Frequently Asked Questions

Entries open on 27 April 2026. To enter, go to bunburygeographe.awardsplatform.com and create an account. Then click ‘Start Entry’ and off you go!

Any business who meets the following criteria:

• Based in or operates primarily within the Bunbury Geographe region (Bunbury, Dardanup, Collie, Harvey, Capel & Donnybrook-Balingup)
• Has a registered ABN
• Have been operating for at least 12 months (outside Start-Up Business)

No you do not need to nominated by someone. You can go directly to bunburygeographe.awardsplatform.com and start your submission.

Congratulations! Being nominated does not automatically enter you into the Awards – it is now up to you to complete a submission. Being nominated means your nominator believes you are worthy of recognition.

Business can enter in only ONE of the following categories:

• Owner Operater
• Business 1-5 Employees (FTE)
• Business 6-10 Employees (FTE)
• Business 11-20 Employees (FTE)
• Business 21+ Employees (FTE)
• Start Up Business 
• Aboriginal Business

They can then enter one or all of the additional categories if they feel that is applicable to their business operations:

• Innovation in Business
• Sustainability in Business

Businesses cannot enter directly into Business of the Year. Winners from each category will be automatically entered into this.

Each application is assessed by all the judges. The judges have a varied skill set & backgrounds and will individually score the applications and those scores are totalled and averaged for a final score. Judges will not be able to see any business details such as names etc, to ensure anonymity and fairness.

The submission form will ask a variety of questions covering your business activities, what makes you unique, your business planning & achievements, your staffing (if applicable), and financial information. All questions need to be answered in the best way they apply to your business.

No. The Business Excellence Awards are about celebrating the outstanding achievements of all businesses in the Bunbury Geographe region. Membership of the Bunbury Geographe CCI is not a condition of entry nor considered by the judges in the awards process.

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.

No – all submissions must be received via the awards platform.

No – Business of the Year will be chosen from businesses who win their respective category. These will only be announced on the awards night.

Yes of course! You do not need to be a finalist to attend the awards. We would love to see as many people attending the inaugural awards to support our business community.

Yes! Locally owned and operated franchises are eligible.

Businesses that may have opened a branch elsewhere are also eligible, as long as they were founded in the region and still operate in that area.

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Unfortunately, no. Branches of larger organisations that were not founded in the area are not eligible, and neither are listed company

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Absolutely! You’re welcome to nominate any business you love, as long as they operate within the Bunbury Geographe region.

Yes, we are currently accepting sponsors. Click here to view the prospectus and explore available opportunities.