excellence in Innovation
The Excellence in Innovation Award recognises a business that has implemented innovative solutions for new and existing needs through the introduction or improvement of a product, technology, or application that impacts the wider community.
Entry Criteria
Entrants must demonstrate their achievements over the past 12 months at the time of entry across the key area of innovation.
Award eligibility check box
- The business has been trading for a continuous period of two or more years and is not bankrupt or trading insolvent at the time of entry.
- A representative of this business has not been a judge in this category in 2025.
- A representative of this business is not a judge in the 2026 Business Awards program.
Questions
1. Outline the innovation implemented and how it has addressed a new or existing need. Maximum word count: 400
2. Describe why the innovation is unique within your industry and how it differentiates your business from its competitors. Maximum word count: 300
3. Describe how the innovation was received by the market and external stakeholders. Maximum word count: 300
4. Demonstrate how the innovation has or is likely to have a positive impact on business or the community. Maximum word count: 400
5. Provide measurable evidence of how the innovation has improved the identified need, driven growth and contributed to the success of your business. Maximum word count: 400
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!
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