The Far South Coast Business Awards recognises growth, entrepreneurship and celebrates business success from across Eurobodalla, Bega Valley and the Southern Tablelands.
One of the most diverse regional economies makes a major contribution to the State’s economy through agriculture, construction, retail, tourism, health and transport.
Entering your business is a rewarding experience. It provides an opportunity to reflect on the goals, strategies and vision which have shaped your success, and the insights you gain will help drive growth and the longevity of your business.
Entries close 5.00pm AEST Thursday 2 September 2021.
Entries can be submitted via the online entry portal in any of the 14 categories listed below. Please check the entry requirements to ensure your business is eligible. Eligibility Check
The following postcodes are included in the Far South Coast Region:
2536, 2537, 2545, 2546, 2548, 2549, 2550, 2551, 2579, 2580, 2581, 2582, 2583, 2584, 2585, 2586, 2587, 2588, 2594, 2600, 2601, 2602, 2603, 2604, 2605, 2606, 2607, 2608, 2609, 2610, 2611, 2612, 2614, 2615, 2616, 2617, 2618, 2619, 2620, 2621, 2622, 2623, 2624, 2625, 2626, 2627, 2628, 2629, 2630, 2631, 2632, 2633, 2890, 2900, 2901, 2902, 2903, 2904, 2905, 2906, 2911, 2912, 2913, 2914.
Outstanding Employee
The Outstanding Employee Award recognises an inspirational employee who has demonstrated a passion for their role and a commitment to their workplace and community.
To be eligible to enter this category, the individual must have been employed by their current employer for a minimum of 18 months.
Outstanding Young Business Leader
The Outstanding Young Business Leader award recognises an inspirational business leader aged 35 or under who demonstrates outstanding entrepreneurial spirit, strategic business direction and innovative ideas.
To be eligible to enter this category, the individual must have held a management position within their organisation for a minimum of 18 months at the time of entry.
Above: Jessica Hannan of Coast & Country Occupational Therapy won the 2019 Young Entrepreneur Award at the State Business Awards Gala Dinner
Outstanding Business Leader
The Outstanding Business Leader award recognises an inspirational business leader aged 36 or over who demonstrates outstanding entrepreneurial spirit, strategic business direction and innovative ideas, whilst providing leadership to the new generation.
To be eligible to enter this category, the individual must have held a senior management or executive level position within their organisation for a minimum of 18 months at the time of entry.
Excellence in Micro Business
The Excellence in Micro Business Award recognises a business that has effectively driven growth and is able to demonstrate the specific strategies implemented to achieve business success and/or resilience.
Entrants are required to demonstrate their achievements over the past 12 months across the key area of business excellence. This category is open to businesses with less than 5 employees at the time of entry, who have been trading for a continuous period of two years or more.
Excellence in Small Business
The Excellence in Small Business Award recognises a business that has effectively driven growth and is able to demonstrate the specific strategies implemented to achieve business success and/or resilience.
Entrants are required to demonstrate their achievements over the past 12 months across the key area of business excellence. This category is open to businesses with 5 to 20 employees at the time of entry, who have been trading for a continuous period of two years or more.
Excellence in Business
The Excellence in Business Award recognises a business that has effectively driven growth and is able to demonstrate the specific strategies implemented to achieve business success and/or resilience.
Entrants are required to demonstrate their achievements over the past 12 months across the key area of business excellence. This category is open to businesses with 21 or more employees at the time of entry, who have been trading for a continuous period of two years or more.
Excellence in Export
The Excellence in Export Award recognises a business that exports its products or services internationally and are building a strong reputation for Australian products and services in international markets.
Entrants are required to demonstrate their achievements over the past 12 months across the key area of export.
Employer of Choice
The Employer of Choice Award recognises a business that has implemented strategies and initiatives to create stimulating and supportive workplace environments to maximise the full potential of their workforce.
Entrants are required to demonstrate their achievements over the past 12 months across the key areas of employee recruitment, engagement and retention. Category criteria is based on initiatives that have had a positive impact on both the workforce and business.
Excellence in Innovation
The Excellence in Innovation Award recognises a business that has made significant contributions to their industry and/or community, or implemented innovative solutions for new and existing business needs through the introduction or improvement of an idea, method, technology, process or application.
Entrants are required to demonstrate their achievements over the past 12 months across the key area of innovation, and how that has contributed towards economic, environmental or social outcomes.
Excellence in Sustainability
The Excellence in Sustainability Award recognises a business that has demonstrated its commitment to sustainable business practices and is working to reduce the impact of its operations on the environment.
Entrants are required to demonstrate their achievements over the past 12 months across the key area of environmental sustainability. Category criteria is based on initiatives and projects executed within the business not related to its core offering.
Outstanding Community Organisation
The Outstanding Community Organisation Award recognises an organisation that works to improve the social, cultural or environmental wellbeing of the community.
Entrants are required to demonstrate their commitment over the past 12 months to being an outstanding community organisation. This category is open to social enterprises and not-for-profit organisations who have been trading for a period of over 24 months.
Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion
This Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion award recognises businesses that address the needs of a diverse community, including older people seniors, people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds, women, young people, and people with disability. An inclusive business facilitates the needs of all its employees and customers.
Entrants are required to demonstrate their commitment over the past 12 months to address the needs of a diverse community. This category is open to business who have been trading for a continuous period of two or more years.
Outstanding Start Up
The Outstanding Start-up Award recognises a start-up business that has effectively driven growth and is able to demonstrate the potential to achieve future success.
Entrants are required to demonstrate their commitment over the past 12 months to being an outstanding start-up. This category is open to new businesses trading for a period less than 24 months.
Outstanding Local Chamber
The Outstanding Local Chamber Award recognises the achievements of a Local Chamber of Commerce in supporting its members to maximise their business potential through advocacy, education and promotion.
To be eligible to enter this category, Local Chambers must be a part of the Business NSW Chamber Local Chamber Alliance program.
Winners of the Far South Coast Business Awards will become finalists at the State Business Awards on Friday 26 November 2021.
