Entries for the 2026 Awards will remain open until midnight on Monday 15 June.
You are eligible to enter the Business Excellence Awards if your business is located or primarily operates in the Bunbury Geographe region, including Bunbury, Capel, Dardanup, Harvey, Donnybrook-Balingup, and Collie.
Applications should provide a well-rounded view of the business, covering operations, customers, people & culture, and community impact. Responses should be based around the prior 12 months of business activity.
Nominate a business you think should be celebrated
Businesses may be nominated to enter. Being nominated does not automatically enter a business into the Awards, nor does it carry any weight in the judging proceess. If nominated, we'll contact the business directly and invite them to enter.
All entries are treated equally and judged by an independent, impartial panel.
Eligibility
- All entrants must be businesses located or trading predominantly with the Bunbury Geographe Region – this covers City of Bunbury, Shire of Capel, Shire of Dardanup, Shire of Harvey, Shire of Donnybrook-Balingup & Shire of Collie.
- Businesses that have offices or branches in other locations are acceptable, however the business must have its head office based in our region or conduct a majority portion of business operations in our region.
- Franchises that are independently owned & operated within the Bunbury Geographe region are eligible to enter.
- All businesses must have been trading for a minimum of two years, except for those entering the Start Up Business Category.
- Businesses entering the Start-Up business category must have been trading for a minimum of twelve months and up to two years. This must be new business, not a pre-existing business with new owners.
- All business entrants must be for-profit, non-ASX listed companies.
- All entrants must hold a valid Australian Business Number (“ABN”) for the entity in which their submission relates.
- Businesses can enter more than one category, within the allocated guidelines, if they meet the criteria of each category.
- Previous Winners of the Bunbury Geographe Business Excellence Awards may enter.
- Organisations who sponsor or partner in the event, cannot enter.
- There will be no time extension granted for submissions.
- Close of entry date is fixed at midnight on Monday June 15th 2026.
Businesses may enter into ONE of the following categories:
A business that employs 1 to 5 (full-time or equivalent) staff members
A business that employs 6 to 10 (full-time or equivalent) staff members
A business that employs 11 to 20 (full-time or equivalent) staff members
A business that employs 21 or more (full-time or equivalent) staff members
A business that has been trading for over 12 months but under 2 years. The business must be a new business and not a pre-existing business with new owners.
An Aboriginal owned business established for commercial enterprise.
Businesses also have the option to enter additional categories if relevant:
Demonstrates the use and application of innovation in processes, production, or marketing that has tangibly improved their business operations and output.
Demonstrates commitment to embedding sustainable environmental practices and processes in their operations.
Sets a benchmark and demonstrates excellence in the tourism and/or hospitality sector.
Each category winner is progressed to Business of the Year consideration.
The Business of the Year is selected from one of the category winners
Recognition & Credibility: Strengthen your brand by earning recognition that signals trust, quality, and excellence within your industry.
Employee Engagement: Celebrate your team's efforts and boost morale; foster a strong sense of pride and motivation.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with industry leaders, potential clients, and partners at the Gala, opening the door to new collaborations and business opportunities.
Competitive Advantage: Strengthen your market position by demonstrating excellence through award recognition, appealing to quality-driven customers.
Reflection: Gain valuable insights into your business to support continuous improvement and growth.
