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HOW TO ENTER

It's easier than you think

30 minutes
3-4 questions
Tell your story
START YOUR APPLICATION

Everything You Need to Know

30 MINUTES TO COMPLETE

Simple questions, tell your story

FREE TO ENTER

No entry fees, no hidden costs

SAVE & RETURN

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Applications close
31 July

The Application Process

STEP 1

Choose You Category

Select ONE award category that best showcases your business's strength

• Knox Community Champion Award

• Customer Excellence Award

• Innovation & Growth Award

• Young Business Leader Award (must be under 35)

Not sure which fits? Review the detailed category descriptions or contact us for guidance.

STEP 2

Provide Business Details

Basic information about your business:

• Business name, ABN, contact details

• Years operating in Knox

• Number of employees

• Primary industry sector

Takes approximately 5 minutes. Straightforward information you'll have on hand.

STEP 3

Tell Your Story

Answer 3-4 short questions specific to your category. Each question is 250-300 words maximum.

This is where you share

• What makes your business special

• Specific examples and achievements

• Real stories that demonstrate your excellence

Write naturally - no corporate jargon needed. Takes approximately 20 minutes.

STEP 4

Add Supporting Materials (Optional)

Upload up to 3 files that strengthen your application

• Photos of your team or business in action

• Customer testimonials or reviews

• Letters from organisations you support

• Media coverage or awards

• Certificates or recognition

This step is optional but strongly encouraged. Evidence helps judges understand your impact. Takes approximately 5 minutes

Total Time: Approximately 30 minutes.
Save your progress anytime and return when it suits you

Am I Eligible?

  • Your business operates within Knox LGA
  • You've been operating for at least 12 months
  • For Young Business Leader Award: You're under 35 as of July 31, 2026
That's it. All Knox businesses are welcome - from sole traders to major employers.
What matters is the excellence you demonstrate, not the size of your business.

Tips for a Strong Application

BE SPECIFIC

Don't say "we support local schools" - tell us which schools, what you did, and what impact it had.

TELL STORIES

Instead of "we provide excellent customer service," share a specific example of a time you went above and beyond.

USE NUMBERS

Quantify your impact when possible: hours volunteered, dollars donated, people helped, local employees hired.

BE AUTHENTIC

Write like you're talking to a friend about your business. No corporate jargon. Just genuine passion for what you do.

SHOW, DON'T TELL

Include photos, testimonials, letters of support. Evidence strengthens your application significantly

DON'T BE MODEST

This is your chance to shine. If you've done great work, tell us about it. Judges want to celebrate your success

After You Submit

AUGUST

Judging

Expert Judges review all apps using 100-point scoring system

SEPTEMBER 1

Finalists

Community votes for their favourite from all nominated businesses.

OCTOBER 8

Awards

Winner announced at our awards presentation night.

BEYOND

Recognition

Winners featured on website, social media, promoted to business community.
You'll receive email confirmation immediately after submitting, and updates at each stage of the process

Quick Questions

No, each business selects ONE main award category that best showcases their strength. However, all entrants are automatically considered for People's Choice if nominated by the community.

Supporting materials are optional but encouraged. If you don't have photos or documents ready, focus on writing compelling, specific responses to the questions. Strong answers matter more than fancy attachments.

Yes! Many businesses have someone from their team, a marketing person, or even a trusted friend help with the application. Just make sure the information and stories are accurate.

Absolutely! We encourage businesses to enter annually. Previous winners can re-enter after two years. If you were a finalist but didn't win, you can enter again immediately.

Finalists are announced on September 1, 2026. You'll be contacted directly if you're selected as a finalist, and all finalists will be announced publicly via our website and social media.

Just your business information (ABN, contact details, basic facts) and answers to 3-4 short questions about your business. Everything can be completed online. No special documents or certifications required.

CHOOSING A CATEGORY

Not sure which award fits your business?
Contact

APPLICATION QUESTIONS

Have a question about the application form or need clarification?
Contact
We want to help you put your best application forward.
Don't hesitate to reach out.

Ready to Apply?

30 minutes to showcase what makes your business exceptional
START YOUR APPLICATION NOW!
Applications close on July 31.
Free to enter.
Save and return anytime.
No complex forms.

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