you understand business principles, philosophies and practices.
Your story and plans
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.
If you're successful at Stage 3, you'll be asked to attend a 30 minute Q&A with our judging panel to discuss your entry in more detail. The highest scoring businesses in each state will become State Finalists. We'll advise you of the outcome by email.
State Winners will be announced on this website in October.
If you become a State Winner, you will go on to represent your state on the national stage. Here, you’ll pitch your business to a diverse panel of judges, representing backgrounds and businesses from all across Australia.
During the National Experience you'll get to network with past winners, Telstra Executives and Australia’s brightest business minds.
It culminates in the 2025 Telstra Best of Business Awards night of nights, the National Gala Dinner. National media will capture the glamour and excitement as we reveal the top businesses moving Australia forward, along with the Business of the Year.
Our program dates
Nominations open
All year round
We accept nominations all year round. If you know an exceptional business moving Australia forward, nominate them today.
Stage 1
3 March to 23 April 2025
This initial stage is a multiple choice assessment of 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.
Stage 2
30 April to 20 May 2025
For this stage, the goal is to gain a deeper understanding of your business and give you an opportunity to expand on your answers from stage 1.
Need help?
Have a question?
Find answers to your frequently asked questions.
Contact us
Speak with our Awards Team and call 1800 AWARDS Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm (AEDT).
Terms of entry
Ensure you're eligible to enter by viewing our official terms and conditions.