Business awards launched

THIS year’s Federation University Commerce Ballarat Business Excellence Awards launched last week with a ceremony at the Ballaarat Mechanics Institute.

As the business community gathered in the Minerva Space to catch up over drinks and live music, nominations for this year’s awards were officially opened.

With restrictions eased across the state dean of Federation Business School Professor Christina Lee said adaptability was very much the theme of this year’s awards.

“The last two years has been about pivoting. 2020 was about connecting the community that was isolating from the virus. In 2021 it was about connecting and recovering,” she said.

“And this year, 2022, we will continue to progress through this recovery phase, and continue to celebrate the resilience of the business community.

“For me, the Business Excellence Awards are symbolic of the community that has worked together to rebuild lives and livelihoods.”

There are 16 categories available to enter and businesses will need to meet the set criteria to be eligible.

Successful businesses will not only receive an award and be provided with extensive promotion, all participants get feedback on how best to maintain their business.

With recovery and adaptability playing a large role this year, Commerce Ballarat chair Hayley Coates said the process provides an opportunity for businesses to re-evaluate themselves.

“The whole process is effectively a business health check, so I think when you’re looking at recovery, it’s a great place to start in taking a step back and reassessing your business,” she said.

“The support has always been there as a COVID recovery tool, and it’s so beneficial for people to be able to look at that process.

“I’m often surprised by the finalists, and that’s why it’s such a great thing for businesses to do, because often they’re surprised to find out how they’re doing compared to other businesses in town.”

Businesses or individuals can apply for an award by visiting commerceballarat.com.au or via mail marked Commerce Ballarat Awards Nomination to 119 Lydiard Street North, Ballarat, 3350.

Nominations are open until 5pm on Wednesday, 30 March, and winners will be announced at a gala ceremony on Thursday, 25 August.