Find a category to best suit your business.

Our 2026 awards program feature business excellence categories for every Greater Bendigo business to get excited about.

Feeling inspired? Explore our award categories and familiarise yourself with our applicant criteria. Plus get to know what our Judges are looking for in a winning entry.

Knowing Greater Bendigo has a magnificent and diverse business culture, the Business Excellence Awards recognise Greater Bendigo’s most innovative, focussed and entrepreneurial businesses across each industry category.

All aimed to award emerging and established micro, small, medium and large businesses in their respective fields.

Supported by our business excellence Category Partners, here is all the information you need to start your award journey and complete an application.

Start your 2026 Awards Submission today

Click here to start

Only businesses or individuals who have been nominated are eligible for an award. Please ensure you enter the same email that received the nomination confirmation.

Be.Awards 2026

Business Of The Year Award

Presented by Bendigo Bank. Will your business be in the spotlight this year? This award recognises a business that has...

Climate Leader Award

Presented by Greater Bendigo Climate Collaboration. This award acknowledges business leaders in Greater Bendigo on the road to a zero...

Community Minded Award

Presented by McKern Steel Designed to recognise any type of business, large or small who are committed to be involved...

Creative Industries Award

Presented by La Trobe’s Emporium Creative Hub. Creative industries come in all shapes, sizes and mediums. This award is for...

Customer Focused Award

Presented by The Support People The be-all and end-all. This award recognises businesses that go above and beyond for their...

Education and Training Award

Presented by Australian Industry Group Education and training providers play a crucial role in building skills, capability, and future workforce...

Emerging and Energised Award

Presented by WIN Network. This is for newcomers (a minimum of 12 months, but less than 3 years in operation)...

Employer of Choice Award

Presented by Gawk Great businesses are built by great workplaces. This award recognises organisations that demonstrate exceptional people practices, a...

Health and Care Award

Presented by Monash University Rural Health. A large industry sector in Greater Bendigo, this award recognises businesses that provide excellence...

Hospitality, Tourism and Experiences Award

Presented by Destination Greater Bendigo Loddon. Celebrating the businesses that showcase Greater Bendigo as a destination of choice, this award...

Leader of the Year

This award recognises experienced business professionals who are driving meaningful change across Greater Bendigo. It celebrates individuals who demonstrate strong...

Manufacturing Award

Presented by JL King & Co. Designed to recognise manufacturers that display innovation and best practice in the creation of...

Micro and Home-based Award

Small in size but big in impact, this award celebrates micro and home-based businesses that demonstrate innovation, resilience, and strong...

Not-for-profit Award

Presented by Bendigo Advertiser For organisations where a positive social impact is at the core of their purpose. They are...

Professional Services Award

Presented by Triple M Designed to recognise professional services offering B2C/B2B solutions and customised, knowledge-based services. Some example businesses include...

Regional Woman in Business Award

Presented by Bendigo UFS. We must continue to play an important role in raising the profile of women in business...

Retail Award

Presented by The City of Greater Bendigo Retail businesses play a vital role in shaping vibrant communities and delivering engaging...

Small and Succeeding Award

Presented by Agnico Eagle For businesses punching above their weight, our small businesses are the heartbeat of the Greater Bendigo...

Technology and Digital Award

Presented by Bendigo TAFE Recognising businesses who demonstrate their expertise through either advanced digital processes or the development or delivery...

Trade Business Award

Trades are the backbone of our local economy, delivering the skilled services that keep our community operating every day. This...

Young and Professional Award

Presented by Alkane Resources Recognising our emerging business leaders highlights the future success of Greater Bendigo. This award importantly focusses...

Partners