The Shoalhaven Business Awards are about so much more than just winning. In addition to recognising and honouring the most outstanding businesses in the region, they provide an opportunity to celebrate the combined success of the Shoalhaven business community. Just by entering the Awards you are giving yourself the opportunity to review your business operations, reconnect with your vision and strategy, and measure performance against objectives.
The pinnacle of the business year, the Awards provide unrivaled networking opportunities, the chance to share remarkable stories, and ongoing brand exposure to the entire region. For entrants, the Awards provide a platform for reviewing business operations with fresh eyes, as well as the eyes and minds of experts. They put a spotlight on the region, showcasing the success stories of our most outstanding businesses, and market the Shoalhaven as an investment destination.
All categories are aligned with the Business Illawarra Awards, as well as the NSW state Awards, meaning a number of Shoalhaven businesses will be given the opportunity to compete in larger award programs and bring further recognition for the Shoalhaven.
Held at the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, the Awards is an accessible event.
For sponsorship enquiries and information about entering the Awards contact Alison Henry, Awards Manager
Awards Manager: Alison Henry
Email: awards@shoalhavenbusiness.com.au
Mobile: 0419 985 372.
Website: www.shoalhavenbusinesschamber.com.au/awards
- To enter the 2025 Shoalhaven Business Awards click here.
- To download the 2025 Shoalhaven Business Awards handbook click here. (2.6MB)
Key Dates:
- Wednesday 26 March – Awards launched and entries open
- Monday 5 May – Awards entries close at 11:59pm
- Thursday 12 June – Finalists announced LIVE
- Friday 13 June – Awards tickets On Sale
- Friday 11 July – Finalists interviews conclude
- Friday 18 July – Tickets Sales close at 5pm
- Friday 1 August – Awards Gala Night from 6pm
Aligned Categories
- Outstanding Employee
- The outstanding employee award recognises an inspirational employee who has demonstrated a passion for their role and a commitment to their workplace and the community. It is open to businesses to nominate an employee.
- Outstanding Young Business Leader
- The outstanding young business leader award recognises an inspirational business leader (aged 35 or under) at the time of the entry, who has demonstrated a commitment to their workplace, industry, and the community through leadership.
- Outstanding Business Leader
- The outstanding business leader award recognises an inspirational business leader (aged 36 years or over) at the time of the entry, who has demonstrated a commitment to their workplace, industry, and the community through leadership, whilst providing mentorship to others.
- Employer of Choice
- The employer of choice award recognises a business that has implemented strategies and initiatives to create a stimulating and supportive workplace environment.
- Excellence in Innovation
- The excellence in innovation award recognises a business that has implemented innovative solutions for new and existing needs through the introduction or improvement of a product, technology, or application that impacts a wider community.
- Excellence in Sustainability
- The excellence in sustainability award recognises a business that has demonstrated its commitment to sustainable business practices and is working to reduce the impact of its operations on the environment.
- Outstanding Community Organisation
- The outstanding community organisation award recognises an organisation that works to improve the social, cultural, or environmental wellbeing of the community.
- Outstanding Visitor Experience
- The outstanding visitor experience award recognises a business that understands the importance of visitor engagement for a regions economy and reputation. The business needs to articulate how they promote the region as well as offering an exceptional visitor experience.
- Outstanding New Business
- The outstanding new business award recognises a start-up business that has effectively driven growth and is able to demonstrate the potential to achieve future success.
- Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion
- The excellence in diversity and inclusion award recognises businesses that address the needs of a diverse community, including seniors, people from culturally and linguistically diverse (cald) backgrounds, and people with disability. An inclusive business facilitates the needs of all its employees and customers.
- Excellence in Micro Business (Less than 5 employees)
- The excellence in micro business award recognises a business that has effectively driven growth and is able to demonstrate the specific strategies implemented to achieve business success and/or resilience.
- Excellence in Small Business (5 – 20 employees)
- The excellence in small business award recognises a business that has effectively driven growth and is able to demonstrate the specific strategies implemented to achieve business success and/or resilience.
- Excellence in Large Business (21 or more employees)
- The excellence in large business award recognises a business that has effectively driven growth and is able to demonstrate the specific strategies implemented to achieve business success and/or resilience.
Non-Aligned Categories
- Shoalhaven Artisan Excellence
- Recognising the smaller, artisan range of food, beverage and hospitality services in the region, the artisan excellence award is open to small providers of tourism, entertainment, and hospitality services, businesses eligible to enter include small-scale providers, makers, growers or hospitality businesses.
- Business of the Year
- This award is awarded to a Business that has been judged to be an outstanding business, that has provided an entry that demonstrates achievements and excellence over and above all other entrants. This award will be judged by a panel of three judges that have not judged any other entries in the awards.
- The Business of the Year is open to all winners of the following categories
- Employer of Choice
- Excellence in Innovation
- Excellence in Sustainability
- Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion
- Excellence in Micro Business
- Excellence in Small Business
- Excellence in Large Business
