Business of the year
This award recognises a business that demonstrates achievements and excellence over and above all other entrants. This award will be judged by a panel of three judges, each of whom has not judged any other award entries
How it’s won
The Business of the Year award is our highest honour, recognising the organisation that demonstrates outstanding performance across multiple award categories.
This prestigious title is determined by the cumulative points earned throughout the evening, based on results across all award categories. Businesses that win or place in individual categories—such as Outstanding Business Leader and others—contribute to their overall score.
The business with the highest total points at the end of the night will be crowned Business of the Year.
Eligibility
Business of the Year is open to winners of the following categories:
- Excellence in International Business
- Employer of Choice – 20 Employees and Under
- Employer of Choice – 21 Employees and Over
- Excellence in Innovation
- Outstanding Sustainability
- Excellence in Diversity & Inclusion
- Excellence in Micro Business
- Excellence in Small Business
- Excellence in Medium Business
- Excellence in Large Business
To maximise your chances, we strongly encourage you to enter as many relevant categories as possible and submit high-quality, compelling entries that showcase the full strength of your business.
The judges are looking for
Evidence of a strategic approach
Awareness of your marketplace & industry
Measurable goals, outcomes and quantifiable results
Financially, well managed, sound business
Passion and enthusiasm – sense of humour
Structured and easy to read submission
A business deserving of being recognised
An example to others
Before you proceed:
- Please reference the Rules of Entry via the entry portal
- Check the eligibility criteria at the top of the category you wish to enter
Information you need to know
- All winners in the following categories progress through Local and Regional Awards to State Awards
- Your business is required to operate in the Lismore LGA at the time of entry, judging and the Awards ceremony on the 1st of August 2026.
- The qualifying period is the 2025 calendar year i.e. January to December 2025. Questions referring to the past 12 months should cover this period. Questions relating to the past 24 months cover the period between January 2024 – December 2025.
- All submissions are subject to a strict word count limit. The maximum word count for each question is specified directly under the question itself. You will be unable to write more than the set word count limit.
- We encourage you to draft your entry in a Word document, then upload the finalised version to the Business NSW portal. All submissions must be uploaded to the award portal to qualify for entry.
- Your entry may be edited until the closing time of 5.00pm on 10th June 2026. However, once you click SUBMIT, your entry cannot be edited.
- All questions must be answered, and criteria addressed.
- Ensure your answers are clear and concise. Avoid using jargon and acronyms.
- Refrain from repeating the same content and validate all statements and claims with supporting evidence.
- Ensure your entries are proofread carefully – check for spelling, grammatical and typographical errors.
- NOTE: The submission deadline is final. NO EXTENSIONS will be provided. The Business NSW portal will automatically prevent submissions being entered after the deadline has passed.
- We strongly urge you to get your submission in well before the closing date!
