Ballarat business awards finalists revealed

THIRTY-nine finalists in the 2022 Federation University Commerce Ballarat Business Excellence Awards have been announced.

With three enterprises in each of the 13 categories shortlisted from 130 overall applicants Commerce Ballarat CEO Jodie Gillett said the Awards provide validation and exposure for local businesses.

“Being chosen as a finalist is obviously a great benefit to a business. They get a lot of promotion and a lot of advertising,” she said.

“But it’s also a wonderful affirmation to them, their team and to the community about what a great job they’re doing.

“There are a lot of businesses that are in for an exciting time over the next month as finalists and leading into the gala dinner where the winners will be announced.”

As part of the Awards process, applicants undertake an in-depth analysis of their business including their strategic planning and implementation.

A panel of 21 judges assess the finalists and winners, and it includes Loreto College’s director of marketing and development Judy-Ann Quilliam.

She said the assessment process was beneficial in itself to those who applied.

“The first stage of actually stopping to take time to analyse their business is the first positive outcome of going through the process,” she said.

“But then it also helps them identify other things they might be doing with questions designed to get them thinking laterally about their business.

“And it also lets them share their success stories and promote what they’re doing really well with the community.”

Winners for the 2022 Federation University Commerce Ballarat Business Excellence Awards will be announced at a gala dinner on Thursday, 25 August at the Mercure.

As part of the event the coveted Business of the Year will be revealed from the 39 finalists.

Finalists in the 2022 Federation University Commerce Ballarat Business Excellence Awards

City of Ballarat Creative – Industries Business Award – Leroy Mac Designs, Pinot and Picasso Ballarat, and Volta

The WIN Network – Customer Service Award – Buxton Ballarat, Community Bank Buninyong, and Eclectic Tastes.

Bartlett Manufacturing Family Business Award – Luv-A-Duck, National Tiles Ballarat, and The Little Cupcake Ballarat.

Mercure Ballarat Hotel and Convention Centre Franchise/Buying Group Business Award – MBCM Ballarat, Pristine Water Systems Central Highlands, and Schnitz Ballarat.

Vitrafy Life Sciences Health and Wellbeing Business Award – Adrian Misseri Podiatry, Ballarat Community Health, RADcentre.

Federation University Technology Park – Innovation Award – BGT Jobs + Training Ballarat, Cafs Thread Together Hub, and James Vac Solutions.

Nevetts Lawyers – Manufacturing Business Award – Blind Additions Ballarat, H.F. Deutscher, and Luv-A-Duck.

Ballarat Times News Group – Micro/Home Based Business Award – Leroy Mac Designs, SMS Integration and Wonder Inns.

Regional Development Australia Grampians – New Product Award – Carbonis Next Door – Deli & Pasta, Lucky & James, and Shine Learning.

Runway HQ – Newcomer Business Award – James Vac Solutions, Tim’s Toasties, and Troop Events.

nbn Local – Professional Services Business Award – BGT Jobs + Training Ballarat, Richard Start Accountants, and The Proven Group.

Federation University – Restaurants, Cafes and Pubs Business Award – Carbonis Italian Kitchen, Eclectic Tastes, and LYDIARDgeneral.

Hip Pocket Workwear & Safety (Ballarat) – Retail Business Award – Dej’s Packaging, Formosa Gardens Nursery, and Go Vita Ballarat.

Power FM – SME Business Award – Ballarat Indoor Go Karts – Laserforce and Entertainment Centre, RADcentre, The Little Cupcake Ballarat.

Cafs – Social Change Maker Award – Community Bank Buninyong, Femxle Experience Art Rebellion, and Salvos Thrift Shop Ballarat.

Central Highlands Water – Trade Business Award – Bailey Technologies and Ballarat Roadworthy Centre.