I was nominated for the Business Excellence Awards. What do I do now? read more

Congratulations! Being nominated does not automatically enter you into the Awards – and does not count towards your final result. It is now up to you to complete a submission. Being nominated means your nominator believes you are worthy of recognition. CLICK HERE for more information on how to enter.

Does my business have to be nominated to enter the Awards? read more

Yes. In 2023 we trialled allowing people to skip the nomination stage and start on their submission straight away, however after a thorough review of last years awards program, we decided to defer back to the original set up. In 2024, there will be a designated nomination period, followed by a designated submission period. With that being said, do not wait around for someone to nominate you, you can nominate your own business! CLICK HERE for more information.

Can I nominate my own business for the Awards? read more

We encourage you to! While third party nominations are welcome, it is quite normal for a business to self-nominate. No one knows how much you and your team deserve recognition as much as you! CLICK HERE to nominate today!

Can I nominate a business for the Awards? read more

Absolutely! If you know a local business who is doing something great, we want to know who they are and I am sure they would love to hear it too! On the nomination form you can select whether or not you would like your identity to remain anonymous if they ask us who nominated them. Within 72 hours of submitting your nomination, they will receive an email from us, advising them that they have been nominated for an award and the next steps from there. CLICK HERE to nominate a deserving business today!

Can I nominate a business multiple times? read more

The number of nominations a business receives does not contribute to the judging process or the entrant's score. Businesses still have to complete a written submission if they are nominated – and may choose not to. Nominating a business multiple times simply means they may receive multiple emails encouraging them to apply.

Will multiple nominations help improve my chance of winning? read more

No. Judges only assess entries based on information provided in their written submission.

Do I have to use the entire word count? read more

No. Use headings, dot points, space between paragraphs and keep it simple and concise. Remember – quality over quantity. You don’t have to use the entire word count if you feel you have already fully answered the question. 

How do I format my application in Award Force? read more

When you type or cut-and-paste your entry into Award Force, normal Word style formatting may not transfer. Award Force uses a system called ‘Markdown’ for content formatting across the system. CLICK HERE for instructions about how to create Headings, Bold, Italics, Bullet Points, Lists and Line Space using Markdown.

Can I pay someone to help write my application? read more

Yes. Many copywriters, marketers and grant-writers offer services to assist with award entries. 

Which category should I enter? read more

Read the category descriptions and written submission questions carefully. If you are still unsure, we recommend that you select a likely category and then move on to drafting answers to all the questions. Once you have completed answering all the questions, review your category selection and consider if it still feels like the most appropriate choice based on what you have written about your business. 

Is my business eligible if it is virtual/online? read more

Yes. As long as you have a valid ABN and your registered business address or place of business or service delivery is located in the Cairns LGA, you satisfy the criteria.

How long must I have been in business to be eligible? read more

You must have been operating your business for at least 12 months or commenced trading by 1 July 2023 at the latest.

Do I need a valid ABN to be eligible? read more

Yes. You must have a current valid ABN.

Can I apply if I operate outside of the Cairns LGA? read more

You must operate your business or provide services within the Cairns Regional Council Local Government Area. If you operate outside of this area IN ADDITION to your business activities within the region, then you are still eligible to apply. If you operate solely OUTSIDE the Cairns Regional Council Local Government Area, then you are NOT eligible to apply.

Can I apply if my business is based in Douglas Shire, Mareeba Shire, Tablelands Regional or Casswory Coast Regional Council Local Government Areas? read more

No. You must operate your business or provide services within the Cairns Regional Council Local Government Area.

Does my business have to be a member of the Cairns Chamber of Commerce to enter the awards? read more

No. The Business Excellence Awards are about celebrating the outstanding achievements of all businesses in the Cairns LGA. Membership of the Cairns Chamber of Commerce is not a condition of entry nor considered by the judges in the awards process.

If I won an award category in 2023, can I re-enter the same category in 2024? read more

No. You cannot re-enter the same award category in which you won the previous year. You can however enter another category or re-enter the same category if more than 12 months has past since you previously won.

If I was a finalist in 2023, can I re-enter the same award category in 2024? read more

Yes. As long as you did not win the category, you are eligible to re-enter the same category in 2024.

How many applicants make it to the finalist stage? read more

There is no set number of finalists per category as this number depend on quantity and quality of the submissions. If the calibre of submissions for any given category is very high, the number of finalists will be capped at 15.

What do finalists receive? read more

Finalists receive an official "Finalist" logo to display on their website, email footers, social media platforms and/or other marketing collateral. They will receive a finalist plaque to display in their office and a complimentary ticket the the VIP Cocktail Evening. Finalists will also receive recognition and coverage on various social, digital, print and broadcast media platforms, increasing your brand exposure and reputability.

Who are the judges for the awards? read more

Judges are invited by the awards management committee. They are recognised and highly regarded members of the Cairns business community. Each year there are approximately 20 volunteer judges. All judges are required to sign non-disclosure agreements and maintain high levels of confidentiality. Judges are also required to advise the awards committee of any applications where there are perceived conflicts of interest.

How are applications judged? read more

Each application is assessed by at least 3 judges. Judges individually score their allocated applications and those scores are totalled and averaged for a final score. 

How are winners selected? read more

Category winners are the business with the highest total score in their category. 

Will references or letters of support help improve my score? read more

If references or letters of support will assist you to address the selection critieria, then you are welome to add them to your submission. With that being said, there is no guarantee that they will improve your score if the judges do not deem them relevant or adding value to your submission. You will also not be marked down if you do not include them.

Can a sponsor enter the Awards? read more

Yes. A sponsor can enter the Business Excellence Awards, however, they cannot enter the category the same category in which they are sponsoring. No one affiliated with their organisation will be assigned to the judging panel for that category.