Excellence in business awards program launched

THE MAIN court at Red Energy Arena was host to business leaders from around the community on Tuesday for the launch of the Bendigo business excellence awards program.

Run in partnership by Be.Bendigo and Bendigo Bank, this year marks the 29th that the awards have been in the city.

Rob Herbert, chief executive of Be.Bendigo, said one of the great things about the awards is discovering new and innovative businesses in the region.

“I think that’s the real power of these awards,” Mr Herbert said. “It shines a light on some of those initiatives.

“There’s so many businesses across our region that people just don’t know what they do, how advanced they are, or how significant they are.”

The awards program has a total of 20 categories, with five added last year and one more new category added for 2024.

“We built in five additional categories last year, which was a lot of work so it’s a matter of maintaining that,” he said.

“We have got another recognition award, a climate leader award, that will form part of this year’s awards as well.”

The new climate leader category is to be sponsored by Greater Bendigo Climate Collaboration.

“We thought it was important to recognise businesses that are making major advancements in the pathway to net zero,” Mr Herbert said.

The awards drew 500 nominations last year, a number the Be.Bendigo aims to top this year.

Nominations will be open from 2 April and any business from Greater Bendigo can enter or be nominated.

More information and how to enter can be found at bbea.com.au