Recognition beckons as Torquay Business Awards launch

THE spotlight is back on the 3228 postcode’s thriving business community as the Torquay Business Awards launch for another year, bringing well-deserved recognition to the area’s most dynamic businesses.

Entries opened today (Friday, May 9) for the 2025 edition of the awards program, which is hosted by Commerce Torquay in partnership with the Rotary Club of Torquay.

Businesses of all sizes and from all industries are invited to enter, with awards in 10 categories up for grabs, including Business of the Year.

Four new award categories have been added to the program this year to better recognise the creative and diverse achievements of the businesses operating across the 3228 postcode. They are:

• The Personal Care award, encapsulating businesses in the health and wellbeing, beauty and fitness industries
• The Event of the Year award, encompassing the area’s concerts, markets and sporting events
• The Best New Business award, for emerging businesses that have been operating for less than two years, and
• The Out of the Box award, for the community’s creatives and entrepreneurs who don’t fit into the program’s other award categories.

 

 

Commerce Torquay president Sarah Minter said the awards offered local businesses an opportunity to solidify their presence in the business community, gain greater exposure and connect with the township’s other business leaders.

“It’s an amazing chance to celebrate with your staff and get some recognition.

“I think often, as businesses, we don’t stop and reflect on our successes. We’re too busy grinding, and this is a chance to stop and reflect.

“The gala night is such an amazing experience, and a chance to celebrate that success.”

Excitement for this year’s awards has only continued to grow since the 2025 program was formally launched last week, with several of last year’s winners and finalists in attendance.

The event was held at Archers Torquay, a finalist in the hospitality award category last year.

This year’s judging panel will have three key focus areas, including sustainability initiatives, contributions to the community and business achievements, whether they be innovations, an expansion, financial success, or otherwise.

 

 

Ms Minter encouraged entrants to strengthen their submissions with examples to fully showcase their success, and to approach the entry as though it will be read by someone who knows nothing about the business.

“Really sell yourselves. This is not the place for modesty,” she said.

“If you don’t tell us something that you’re doing, we won’t know.”

Community members can also nominate a business they believe is excelling in their field for any of the awards.

Entries to the Torquay Business Awards will close July 31.

Judging will be completed by August 21, with this year’s winners to be celebrated at a gala event at The Sands on September 4.

For more information, to submit an entry or to nominate a business for an award, head to commercetorquay.com.au