Ready to kick down the doors to 2013?

This could be your chance to take some credit, gain some kudos and get a whole lot of free publicity. Awards are a great way to build your profile and can be easier to win than you think. The list below is by no means exhaustive, but lists the biggest ones in Australia and will hopefully inspire you to go searching for other awards in your state, locality or industry.

Telstra Business Awards

This is a big, high profile award, but don’t be afraid to try! Two of my clients have reached state finals before. There are 5 categories, including: start up, micro business, small business, medium business and regional business.

Nominate via the website www.telstrabusinessawards.com. Entries are now open, until 4 April 2013.

Telstra Business Women’s Awards

Maybe you know a great businesswoman.. maybe it’s you. A high profile national award that is open to women (surprise!). Award categories include Business Owner Award, Private and Corporate Sector Award, Community and Government Award, Business Innovation Award and Young Business Women's Award.

Nominate online at telstrabusinesswomensawards.com. Entries open 29 April until 25 June 2013.

Australian Business Awards

A national award established in 2003, with many different awards categories, based on business or product.

Business Awards categories: Innovation, Enterprise, E-Business, Service Excellence, Brand Excellence, Recommended Employer, Community Contribution, Environmental Sustainability, Project Management, Marketing Excellence,

Product Awards categories: Product Excellence, Product Innovation, Product Value, Best New Product, Best Eco Product, Best E-Business Product, Best Software Product, Best Technology Product, Best ICT Product, Best Industrial Product

Nominate online at www.businessawards.com.au until 20th March, 2013

The Australian Excellence Awards

Operating since 2006, these awards have rewarded over 1,800 small and medium businesses, NFP and local government agencies for excellence in customer service, leadership and innovation. There are 5 major categories Service Excellence, Women In Business, Employer Of Choice, People’s Choice, Annual Honours. Awards are made monthly, quarterly and annually.

Submit applications online at https://australianexcellenceawards.com/secure/nomination-form. 2013 nominations are open, with multiple dates.

My Business Magazine Award

2013 Awards Schedule not yet announced. Keep an eye on mybusiness.com.au for more details as they come up.

Australian Achiever Award

These awards are based solely on customer feedback across a broad range of categories. There are over 30 categories that have rolling application dates. You need to provide the names and addresses of four customers/clients and a trade reference.

Example categories:

Category                                                                                 Entries Close Results Notified

Building Construction, Building Design & Architect Services        4/01/2013        30/01/2013

Health, Fitness & Wellbeing Services (inc Physio)                      4/01/2013       30/01/2013

Cleaning & Maintenance Services & Supplies                            11/01/2013      6/02/2013

Computer Systems, Software & Internet Services                       18/01/2013     13/02/2013

Visit www.achiever.com.au for more information.

Local councils and chambers

There are many local council awards for small business, check out your local bodies for more information. For example Port Phillip Business Awards, (portphillipbusiness.com.au/index.php/business-awards).

State governments

There are many state government awards for small business, check out your local bodies for more information. For example Manufacturer of the Year - Small Business, (business.vic.gov.au/industries/manufacturing/awards/small-manufacturer-of-the-year).

Industry awards

There are many industry bodies and organisations that have awards for small business. Look through your industry magazines and industry bodies. For example Australian Health & Fitness Industry Quality Awards (fitness.org.au/article.php?group_id=1489). 

Dr Warren Harmer