Open to all businesses that offer food and beverage services – for example, restaurants, cafes, hotels and clubs.

Open to all retail businesses – for example, clothing stores, pharmacies, online stores, homeware stores and bookstores.

Open to all businesses that are family-owned and operated, with at least two related parties working within the business ie. multigeneration, siblings, life partners.

All businesses who apply to the Bartlett Manufacturing Family Business Award category are automatically considered. The Judges will carefully evaluate eligible written applications, awarding the Scholarship to a Family business that shows great potential but may lack detailed and important family business procedures and governance. The Scholarship recipient will gain access to invaluable mentorship and guidance from an industry expert, providing them with insights and strategies to navigate the complexities of family business management.

Open to businesses that demonstrate ethical leadership through responsible supply chain practices, prevention of modern slavery, fair employment standards, and transparent, values-driven operations that positively impact their employees, customers, and community.

Open to all businesses that employ twelve or more full-time employees (FTE)*. *If the number of casual/part-time hours worked per week totals 38 hours, this is considered to be one full-time employee.

Open to all sole traders and small businesses that employ up to eleven full-time employees (FTE)*. *If the number of casual/part-time hours worked per week totals 38 hours, this is considered to be one full-time employee.

Open to all businesses established since 1 January 2023. (Franchise/Buying Group businesses excluded).

Open to all businesses that operate within creative industries – for example, music, design, fashion, photography, marketing and art.

Open to all trade businesses – for example, plumbers, electricians, mechanics, hairdressers, carpenters, bricklayers and gardeners.

Open to all businesses that provide excellence in customer service and satisfaction through the outstanding treatment of, and positive attitude towards, their customers.

Open to businesses who demonstrate a high level of accessibility and inclusion in the workplace through its practices, for both employees and customers. Diversity may refer to gender, age, disability, LGBTIQ+, cultural diversity, and Indigenous engagement.

Open to all businesses that offer health services – for example, doctors, physiotherapists, optometrists and naturopaths.

Open to all businesses that offer professional services – for example, legal firms, real estate agents, insurance brokers, employment agencies and accountants.

Open to all businesses that use innovation in any facet of their business to improve their efficiency, product, service or customer experience.

Open to all business people born after 1986, who have built or been a driving force behind a thriving Ballarat business. They will be innovative, strategic and community minded.

Open to all growers & producers in the RDA Grampians region. LGAs include: Ararat, Ballarat, Golden Plains, Hepburn, Hindmarsh, Horsham, Moorabool, Northern Grampians, Pyrenees, West Wimmera, and Yarriambiack Shire. This award recognises the outstanding growers and producers who shape our vibrant culinary scene.

Open to businesses who demonstrate a commitment to strengthening their local community beyond their core business purpose.