Business Awards
The 2025 Hobsons Bay Business Excellence Awards
The Hobsons Bay Business Excellence Awards return in 2025 to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our local business community.
These awards recognise the innovation, resilience, and contributions of businesses, both large and small, that drive economic growth and enhance community life in Hobsons Bay.
Hobsons Bay City Council invites local businesses to nominate and be part of this prestigious event. Whether you’re an emerging startup, a long-standing family business, or an industry leader, this is your opportunity to be recognised for your hard work and success.
Why enter?
Being part of the Hobsons Bay Business Excellence Awards provides:
- Recognition – Celebrate your business achievements and gain credibility.
- Exposure – Benefit from promotional opportunities across council and media platforms.
- Networking – Connect with like-minded business professionals and industry leaders.
- Celebration – A chance to acknowledge and reward your team’s hard work.
Key Dates:
Nominations Open - Monday 2 June, 9am
Nominations Close - Sunday 13 July, 12pm
Finalists Announced - Friday 15 August
Judging - September
Business Excellence Awards Gala - Thursday 23 October, 6pm
Are you a business? Nominate your business here!
Are you a customer? Nominate your favourite business here!
Eligibility
To be eligible to enter the 2025 Hobson Bay Business Excellence Awards businesses must be registered within Hobsons Bay with a valid ABN and hold all appropriate permits and licenses relevant to their industry. Not for profit businesses and social enterprises are welcome to apply to any of the award categories.
Find out all relevant applicant information here.(PDF, 2MB)
Award categories
For more information on the award categories please read the Category Description and Application Tips.(PDF, 2MB)
Business can nominate themselves for any of the award categories.
- Creating social change and diversity
- Excellence in customer experience
- Excellence in sustainability and circular economy
- Excellence in innovation
- New / start-up business
- Home based business
Members of the community can also nominate businesses for the following category:
- Excellence in customer experience
Judging
All nominations will be assessed, and finalists determined by an internal panel.
Finalists are assessed by external judges who are experts in the category field. Judging to determine winners will include an in-person business visit and interview.
Prizes
The winners from each category will receive:
- A Hobsons Bay Business Excellence Award winner trophy
- A voucher of $1000 for a professional service of choice provided by a Hobsons Bay Business
- A business visit and photo opportunity with the Mayor and/or Councillor with images and story to be featured in the Star Weekly*
- Promotion as an award winner through Hobsons Bay City Council social media, and Hobsons Bay Business newsletter and social media
*pending availability
Business Excellence Awards Gala
Winners will be announced Thursday 23 October, starting at 6pm. The evening will be celebrated in person with at the Business Excellence Awards Gala situated at the Williamstown Town Hall.
Tickets will be available in coming months, stay tuned for more details!
How to nominate
How to enter
To nominate yourself entry is via the Smartygrants application, with the forms live from Monday 2 June. You will need to create an account on Smartygrants (if you dont have one already).
Nominate your business here!
Before submitting your application please read the Category Description and Application Tips(PDF, 2MB) to determine the most suitable categories for your business.
Members of the public can also nominate a business for the below award, simply fill out the online form below:
- Excellence in Customer Experience
Nominate your favourite local business here!
If a business has been nominated by a community member, Council will contact the business to inform them of their nomination and guide them through the application process.
To find out more and to read the Terms and Conditions please refer to the Applicant Information(PDF, 2MB) document.
Upon receipt of your application, you will receive a confirmation email from our team to verify your submission. If you have any questions or need assistance please call us directly on 1300 179 944 or email business@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au.
Do you need help or have any questions?
The Economic Development team are here to help!
If you have any questions or need assistance please call us directly on 1300 179 944 or email business@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au
If you have any questions in relation to the 2025 Hobsons Bay Business Excellence Awards please do not hesitate to call Council’s Economic Development unit on 1300 179 944 or email business@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au
The Awards are held every second year and are a highlight of the Hobsons Bay business calendar. To keep up to date with the latest news about the Hobsons Bay Business Excellence Awards, subscribe to the monthly Hobsons Bay Business e-Works newsletter.