East Grampians Business Awards 2021

The East Grampians Business Awards recognises organisations that demonstrate achievement and excellence in business and innovation. These awards have become a benchmark of quality that businesses aspire to.

Applications are open to all businesses, small or large, rural or CBD based, operating within the Ararat municipality.

This year's application process has been simplified -- Ararat Rural City Council will work with GABNetowork to encourage entries and participation from organisations across the region.

All awards will be judged by an independent panel of judges.

The winners will be announced at a prestigious Business Awards Gala presentation evening held at Ararat Town Hall in November 2021. Invitations to the dinner will be sent to all entrants, sponsors, and businesses across our region.

An advertising campaign profiling award winners and sponsors will follow in the newspaper, radio, social media, and website immediately after the awards.  

The categories

The following categories are offered for these awards, and please note, organisations are encouraged to enter as many categories as they think fit their business.

Young Person of the Year 

Open to businesses to nominate their Employees, Apprentices, Trainees under the age of 30, who show outstanding aptitude, drive, potential and ability in their work. 

Sustainability Award

Open to all businesses that have worked towards economic, business and/or environmental sustainability which includes recycling, alternate energy, succession planning, financial modelling, technology, and streamlined processes that lead towards sustainability. 

Innovation & Technology Award

Open to all types of businesses that have demonstrated innovative business initiatives and the ability to create, nurture and develop new processes, products & services, integration of new and emerging technologies; and may include but not limited to export, manufacturing, marketing, product development, or use of technology.

Best New Business Award 

Open to all businesses from any sector that have opened in the region within the last 24 months that can show drive and innovative products and services and commitment to best practice and customer service. 

Business of the Year Award 

Open to all businesses that can demonstrate best practice, innovation, and planning, and can show product and service development and understanding of customer needs. ($2,000 Cash Prize) 

People’s Choice Award

Open to all businesses for communities/customers to vote for their favourite businesses directly on the ARCC website. (Top 6 will be invited to the business awards) (Advertising Package Prize) 

COVID-19 Resilience Award   

Open to all businesses that survived the COVID year through adaptability, new technology, innovative service/product delivery or any other special procedures. And continue to adapt to the post covid environment.

How to enter  

You can enter more than one category with a separate application for each one. 

Once you have chosen your category(s), you are required to complete the following tasks below for: 

• Select & Download the Entry form(s) below 

• Fill in the Business or organisational profile 

• Answer the question on the form – Dot points are acceptable 

• Supply three (3) images that best highlight your business 

Applications are to be submitted by 1 October 2021 

Late entries will not be accepted 

Applications/Entries 

• Download the MS Word Application form(s) of the categories you wish to enter below.

• Request an Application form from pcairns@ararat.vic.gov.au or 5355 0241 

Applications can be submitted by: 

Email to business@ararat.vic.gov.au 

Or deliver in person and addressed to 

East Grampians Business awards 2021 

Ararat Rural City Council 

59 Vincent St. Ararat Vic 

Please Note: 

Businesses are welcome to enter more than one category. Each category entered will require its own separate entry and the relevant category-specific questions answered.