Business Excellence Awards

This award recognises a tourism business, event, or experience that actively promotes the Scenic Rim, attracts and engages visitors, and enhances the region’s reputation as a premier tourism destination.

All entrants must be registered within the Scenic Rim Local Government Area.

Eligible businesses include (but are not limited to):

• Tourism events (e.g. festivals, shows, rodeos)
• Visitor experiences or attractions (e.g. agritourism, adventure, cultural or nature-based experiences)

Entrants must demonstrate measurable outcomes in innovation, visitor satisfaction, and regional impact.

Honouring providers of exceptional guest experiences that reflect the warmth, quality, and distinctiveness of Scenic Rim hospitality.

Open to:

• Hotels, motels, and resorts
• Farm stays and retreats
• Glamping and eco-stay operators
• Boutique or unique accommodation offerings

Submissions should highlight service excellence, innovation, sustainability practices, and regional contribution.

Recognises hospitality venues that contribute to the Scenic Rim’s growing culinary reputation, showcasing local flavours and exceptional service.

Eligible venues include:

• Cafés and restaurants
• Wineries, breweries, and distilleries
• Pubs, bistros, and cellar doors
• Specialty venues (e.g. dessert bars, paddock-to-plate experiences)

Entrants should demonstrate a commitment to local produce, community, and memorable customer experiences.

Celebrates outstanding retail businesses that deliver exceptional customer service, product quality, presentation, and connection to the local community.

Open to:

• Fashion and clothing retailers
• Gift, book, and homeware stores.
• Florists and specialty shops
• General or convenience stores
• Online retailers with a physical presence in the Scenic Rim

Entrants should demonstrate innovation, and their contribution to the vibrancy and economic vitality of the Scenic Rim.

Recognises outstanding businesses in agriculture, trade, construction, and logistics that contribute to economic growth and operational excellence.

Eligible businesses include:

• Builders, electricians, plumbers, and trades
• Mechanics and equipment servicing
• Farming and primary producers
• Food and material processors
• Transport, logistics, and supply chain providers.

Honours businesses that improve the health and wellbeing of individuals or the Scenic Rim community—through services, workplace culture, or community impact.

Open to:

• Healthcare and allied health providers
• Gyms, yoga studios, and fitness centres
• Mental health and social services
• Wellness, nutrition, or lifestyle businesses
• Workplaces prioritising staff wellbeing.

Nominees should show leadership in creating healthy workplaces, delivering wellness-focused services, or championing initiatives that enhance the quality of life for employees, customers, or the broader Scenic Rim community. This category aligns with Scenic Rim Regional Council’s vision of fostering a resilient, connected, and thriving community.

Celebrates contributions to education, training, and lifelong learning across the region.

Nominees should highlight new or innovative approaches, specific programs, measurable outcomes, and commitment to learning—whether through formal education, vocational training, workplace learning, or community-based programs.

Eligible entrants include:

• Schools and early learning centres
• TAFEs, RTOs, and higher education providers
• Private tutors, trainers, or workplace educators
• Community education programs or life skills initiatives

Recognises a person, project, or business that is driving innovation or leading the way in sustainable practices that benefit the Scenic Rim. It celebrates forward-thinking approaches that reduce environmental impact, solve problems creatively, and/or support a more sustainable future for the region.

Open to:

• Businesses, community groups, or entrepreneurs
• Projects or initiatives across any industry
• Public or private sector organisations

Relevant sectors may include:

• Environmental services, tourism, agriculture, education, technology, design, or retail

Entrants may be innovating through products, services, technologies, systems, or business models—or creating meaningful environmental or social outcomes through sustainability leadership and community impact.

Celebrates new businesses that have launched between July 2023 and June 2025, showing promise, innovation, and a sturdy foundation for long-term success.

Open to:

• New or emerging businesses from all industry sectors operating within the Scenic Rim region.
• Businesses that commenced operations after July 2023 (i.e. within the last two years) and have not previously entered the Scenic Rim Business Excellence Awards.

This category highlights businesses that are making a bold start, showing resilience, creativity, and a solid foundation for long-term success.

Recognises an outstanding individual currently undertaking formal training who shows exceptional promise, skill development, and commitment.

Eligible industries include but are not limited to:

• Construction and trades
• Tourism, retail, and hospitality
• Health, aged care, and community services
• Agriculture, business, or creative industries

The award honours those who show initiative, resilience, and a positive contribution to their workplace, reflecting the values of the Scenic Rim business community.

Awarded to the most outstanding overall winner across all categories. This prestigious accolade honours a business that demonstrates all-round excellence, visionary leadership, and significant contribution to the region’s economic and community wellbeing.

No separate application is required—all category winners are automatically considered.

The written submission will be assessed by an independent judging panel comprising experienced business professionals.

Judges will undertake a comprehensive evaluation of each nomination, selecting finalists based on demonstrated performance against the award criteria. You can review the specific questions and criteria by following the links provided under each award category.

Identify which category you would like to prepare your submission for.  

• Businesses may submit an entry in only one (1) category, with exception to Apprentice of the Year and the Regional Prosperity Award.

Be sure to select the category that best represents your business.  Choosing the right category is important—it should showcase your core strengths, achievements, and impact.

As part of your 2025 award submission, you will be required to provide images, examples, and evidence to support your responses.

We strongly encourage you to review the questions and judging criteria for the category you are considering before you begin your application.

Council wants to give your business the best possible support for your Business Excellence Awards submission.

That's why, as part of the 2025 Business Excellence Awards Program, Council is offering free Awards Writing Workshops to assist you to prepare your awards entry.

There will be multiple dates available. Register your spot below.

*Although highly recommended, it is not a term of entry that you must attend an Awards Writing Workshop to enter the 2025 Business Excellence Awards.

SmartyGrants is an online platform. To enter the awards you must upload your submission to the SmartyGrants site by the closing date.

Upload your submission at: https://scenicrim.smartygrants.com.au/BusinessExcellenceAwards

To complete your written entry via SmartyGrants, you will be asked to respond to a set of four category-specific questions, each with a word limit of 500 words each, and will be limited to 2,000 words total.

Your responses should highlight how your business has demonstrated excellence during the qualifying period and between the 1 July 2023 – 30 June 2025.

Supporting attachments—such as images, documents, letter of support, or examples—are strongly encouraged and will contribute to your final score by providing evidence of your achievements.

Submit your award submission before 5:00 PM on Friday 14 November 2025.