Participating in business awards can significantly enhance your company’s reputation, provide valuable networking opportunities, and open doors to new markets. Here are 13 prestigious local, national and international awards that South Australian and Australian businesses can apply for:
South Australian Premier’s Business and Export Awards
Nominations open 29 April 2025 and close 13 June 2025 at 5.00 pm. These awards recognise outstanding contributions by South Australian businesses to the state’s economic growth and export success.
Apply here: https://sabusinesschamber.com.au/awards/home
40 Under 40 Awards
Nominations are open and highlight South Australia’s top young entrepreneurs and leaders under the age of 40 who are making a major impact in their fields.
Apply here: https://www.indailysa.com.au/news/business/2025/02/17/nominations-open-for-this-years-40-under-40-awards
Southern Barossa Business Awards
Voting is open in March 2025. This initiative recognises excellence in customer service and contribution to the local economy in the Southern Barossa region.
Apply here: https://barossa.org.au/2025-southern-barossa-business-awards-voting-now-open/
Telstra Best of Business Awards
Stage 1 applications close on 11 April 2025 at 5.00 pm. This award celebrates small to medium-sized businesses that are driving Australia forward. Categories include Indigenous Excellence, Accelerating Women and Embracing Innovation.
Apply here: https://www.telstra.com.au/small-business/best-of-business-awards
Australian Small Business Champion Awards
These awards recognise the hard work of small business owners and are open to all industry sectors. Entries typically close around mid-year.
Apply here: https://businesschampions.com.au/
Australian Small Business Awards
This program celebrates excellence in entrepreneurship across all Australian states and territories.
Apply here: https://www.augustawards.com/australian-small-business-awards/
The Australian Business Awards
Entries open April and close in June 2025. These awards acknowledge business innovation, employee engagement, product development and digital transformation.
Apply here: https://www.australianbusinessawards.com.au/
South Australia Community Achievement Awards
These awards are designed to recognise individuals and groups making outstanding contributions to their communities. Nominations open in June 2025.
Apply here: https://winwithwords.com.au/grant-resources/australian-business-awards-you-can-apply-for-in-2025/
International Business Awards (Stevie Awards)
Early-bird deadline is 9 April 2025, final deadline is 7 May, and late entries are accepted until 11 June 2025. Open globally, this program honours achievements in all areas of the workplace.
Apply here: https://stevieawards.com/iba
Best in Biz Awards International
Late entry deadline is 25 April 2025. This is the only business awards program judged by prominent editors and reporters from top-tier publications around the world.
Apply here: https://bestinbizawards.com/
Globee Awards for Business
These awards highlight global excellence in innovation, customer satisfaction, and leadership. There are different submission windows for various categories throughout the year.
Apply here: https://globeeawards.com/business-awards/
WIPO Global Awards
Applications for this international award close 31 March 2025 and are open to businesses and individuals leveraging intellectual property for positive impact.
Apply here: https://www.wipo.int/en/web/awards/global/how-to-apply
Global Sustainability Awards 2025
Applications are open and close on 27 June 2025. These awards honour organisations demonstrating leadership in sustainability and ethical business practices.
Apply here: https://events.reutersevents.com/sustainable-business/sustainability-awards
Tips to strengthen your award applications
Prepare a tailored and well-designed capability statement that reflects your business strengths, achievements, social impact and growth trajectory. This document should be reviewed and updated regularly to reflect your evolving capabilities and priorities.
Maintain current resumes and bios for all team members. Ensure they showcase your people’s skills, expertise and any recent accolades or projects. This is especially important for categories where leadership or people strategy is assessed.
Craft a compelling story. Judges are looking for substance and authenticity. Frame your business journey with clear milestones, challenges overcome, and the difference you’ve made in your community or industry.
Don’t do it alone. Awards are competitive, and having the right advice can give you an edge. Engage the team at Switch Start Scale (https://www.switchstartscale.com.au/) who can help you with capability statements, refining your messaging, and even writing your application so you’re putting your best foot forward.
Whether you’re a startup just finding your feet, or an established enterprise looking to scale further, there’s an award out there for you. Recognising and celebrating your achievements through these awards could be the next step in building your reputation and inspiring your team.