Do you have a question about the Telstra Business Awards?
Below you will find the answers to the most common questions about the Awards, how to nominate and enter, the Awards process and more.
Can I nominate myself?
Yes, if your business meets the eligibility criteria, you can nominate your own business.
Can I nominate a business anonymously?
Yes, you can nominate an eligible business anonymously. Simply tick this option when prompted on the nomination form.
Does it cost anything to enter?
No, there is no fee to enter the Telstra Business Awards.
Can I win more than one Award?
As well as three qualifying categories, determined by the Full Time Equivalent (FTE) employee size of your business (micro, small or medium), all entrants are judged in the categories of Innovation and/or the Social Responsibility Awards. Therefore, your entry could potentially become a State and/or National Finalist in three different categories.
Do I have to answer all the questions?
Yes, your entire entry submission will be assessed at every stage. We strongly encourage you to read ALL questions before commencing to write your response, to ensure overall accuracy and avoid repetition.
Do I have to answer the Innovation and Social Responsibility questions?
All entrants will be judged against the Innovation and Social Responsibility criteria and all questions in these categories must be answered.
What if I cannot complete the financial question?
Accurate completion of questions in the financial section is essential. If in doubt, ask your business accountant for help in completing this section. If you progress to the second stage of judging, you will be asked to provide verification of the figures supplied by your accountant.
What are the judges looking for?
Judges are looking for concise, relevant and informative answers to the questions asked. They will review your answers to all questions in your submission. The questions are designed to help you convey the philosophies and practices of your business and business principles. You should address all issues critical to the success of your business and you should be able to demonstrate not only how your business has achieved success to date, but also your plans and vision for future success. Responses to all questions should be honest and accurate.
Who will judge my entry?
Judges are selected by an independent organisation from a pool of national business experts. All judges must sign a confidentiality agreement to ensure that your entry submission and all details about your business will not be disclosed to anyone outside the judging process. Your entry will be treated with the strictest confidence at all times.
Do I need to do anything else after submitting my entry?
If you are notified you are a short-listed entrant, two judges will visit your business for a maximum of two hours, at an agreed time with you, between May 10 and June 18. If you progress to the national awards ceremony, up to two representatives from your business will be required to attend an interview in Sydney on August 19. The site visit and the interview are designed to learn further information about you and your business. You will be contacted in plenty of time if you progress to these stages. You will also be asked to provide verification of your financial data from your accountant if you progress to the site visit stage of judging.
Do I get any response on my entry submission?
Upon successful completion of your online entry submission, you can elect to receive a Business Health Check report, which will give you an assessment of your business. The results are based on your responses to the tick-box questions, (i.e. where you have been prompted to indicate a preference). Responses are assessed within the framework created by various experts who have contributed to the Business Health Check.
What is the Business Health Check?
The Business Health Check, which forms part of the Telstra Business Awards entry process, has been developed by Telstra Business in consultation with the NSW Business Chamber. It is based on international benchmarking standards including the Global Reporting Index and Innovation Standards, current legislation and accepted industry best practice.
What does it do?
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) that enter the Awards will qualify for the Business Health Check, which provides objective feedback of how a business is currently performing. It can also help with a company’s plans and adjustments for the future in their approach to key management functions including business strategy, finance, marketing, sustainability, innovation, social responsibility and human resources.
How was the Business Health Check developed?
The Business Health Check has been developed by Telstra Business together with the NSW Business Chamber from a business self assessment process used by more than 1,000 members of the Chamber over the past four years. The process has been regularly refined and updated based on user feedback, changes to legislation and international benchmarking. This includes the Global Reporting Index (an international standard for sustainability) and the international Innovation Standard, the latter used by Federal Government departments including the Australian Bureau of Statistics for the assessment of innovation in Australia.
Please call the Awards Team on 1800 262 323 between 9am and 7pm AEST Monday to Friday with any questions relating to the Awards.