How to Nominate

The 2025 Greater Shepparton SPC Business Excellence Awards are proudly brought to you by the Greater Shepparton Business Network (GSBN).

The Business Excellence Awards are intended to showcase and celebrate the amazing diversity of business within the Greater Shepparton community by recognising and honouring outstanding contributions and encouraging future success.

Submitting a nomination for the 2025 Greater Shepparton SPC Business Excellence Awards is an excellent opportunity to recognise and celebrate outstanding achievements in the local business community. To ensure your nomination stands out and meets the criteria, we’ve compiled a set of expert tips that will guide you through the process and help you craft a compelling, impactful submission.

Understand the Award Categories

Before submitting your nomination, it’s essential to carefully read through each award category and determine which one best aligns with the business you are nominating. Make sure their achievements, impact, and overall contributions fit the specific focus of the award. For example, a nomination for the Visitor Experience of the Year requires a different emphasis than one for Excellence in Business: Trade Services.

Tip: Be sure to match your nominee to the category that best highlights their strengths and achievements. 

Focus on Impact and Achievements

When filling out your nomination form, provide detailed examples of the business’s or individual’s impact. Highlight their key achievements, significant contributions, and any positive outcomes for the community, industry, or economy. The more specific and measurable the achievements, the better.

Tip: Think about milestones such as revenue growth, innovative products or services, outstanding customer service, or any recognition the business has received. Don’t be afraid to include numbers and statistics where relevant.

Tell a Story

A powerful nomination often tells a story that showcases the business’s journey, challenges, and triumphs. It’s not just about listing facts; it’s about conveying the essence of what makes the business or individual exceptional. Share memorable moments or unique experiences that set them apart from the competition.

Tip: Consider the history of the business or individual – how did they overcome challenges, and what makes their approach or contribution stand out in the industry?

Be Thorough and Specific

Provide comprehensive details to support your nomination. General or vague statements such as “They have excellent customer service” won’t resonate or stand out. Instead, include specific examples of how they’ve demonstrated exceptional customer service, and share tangible outcomes or testimonials from customers or clients.

Tip: Include quotes from customers or employees, if available, and detail the positive outcomes from their work, such as increased customer satisfaction or loyalty.

Address Key Award Criteria

Each award category will have specific criteria that nominees need to meet. Make sure to read and understand these criteria carefully, then frame your responses accordingly. For example, if the Excellence in Innovation award values new approaches or technologies, highlight how the nominee has embraced innovation within their field.

Tip: Break down your nomination into sections that correspond with the award criteria. This will help ensure you don’t overlook any important elements. 

Demonstrate Community Impact

The Greater Shepparton region places a strong emphasis on community impact. If the business or individual has contributed to the local community in any meaningful way, whether through charitable work, local sponsorships, or enhancing the local economy, make sure to highlight these efforts.

Tip: Mention any community programs, local sponsorships, or partnerships that demonstrate the nominee’s commitment to the region. 

Provide Insight Into Their Vision

Don’t forget to include the nominee’s vision for the future. What are their goals for the next 1, 5, or 10 years? How do they plan to continue making a difference in their industry or community? This insight will provide the judges with a deeper understanding the nominee’s long-term potential.

Tip: If available, refer to any business plans or future projects the nominee is working on that show their dedication to growth and improvement. 

Be Clear and Concise

While it’s important to provide detailed information, keep your nomination clear and easy to follow. Avoid unnecessary jargon and ensure that the key points are highlighted so it’s quick to understand why your nominee is deserving of the award. There are a lot of submissions to review, so clarity is key.

Tip: Use bullet points or subheadings where possible to break up large amounts of text and make the nomination more readable. 

Double-Check for Accuracy

Before submitting your nomination, double-check all the information for accuracy. Ensure that all facts, dates, names, and figures are correct. A well-organised and error-free nomination reflects professionalism and increases the chances of success.

Tip: Have someone else read through your nomination before submitting it. A fresh pair of eyes can catch any mistakes or unclear points that you might have missed. 

Nominate in Advance

Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your nomination. Allow yourself plenty of time to gather the necessary materials, think through your responses, and ensure that your nomination is as strong as possible. This will also give you time to make any changes or revisions if needed.

Tip: Set a reminder to submit your nomination well before the deadline to avoid the stress of last-minute preparations.