The 2010 Telstra Business Awards offer entrants the opportunity to imagine the possibilities success could mean to their business in the future. They also celebrate the courage, skill and innovative thinking needed to breathe life into an emerging business concept. Now in their 18th year, the Awards have provided a springboard for Australia’s small-to-medium businesses and this year, for the first time, all entrants can receive a Business Health Check to help them plan for tomorrow.
The Awards recognise not just ultimate success in business but also the courage, skills and innovation needed to breathe life into a nascent business idea.
For finalists and winners, the Awards offer accolades, public profile, a share of more than $400, 000 in overall cash and prizes and the privilege of joining an exclusive national business alumni.
This year, the introduction of the Business Health Check adds incredible value to all entrants, offering an independent assessment tool. This can help businesses check their vital signs and identify opportunities for growth and expansion.
What is a Business Health Check?
The Business Health Check evaluates performance against best business practice in relation to sales and marketing, customer management, staffing, business planning, financial management and product. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) that enter the Awards will qualify for the free Business Health Check, which provides an objective snapshot of how a business is currently performing and can also help with plans and adjustments for the future on their approach to key management functions.
From the responses provided in the Awards submission, businesses can receive advice designed to help deliver improvements in key aspects including customer and staff management, product development, social responsibility, financial management and marketing.
The Business Health Check has been developed by Telstra Business in consultation with the NSW Business Chamber, and is based on international benchmarking standards including the Global Reporting Index and Innovation Standards, current legislation and accepted industry best practice.
Award Categories
There are five award categories:
- businessowner Micro-Business Award
For businesses with five employees or fewer.
- MYOB Small Business Award
For businesses with more than five employees, but less than or equal to 20 employees.
- Panasonic Australia Medium Business Award
For businesses with more than 20 employees, but less than or equal to 200 employees.
All entrants will also be considered for the following two specialist Awards:
- AMP Innovation Award
For businesses that have successfully introduced an Innovation.
- Sensis Social Responsibility Award
For demonstrated leadership and contribution by a business to the environment, people, education or the community.
State/Territory Awards
All category winners will be announced at the State/Territory presentation dinners. Winners of the three qualifying categories will also be eligible to win the overall 2010 Telstra Business of the Year for their State or Territory.
National Awards
Category winners in each State/Territory will be eligible to represent their business at the national awards ceremony in their respective category. The winners of the overall Telstra Business of the Year in each State/Territory will also be eligible to be named the 2010 Telstra Australian Business of the Year.
The Awards process is a simple one:
- Any eligible business – your own or someone else’s - may be entered
- Entry forms must be submitted by 5pm Australian Eastern Standard Time on Friday 16 April 2010
- Entries are assessed by a judging panel which selects finalists
- Finalists receive a site visit
- Winners are announced at the Awards ceremony
Finalists and winners could enjoy national exposure, an unparalleled business network and a competitive advantage: all their imagined possibilities come true.