The grand prize in the business category, honouring an industry-changing startup that has made a significant impact on the Australian market in a short time.

Judging criteria:

• Evidence of business success: include metrics such as financial statements of revenue growth, strong customer base or customer growth, employee growth, sales volume, customer satisfaction ratings, or product awards in the last 1-2 years. 
• Successful business strategy: include a clear and concise business plan that outlines the company’s vision, mission, and values, as well as a strategy for achieving its goals. 
• Meeting a market gap: demonstrated by showing that the company is addressing a real need in the market and that its product or service is in high demand.

Celebrating a business that has executed a successful brand-led marketing campaign that has generated real results in terms of sales and brand awareness.

Judging criteria:

• Evidence of marketing campaign success: include metrics such as sales generated, social media growth, increased brand awareness, website traffic, or other proof of a successful marketing campaign in the last 1-2 years. 
• Effectiveness in reaching target audience: demonstrated by showing that the marketing campaign was effective in reaching its target audience with customer growth or brand awareness. 
• Ahead of the competition: demonstrated by showing that the marketing campaign was unique and innovative, and that it stood out from the competition by successful penetrating new consumers.

Honouring a business that fosters a positive and inclusive work culture where employees feel valued and diversity is supported, evidenced by high employee satisfaction and a commitment to employee well-being.

Judging criteria:

• Proof of high employee satisfaction: This could be demonstrated by evidence of high staff retention, employee surveys, employee engagement metrics, or other proof that employees are satisfied with their jobs in the last 1-3 years.
• Evidence of employee-centric business model: Evidence of a strong focus on employee well-being and satisfaction, such as competitive salaries and benefits, flexible work arrangements, and employee health and wellness programs. 
• Proof of commitment to employee well-being and inclusivity: Evidence of a commitment to diversity and inclusion, such as a diverse workforce, inclusive hiring practices, and a workplace where all employees feel valued and respected. 

Recognising a new tech product that is successfully disrupting an industry and making a big impact with its innovative solution to the market.

Judging criteria:

• Proof of product innovation and success in the market: Evidence of a truly innovative product that meets a real market gap. This could include demonstrating how the product is unique and different from existing solutions with strong uptake from consumers.  
• Evidence of product success: Evidence of product uptake and success in the market, such as sales generated, customer feedback, and industry recognition. 
• Innovative product design: Demonstrate a unique, well-designed product with clear and concise demonstration of the product’s innovative features and benefits, detailed overview of the product’s technology and how it works.

Celebrating a business that has achieved exceptional growth in a short period of time, demonstrating remarkable scalability and resilience.

Judging criteria:

• Evidence of rapid growth: Evidence of fast growth within the last 24 months, such as revenue growth, customer growth, and employee growth. This could include metrics such as percentage increase in revenue, number of new customers acquired, and number of new employees hired. 
• Proof of profitability: Evidence of profitability and successful growth, such as profit margins, sales generated, and financial statements. This could include metrics such as net profit margin, gross profit margin, and return on investment. 
• Scalability and resilience: Evidence of the company’s ability to scale and maintain its growth trajectory and the plan for future growth, as well as how it has overcome challenges in the past. 

Honouring a business with a proven track record of consistently providing its customers with outstanding experience, thanks to a customer-centric business model.

Judging criteria:

• Evidence of high customer satisfaction: Evidence of high customer satisfaction ratings, such as Net Promoter Score (NPS), customer satisfaction surveys, and customer reviews. 
• Customer-centric business model: Evidence of a commitment to putting the customer first, such as customer-centric values and strategies, and customer feedback mechanisms. 
• Customer service excellence: Evidence of outstanding customer service and customer experience, such as well-documented case studies, customer testimonials, and employee training programs.

Celebrating a successful family-led business that demonstrates excellence in all areas of its operation.

Judging criteria:

• Proof of family-led business power-sharing: Evidence of a strong family culture and a commitment to power-sharing of family members within the business. 
• Evidence of business success: Evidence of business success, such as profits, market share, or industry recognition. This could include metrics such as revenue growth, profit margins, customer satisfaction ratings or strong customer base. 
• Community building and economic contribution: Evidence of the business’s contribution to the local community and the Australian economy, including metrics such as the number of jobs created, involvement in community initiatives and its support for local suppliers.