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Geelong Business Excellence Awards Winners Announced 19 October 2024:
The stage was set, excitement filled the air, and the business community came together at The Pier Geelong to celebrate the best in achievement, innovation, and leadership at the 2024 Geelong Business Excellence Awards.
With anticipation in the air, the winners across multiple categories were officially announced, recognising the outstanding efforts of businesses, business leaders, and young entrepreneurs who have demonstrated excellence across their industries. This year’s event, a highlight of the Geelong business calendar, saw businesses from all sectors celebrated for their commitment to innovation, resilience, and positive community impact.
The gala night kicked off with guests walking the blue carpet, setting a stylish tone for the evening. Sarah Ashmore brought her charm and expertise as the event host, guiding the audience through a celebration of the region’s best and brightest. The event capped off what has been an incredible year for business across the Geelong region. These awards continue to highlight the vital role businesses play in driving innovation, growth, and employment, and the winners are a true reflection of the strength, creativity, and resilience within our community.
Along with major sponsor, LBW Business + Wealth Advisors, we would like to congratulate the following 2024 winners:
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Business of the Year (sponsored by LBW Business + Wealth Advisors: Cabinets by Computer
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Business Leader of the Year (sponsored by bay93.9): Jo Plummer
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Young Entrepreneur of the Year (sponsored by Deakin University): Shannan Gove
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Sustainable Business Award (sponsored by Kenstra): Harvest Experience
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Medium to Large Business Award (sponsored by EML): Scotchmans Hill
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Advanced Manufacturing & Industry Award (sponsored by Southern Star Windows & Doors): Care Essentials
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Corporate Social Responsibility Award (sponsored by Geelong Galvanizing): Storyfolk
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Emerging Business Award (sponsored by The Gordon): Sycle
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Tourism & Hospitality Award (sponsored by Tourism Greater Geelong & The Bellarine): The Arborist
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Safe & Healthy Business Award (sponsored by WorkSafe Victoria): Kennedys Group
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Retail Business Award (sponsored by Roderick Insurance): Mr Brown’s Menswear
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Inclusive & Accessible Award (sponsored by TAC): The Q Train
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Digital Engagement Award (sponsored by Web Force 5): Enterprise Monkey
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Employer of Choice Award (sponsored by City of Greater Geelong): Blackman’s Brewery
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Home-based & Micro Business Award (sponsored by Times News Group): Elizabeth Bell Ceramics
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Small Business Award (sponsored by Envisage HR): Create Balance Psychotherapy and Counselling
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Innovation, Research and Development Award (sponsored by VIVA Energy): Cabinets by Computer
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Health & Wellbeing Promoting Workplace Award (sponsored by Barwon Health): Flying Start Children’s Therapy
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Customer Service Award (sponsored by Spirit Super): Pet’s Country Club
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Best First Year Entry Award (sponsored by Harwood Andrews): Made Great
Geelong Business Excellence Awards and major sponsor, LBW Business +Wealth Advisors, extends its congratulations to all the winners and finalists. Their achievements stand as a testament to the strength and resilience of the Geelong business community.
Geelong Chamber of Commerce CEO Jeremy Crawford congratulated all the finalists and winners, stating, "These awards showcase the remarkable talent within our business community. Every finalist and winner should feel immensely proud of their achievements. They represent the future of Geelong—one that is bold, innovative, and forward-thinking."
The awards also reflect the importance of sustainability, with this year’s event proudly carbon neutral, thanks to thoughtful planning and the support of our sponsors and partners.
With a sold-out audience in attendance, the event was a spectacular reminder of why the Geelong Business Excellence Awards remain a significant milestone for businesses and entrepreneurs alike.
For more information about the winners click here to access the special GBEA lift out in the Geelong Times.
2024 Award Finalists Announced!
The Geelong Chamber of Commerce in partnership with major sponsor, LBW Business + Wealth Advisors are thrilled to announce the 2024 Geelong Business Excellence Awards finalists.
“Thank you to the Geelong Business Community for supporting and nominating 650 businesses for the Geelong Business Excellence Awards. With a record number of nominations and a 12.2% increase in entries from last year, we congratulate all the businesses and individuals for making the time to submit an entry. I warmly congratulate and extend our well-deserved recognition of the 2024 Geelong Business Excellence Awards finalists,” said Jeremy Crawford, CEO, Geelong Chamber of Commerce. “To the businesses and individuals who did not make it as finalists, we sincerely hope you gained value in answering the entry criteria and use this experience to re-enter next year.”
We would like to congratulate the following Businesses, Business Leaders and Young Entrepreneurs on becoming a Finalist in the 2024 Geelong Business Excellence Awards!
Business Award Finalists
Armour Security
Australian Tea Masters Pty Ltd
Avalon Airport Australia
Blackman’s Brewery
Body Recon
Burke Britton Financial Partners
Cabinets by Computer
Care Essentials Pty Ltd
Carmody Group Co Pty Ltd
Cavalier Consulting & Bookkeeping
Coastyle Building Solutions
CoCo Support Services
Country to Coast Home Care Services
Create Balance Psychotherapy and Counselling
Creative Dental Haus
Dash Gym and Wellbeing
Dental Boutique Geelong Pty Ltd
Elizbeth Bell Ceramics
Enterprise Monkey
Flying Start Children’s Therapy Pty Ltd
Gecsek
Geelong Adventure Specialists
Harvest Experience
Joti Financial
Just Better Care Geelong
Justine Martin Corporation
Kennedys Group Pty Ltd
La Luna Soul
Made Great
Mr Brown’s Menswear
My Bellarine Kitchen
My Choice Group Pty Ltd
Natsukashii Healing
Payne Therapies Pty Ltd
Pearls and Roses Bridal
Pets Country Club
Pre Loved Geelong
Prestige Inhome Care
Quantum Certification Services
Scotchmans Hill Pty Ltd
Simic Financial Pty Ltd
Splatters Cheese Bar
Storyfolk
Sycle
Techzone Geelong
The Arborist
The Q Train
Today’s Dental Surgery Vic
Tox Bar
Virtual Forte
Vitality Laser & Skin
Walker Safety Services
War on Waste Cartel
Business Leader of the Year Finalists
Aamir Qutub
Aaron Finch
David Buchanan
Jo Plummer
Young Entrepreneur of the Year Finalists
Ashleigh Robinson
Jesse Hughes
Shannan Gove
Enter now to recognise your business at the prestigious 2024 Geelong Business Excellence Awards.
Let's turn up the excitement and get ready to celebrate! Entries for the much-anticipated 2024 Geelong Business Excellence Awards are officially open!
We’re rolling out the red carpet for businesses, visionary leaders, and the bright young minds of the Geelong area to step into the spotlight and share their incredible stories of success.
The Geelong Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with major sponsor, LBW Business + Wealth Advisors proudly invites all businesses, business leaders, and young entrepreneurs in the Geelong region to submit an entry and showcase their outstanding achievements.
You don’t have to be nominated to enter the program. If you're doing amazing things, we want to hear about it. This is your opportunity to shine across 20 diverse categories that recognise the cream of the crop in small, medium, and large businesses in any industry.
Jeremy Crawford, CEO of the Geelong Chamber of Commerce, captures the enthusiasm perfectly: "The Geelong Business Excellence Awards are a shining landmark in the business community, celebrating those who constantly push the envelope towards true excellence. Participating in the GBEA is more than an entry; it's a journey that offers invaluable insights, professional feedback, and well-deserved recognition for your dedication and achievements. It’s about celebrating THE best.”
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our wonderful sponsors and partners, whose unwavering support and generosity bring this spectacular celebration to life, year after year.”
Curious about how to make your business the star of the show? Join one of our informative sessions! Get the inside scoop on the awards, including tips and tricks for a standout application, insights into what the judges are looking for, and inspiration from past winners.
Ready to make your mark? Submissions are open now and will be accepted until Friday, July 12, 2024. For more details and to enter, visit www.gbea.com.au. Let's showcase the brilliance of Geelong's business community!
Click here to attend an information session.
Click here to enter.
Congratulations to the 2023 Geelong Business Excellence AWARDS WINNERS
The Geelong Business Community gathered at GMHBA Stadium on Thursday 19 October for the 2023 Geelong Business Excellence Awards Presentation Event. The evening was a resounding success, with winners announced across various categories, recognising our clever, creative, and innovative businesses.
Guests were greeted by the blue carpet, where finalists and attendees alike walked in style, setting the tone for a night of sophistication and grandeur. This year, the Geelong Business Excellence Awards continued significant action towards sustainability, proudly announcing that the entire event was carbon-neutral for the second year in a row, showcasing their commitment to environmental responsibility.
Attendees were serenaded by the enchanting melodies of the Geelong Cello Quartet, and adding a touch of musical energy, Good Faces for Radio, took to the stage, ensuring that the attendees were entertained throughout the evening.
The event was hosted by renowned television personality, Nicky Buckley, whose wit and charm resonated with the audience, making the night even more memorable.
Along with major sponsor, LBW Business + Wealth Advisors, we would like to congratulate the following 2023 winners of this year’s awards.
Congratulations to all GBEA category winners and sponsors below.
- Business of the Year (sponsored by LBW Business + Wealth Advisors): Directbor
- Business Leader of the Year (sponsored by bay 93.9): Justine Martin
- Young Entrepreneur of the Year (sponsored by Deakin University): Jye Bohm
- Sustainable Business Award (sponsored by Kenstra): Swim by Elly
- Medium to Large Business Award (sponsored by EML): Cottage by the Sea
- Advanced Manufacturing & Industry Award (sponsored by Southern Star Group of Companies): Care Essentials Pty Ltd
- Corporate Social Responsibility Award (sponsored by genU): Coastyle Building Solutions
- Emerging Business Award (sponsored by The Gordon): Geelong Sports Medicine Centre
- Inclusive & Accessible Business Award (Sponsored by the TAC): Splatters Cheese Bar
- Safe & Healthy Business Award (sponsored by Worksafe Victoria): PROFINISH Fire Protection
- Small Business Award (sponsored by Envisage HR Solutions): The Proven Group
- Regional Business Award (sponsored by the City of Greater Geelong): Provenir
- Innovation, Research & Development Award (sponsored by VIVA Energy Australia): Directbor
- Tourism & Hospitality Award (sponsored by Tourism Greater Geelong & The Bellarine): AMDA Foundation Limited
- Digital Engagement Award (sponsored by WebForce 5): Viewpoint Digital Media
- Retail Business Award (sponsored by Roderick Insurance Brokers): Mr Brown’s Menswear
- Best First Year Entry Award (sponsored by Harwood Andrews): Geelong West Dental
- Home based and Micro Business Award (sponsored by Runway): Pre Loved Geelong
- Health and Wellbeing Promoting Workplace Award (sponsored by Barwon Health): Arthur St
- Customer Service Award (sponsored by Times News Group): Geelong Pest Control
Geelong Business Excellence Awards and major sponsor, LBW Business +Wealth Advisors, extends its congratulations to all the winners and finalists. Their achievements stand as a testament to the strength and resilience of the Geelong business community.
The Geelong Chamber of Commerce in partnership with major sponsor, LBW Business + Wealth Advisors are thrilled to announce this year’s clever, creative and innovative Geelong Business Excellence Awards finalists.
“This year we received a record number of 519 nominations. Thank you to the Geelong Business community for supporting and nominating deserving business and business leaders. I warmly congratulate this year’s businesses and extend our well-deserved recognition to them as Geelong Business Excellence Awards finalists,” said Jeremy Crawford, CEO, Geelong Chamber of Commerce. “Whilst not all entrants can become finalists of the program, we sincerely hope all the participants gained value in answering the key entry criteria and utilise this years’ experience to re-enter next year.”
Congratulations to the 2023 Finalists !!
We would like to congratulate the following Businesses, Business Leaders and Young Entrepreneurs on becoming a Finalist in the 2023 Geelong Business Excellence Awards!
Business Award Finalists
- 18th Amendment Bar
- 4gr
- A Simple Wish Events
- Aesthetik Dental
- AMDA Foundation Limited
- Arnicare
- Arthur St
- Barwon Occupational Therapy
- Bellington Estate
- Braces N Faces Orthodontics
- Care Essentials
- Coastyle Building Solutions
- Colliers Geelong
- Cottage by the Sea
- Create Balance Psychotherapy and Counselling
- Dash Gym and Wellbeing
- Directbor
- Ecoduct
- Elizabeth Bell Ceramics
- Enable All
- Five Graces Photography
- FOUND:ling Reusery
- Frank n Al Chai
- Geelong Access Hire
- Geelong Pest Control
- Geelong Property Hub
- Geelong Sports Medicine Centre
- Geelong West Dental
- Goldstar Care Solutions
- GPS Boss
- Jibber Jabber Allied Health
- JUZT art
- Ket Baker
- La Luna Soul
- Lara Village Dental
- Lonsdale Tomato Farm
- Mavs Greek Restaurant
- Mr Brown’s Menswear
- My Choice Group
- Payne Therapies Pty Ltd
- Pearls and Roses Bridal
- Porter Avenue Pies & Cakes
- PRE LOVED Geelong
- PROFINISH Fire Protection
- Propel Innovations
- Provenir
- Resilience Mindset
- Saliba Pictures
- Splatters Cheese Bar
- Storyfolk
- Swim by Elly
- The Learning Professionals
- The Proven Group
- Think Strategic
- Viewpoint Digital Media
- Virtual Forte
- Walker Safety Services
- War on Waste Cartel
- You’re Gorgeous Hair & Beauty
Business Leader of the Year Finalists
- Justine Martin
- Nick Casboult
- Sally Nicholes
Young Entrepreneur of the Year Finalists
- Jye Bohm
- Shannon Bowman
- Shaun Preston
The Awards presentation event will take place at GMHBA Stadium on the 19th October 2023. Guests will enjoy a night of food, drinks, entertainment and experience the 20 awards presented, including the most prestigious accolade, the 2023 Geelong Business of the Year.
Don’t miss one of the key events of the year on the Geelong calendar!
To purchase tickets, please click here
ENTRIES NOW OPEN FOR THE 2023 GEELONG BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS
The Geelong Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce that entries are now open for the 2023 Geelong Business Excellence Awards. We invite all businesses, business leaders, and young entrepreneurs in the Geelong region to submit their entries and showcase their outstanding achievements.
The Geelong Business Excellence Awards celebrates and recognises our clever, creative and innovative business community. The Awards, proudly sponsored by LBW Business + Wealth Advisors, celebrates business excellence across 20 categories targeting small, medium and large businesses from all industries including manufacturing, hospitality, tourism, not for profit, health, financial services and more.
Jeremy Crawford, Chief Executive Officer, Geelong Chamber of Commerce, said “The Geelong Business Excellence Awards celebrate creativity and innovation, showcasing your achievements to our vibrant business community. Entering the GBEA is a rewarding experience. It provides your business with valuable insights, expert independent feedback, and recognition of your hard work and success.”
“We sincerely appreciate all our incredible category sponsors and award partners. We are continually amazed by their generosity and commitment to supporting the Geelong business community.”
Information sessions are a great way to find out all you need to know about the awards and how you can make your business stand out from the crowd. These sessions will cover everything from the entry process, judging criteria, and tips on how to make your application shine. You will hear from the judges on what they are looking for and from past winners who can give you some tips that worked for their winning entry.
Click here to attend an information session.
Entries are open through the Geelong Business Excellence Awards and can be submitted up until Friday 14 July 2023. Head to www.gbea.com.au for more information.
Nominate or Register now!
Registrations and nominations for the 2023 Geelong Business Excellence Awards are NOW OPEN!
This is a great chance to stop and reflect and acknowledge your success.
As a community it is important to acknowledge those people and businesses who inspire us with their passion and courage to innovate, improve and succeed. Proudly supported by major sponsor, LBW Business + Wealth Advisors and managed by the Geelong Chamber of Commerce, the awards celebrate business excellence across 20 categories targeting small, medium and large businesses from all industries including manufacturing, hospitality, tourism, not for profit, health, financial services and more.
Cathryn Walley, Associate Principal, LBW Business + Wealth Advisors, said “we are thrilled to be sponsoring this program that puts the spotlight on our outstanding businesses and inspirational leaders by celebrating their success and sharing their incredible stories to inspire others.”
Previous entrants have acknowledged what it takes to enter into the GBEA: the rewards, the recognition and to gain a fresh insight into their business operations. Please consider nominating another business or business leader you are inspired by, or even your own business!
Click here to register yourself as a leader or young entrepreneur, your own business or nominate another.
Entries open 4 May and The Geelong Chamber of Commerce will be hosting Information Sessions to update you with changes, give you tips on how to write a successful submission and answer any burning questions. Click here to register for an information session
CERTIFIED AS CARBON NEUTRAL!
The Geelong Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that we have met the requirements of the Climate Active Carbon Neutral Standard for Events, and have officially certified the 2022 Geelong Business Excellence Awards presentation event as carbon neutral.
Our partnership with Climate Society allowed us to estimate the carbon footprint of the 2022 Geelong Business Excellence Awards presentation event and make small changes to ensure we do everything we could to lessen our carbon emissions.
To assist us with achieving carbon neutrality for the event, Climate Society made recommendations on how we can reduce the event’s emissions. Here are some examples of how we achieved Carbon Neutral Event status by:
- Contributing to Carbon Offsets Australia, which regenerates biodiverse forests to capture carbon emissions
- Reduced the amount of meat on meals. For entrees, we used vegetarian options.
- Encouraged carpooling for participants and staff
- Requested participants to not print out their tickets to reduce paper usage
- Focused on using QR codes for materials (i.e order of proceedings, menu etc)
- Used potted plants instead of cut flowers as table decorations and encouraged guests to take them home.
This is a great achievement from the Geelong Business Excellence Awards team along with Higher Mark who worked alongside us to achieve certification.
The partnership with Climate Society will help create opportunities for the Geelong Business Community to really make a difference on a global scale.
The Geelong Business Excellence Awards team would like to thank Luciana Manrique and Craig Kennedy from the Telstra Business Technology Centre for their inspiration and support in taking on this amazing initiative.
Thank you also to Armando Aragon from Climate Society for their services for joining the UN and calculating the carbon footprint.
To find out more about how Climate Society can help reduce your carbon footprint, head to their website https://www.climatesociety.org.au/
Congratulations to the 2022 Winners!
Along with our major sponsor LBW Business + Wealth Advisors, we would like to congratulate the 2022 winners and finalists of the Geelong Business Excellence Awards.
The awards program celebrated the clever, creative and connected business community with a glamourous event held face-to-face for the first time in three years. Walking along the red carpet into GMHBA Stadium, award guests were dazzled by a magnificently set up President’s Room. Renown television personality Nicky Buckley hosted the awards night with 20 category winners announced across three stages and entertainment provided throughout the evening by local band Good Faces for Radio. With 800 people attending the event, this year’s awards were the largest in-person awards celebration the Geelong Chamber of Commerce has ever put on while also streaming the awards live across Facebook.
Chamber president Dr John Stekelenburg said, “It’s so important to recognise those businesses and leaders who have stared down the challenge, embraced the opportunity and taken everyone around them on a very special journey.”
Congratulations to all GBEA category winners and sponsors below.
- Business of the Year (sponsored by LBW Business + Wealth Advisors): Custom Neon
- Business Leader of the Year (sponsored by bay 93.9): Maree Herath
- Young Entrepreneur of the Year (sponsored by Deakin University): Lee-Anne Campigli
- Sustainable Business (sponsored by Telstra Business Technology Centre- Victoria West): Scubabo Dive Victoria
- Medium to Large Business or Division/Department of a business (sponsored by EML): Custom Neon
- Advanced Manufacturing & Industry (sponsored by Southern Star Group of Companies) HPS Tech
- Corporate Social Responsibility (sponsored by genU): CentreStage Pty Ltd
- Emerging Business - Under 3 years (sponsored by The Gordon): Provenir
- Inclusive & Accessible Business (sponsored by Transport Accident Commission): Accessible Accommodation
- Safe & Healthy Business (sponsored by WorkSafe Victoria): Corio Village
- Small Business or Division/Department of a business (sponsored by Bendigo Bank) The 18th Amendment Bar
- Tourism & Hospitality (sponsored byTourism Greater Geelong & The Bellarine) Higher Mark - Geelong Cats
- Innovation, Research & Development (sponsored by Viva Energy) Cabinets By Computer
- Regional Business (sponsored by Gartland): del Rios Winery & Restaurant
- Digital Engagement (sponsored by Web Force 5) Adventure Park
- Retail Business (sponsored by Roderick Insurance Brokers) Zacale Pty Ltd
- Best First Year Entry (sponsored by Harwood Andrews) 13th Beach Health Services
- Home-based & Micro Business (sponsored by the City of Greater Geelong) Crew Faced Makeup Artistry
- Health & Wellbeing Promoting Workplace (sponsored by Barwon Health): Coastyle Building Solutions
- Customer Service (sponsored by Hardings Hardware): MultiSkills Training
Custom Neon wins Business of the Year Award
Custom Neon won the prestigious Business of the Year Award sponsored by LBW Business + Wealth Advisors. The judges were thoroughly impressed with the growth and expansion of the Custom Neon business. To start from their garage in 2018 and now have a global business with USA and UK markets and onsite teams in those countries is outstanding. The marketing of the business supports its fun and professional brand and has segmented their target markets to maximise their sales. The judges thought that Custom Neon have very good people and culture which includes great initiatives, training and OH&S policies. Moreover, the judges found their financial management practices were second to none.
First carbon neutral Awards night ever
Besides being the biggest awards presentation held in the history of the awards, the 2022 Geelong Business Excellence Awards were also the first ever carbon neutral awards event. This is a great step for Geelong in showing a major event can be held in a sustainable manor. In close collaboration with Climate Society, the carbon footprint of the awards were estimated and recommendations put in place to decrease carbon emissions. Table numbers were provided to guests ahead of time to ensure tickets were not printed. A QR code on a business card-sized tag, embedded with seeds on a 100% recycled cardboard included the menu, order of proceedings & sponsor messages. Moreover, the table decorations consisted of a potted, Australian native plant, which guests were encouraged to take home and plant after the event.
Higher Mark – Geelong Cats was able to engage 17 local suppliers for an outstanding menu showcasing the best the region has to offer while also minimising the carbon footprint of the night’s dinner.
Acknowledgements
The Geelong Chamber of Commerce would like to thank our major sponsor LBW Business + Wealth Advisors for their ongoing support. We would also like to thank all category sponsors, our award partners, event partners, media partners, as well as all guests of the
Congratulations to the 2022 Finalists!
The Geelong Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with major sponsor, LBW Business + Wealth Advisors are delighted to announce that this year’s Geelong Business Excellence Awards received an outstanding 20% increase on total entries compared to previous year. This is a huge testament to our incredible clever, creative and connected Geelong business community.
Whilst not all entrants can proceed as finalists, the process allows all businesses to review and reflect on their business operations and potentially gain valuable insights and identify new key business improvements.
Please congratulate the following Businesses, Business Leaders and Young Entrepreneurs on becoming a Finalist in the 2022 Geelong Business Excellence Awards!
Business Award Finalists
13th Beach Health Services
Accessible Accommodation
Adventure Park
AMD Hairdressing
Ardour Electrical
Arthur Reed Photos
Bare Skin and Body Clinic
Barwon Occupational Therapy
Bellarine Community Support Register Inc
Belington Estate
Bree Gorman Consulting
Cabinets by Computer
CentreStage Pty Ltd
Childs Play ELC
Coastyle Building Solutions
Corio Village – Retpro
Cottage by the Sea Queenscliff Inc
Cotton On Distribution Centre
Crew Faced Makeup Artistry
Custom Neon
CX Video
del Rios Winery & Restaurant
Doll House Hair Artistry
Engels Floyd & Associates
Enterprise Monkey
Event Kit
Evolution Design Agency
Fit as FX
Five Graces Photography Pty Ltd
Frank n Al Chai
Geelong Ballooning
Geelong Bank
Geelong Insurance Brokers
Geelong Property Hub
Geelong Real Estate Co
Grip 6 Pty Ltd
High eight home & living
Higher Mark – Geelong Cats
HPS Tech
Jibber Jabber Allied Health Pty Ltd
Kardinia International College
Lara Village Dental
Liberty Financial
Life is Worth Living
Master Your Money Now
MultiSkills Training
Ocean Education Australia T/As Scubabo Dive Victoria
Pre Loved Geelong
Provenir
ReOvenise Pty Ltd
Splatters Cheese Bar
Stylin’ Dogs
Sugar Images
The 18th Amendment Bar
The Proven Group
The Salary Packaging People
The Streets Barbershop
Think Strategic
True South Film
Viewpoint Digital Media
Walker Safety Services
You’re Gorgeous Hair & Beauty
Zacale Pty Ltd (T/A McDonald’s Geelong North, McDonald’s Geelong Corio Village and McDonalds Geelong Central)
Business Leader of the Year Finalists
David Greenwood
Diana Taylor
Joe Ormeno
Justin Collins
Maree Herath
Young Entrepreneur of the Year Finalists
Cam O’Keefe
Lee-Anne Campigli
Shannon Bowman
The Awards presentation event will take place at GMHBA Stadium on the 27 October 2022. Guests will enjoy a 3-course meal, drinks and entertainment and see 20 awards presented, including the most prestigious accolade, the 2022 Geelong Business of the Year.
Don’t miss Geelong’s most prestigious business awards event of the year!
Book now to purchase tickets.
Entries are now open!
The Geelong Chamber of Commerce invites all businesses, business leaders and young entrepreneurs to enter the 2022 Geelong Business Excellence Awards.
The awards celebrate and recognise our clever, creative and connected business community. Now more than ever, it is important to celebrate the businesses and business leaders who inspire us with their passion and courage to innovate, improve and succeed.
Ben Flynn, Chief Executive Officer, Geelong Chamber of Commerce, said “By entering the awards, you are able celebrate all of those who have made your journey such a success. It allows you to reflect on the things that have gone well for your business even if you didn’t recognise them at the time. It’s a hugely positive experience.”
Proudly supported by major sponsor, LBW Business + Wealth Advisors and managed by the Geelong Chamber of Commerce, the awards celebrate business excellence across 20 categories targeting small, medium and large businesses from all industries including the manufacturing, hospitality, tourism, not for profit, health, financial services and more.
“We thank all our incredible category sponsors and award partners. We are amazed by our sponsors generosity and commitment to be supportive and connected to the Geelong business community.” said Ben Flynn.
The awards offer entrants, finalists and winners a range of opportunities and experiences far beyond simply ‘winning’. Tennille McInnes, Business Awards Manager said "I get excited when I hear from finalists and winners on how the awards have opened up new opportunities and partnerships. It truly is the most insightful form of business development you will ever undertake.”
Information Sessions for business and individuals are available from the 10th of May where you learn more about entering and how to write a successful submission. Past winners and judges will be available to give you advice and answer any burning questions.
Click Here to attend an information session.
Entries are open through the Geelong Business Excellence Awards website and can be submitted up until the 15th of July 2022. Businesses, Business Leaders and Young Entrepreneurs do not need to be nominated to enter the program.
2022 Geelong Business Excellence awards - Major Sponsor announced for 2022
The Geelong Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce LBW Business + Wealth Advisors as the major sponsor of the 2022 Geelong Business Excellence Awards.
LBW Business + Wealth Advisors are committed to supporting the Geelong business community and they will be the sole major sponsor of the awards for the next three years.
Ben Flynn, Chief Executive Officer, Geelong Chamber of Commerce said “We are excited LBW Business and Wealth Advisors are continuing to support business excellence in our region. They are a successful business and they want to ensure other Geelong businesses continue to grow and prosper.”
Nominations are now open for the prestigious Geelong Business Excellence Awards 2022 which recognise the clever, creative and connected businesses in the Geelong & the Bellarine, Surf Coast, Queenscliff & Golden Plains region.
Cathryn Walley, Associate Principal, LBW Business + Wealth Advisors, said “we are thrilled to be sponsoring a program that puts the spotlight on our outstanding businesses and inspirational leaders by celebrating their success and sharing their incredible stories to inspire others. We have lots to celebrate about Geelong.”
The awards celebrate business excellence across 20 categories targeting small, medium and large business from all industries including the manufacturing, hospitality, not for profit, health, financial services and more.” Nominations are open at the Geelong Business Excellence Awards website at www.gbea.com.au Businesses and leaders can be nominated by others or they can also nominate themselves.
2021 Geelong Business Excellence awards - Winners announced
Geelong, 19th of October 2021 - The Geelong Chamber of Commerce would like to congratulate the 2021 winners and finalists of the Geelong Business Excellence Awards (GBEA). The awards program celebrated our clever, creative and resilient business community with an extravagant virtual event for the second year in succession. You can find all GBEA category winners and sponsors on our 2021 winners page.
Along with our major sponsors LBW Business + Wealth Advisors and Deakin University, the Geelong Chamber recognises the accomplishments of our business community at a challenging time for businesses. The awards show acknowledged the hard work of the GBEA finalists and awarded those that have shown excellence in their endeavours. All winners used their resilience, creative and technical skills in a formidable way to navigate through a strenuous business environment.
Business of the Year Award goes to Home Instead Geelong
The LBW Business + Wealth Advisors Business of the Year Award goes to Home Instead Geelong. Home Instead Geelong also took out The Gordon’s Emerging Business - Under 3 Years Award and Giovanni Siano was further awarded the Deakin University Young Entrepreneur Award.
The judges thought Home Instead Geelong truly emerged as an excellent business within the Geelong community, with customer service and outstanding care giving at the core of every business decision made. With a solid foundation across the board, from internal processes, recruitment, staff training and sound financial management, Home Instead Geelong have rapidly grown their business. The judges commented that every aspect of the application was substantiated with examples, case studies, testimonials and figures and congratulate Home Instead Geelong on creating such a fabulous business.
Resilience across the board
For the second time in 35 years, the Geelong Business Excellence Awards shifted to an online format to adhere to government restrictions. The result: A spectacular virtual awards night celebrating the Geelong business community. Not only were the awards available to be watched live on Facebook, but also on Youtube, Vimeo as well as being televised on Channel 31. To ensure that the event was inclusive for everyone, the GBEA had an Auslan interpreter throughout the night.
The awards celebration started with a Welcome to Country by Jordon Edwards from the Wathaurong Aboriginal Cooperative followed by a warm welcome by Geelong Chamber President Dr. John Stekelenburg, who introduced Nathalie O’Donnell as the award show’s MC.
Special entertainment was provided by chart-topping artist and Geelong local, Taylor Henderson who performed his song Brighter Days and his number 1 single Borrow My Heart.
The awards put a strong focus on audience engagement with viewers being asked to dress up and share their photos on Facebook with the chance to win one of two hospitality vouchers. The shared photos showed creativity and excitement while celebrating our local businesses’ efforts.
The GBEA recognises organisations that have achieved business excellence in the Geelong region. These outstanding businesses have inspired with their passion, commitment, resilience, and their incredible ability to improve and innovate. The awards showcased some of Geelong’s best business talent, with over 70 businesses entering the awards each year.
We are grateful for the ongoing support of our Major Sponsors LBW Business + Wealth Advisors and Deakin University as well as all category sponsors and GBEA partners, who have made this program possible. The Geelong Chamber would like to thank everyone involved with this year’s Geelong Business Excellence Awards for their support. The achievements of our GBEA 2021 winners and finalists showcase the resilience of our entire business community.
Virtual Awards Night - 19 October 2021
The Geelong Business of Excellence Awards Evening is fast approaching! Tune into this fun-filled virtual evening today, 19th of October at 7pm!
For 35 years, the Awards have been designed to recognise and celebrate our clever, creative and thriving businesses.
Managed by the Geelong Chamber of Commerce, the GBEA recognises organisations that have achieved business excellence in the Geelong region. These outstanding businesses have inspired us all with their passion, commitment, resilience, and their incredible ability to improve and innovate.
The theme of the night is ‘Clever. Creative. Resilient.’ 2021 proved to be a challenging year. Businesses forced to jump challenging hurdles, and adjust to the changing of rules and to the new normal. All business finalists have used their resilience, creative and technical skills to move through the year gracefully. We applaud all Geelong businesses and are excited to celebrate your hard work!
We would like you to join us for our Virtual Presentation Event celebrating our 2021 Finalists and Winners on Tuesday 19 October at 7pm. Special entertainment provided by chart-topping artist and Geelong local, Taylor Henderson! He will prove his phenomenal talent by performing some of his latest tunes on the night as we roll out the Award winners. Prizes are to be won throughout the night for best dressed, get clever and creative!
We hope you can join us in celebrating 2021 business Finalists and Winners in our Virtual Presentation Event on Tuesday 19 October at 7pm. Tune in to Channel 31 or the GBEA website or Facebook page. This is a can’t-miss event!
From all of us here at the Geelong Chamber of Commerce, good luck!
12th August 2021
Congratulations to the 2021 Finalists of the Geelong Business Excellence Awards! |
The Geelong Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with major sponsors, LBW Business + Wealth Advisors and Deakin University are delighted to announce that this year’s Geelong Business Excellence Awards received an outstanding 22% increase on entries compared to last year. This is a huge testament to our incredible clever, creative and resilient Geelong business community.
Whilst not all entrants can proceed as finalists, the process allows all businesses to review and reflect on their business operations and potentially gain valuable insights and identify new key business improvements.
Please congratulate the following Businesses, Business Leaders and Young Entrepreneurs on becoming a Finalist in the 2021 Geelong Business Excellence Awards!
Business Award Finalists
Accessible Accommodation
Active Feet Ocean Grove
Adventure Park
AMD Hairdressing
Anther Experimental Distillation (Anther Distillery)
Australian Tyre Traders
Avalon Airport
Barwon Health Foundation
BOOMPower
Botanicals by Luxe
Braille Sign Supplies
C6 Group
Cabinets by Computer
CentreStage Pty Ltd
Coastyle Building Solutions
Crew Faced Makeup Artistry
Custom Neon
Drive Safe Service Centre
Elderberry Event Hire
FormFlow
Fresh Creative Entertainment
Geelong Gallery
Geelong Wart Clinic
Gone Fishing Charters
Hanlon Industries
Higher Mark – Geelong Cats
Home Instead Geelong
Jibber Jabber Allied Health Pty Ltd
Kardinia International College
Kenrik Constructions
McGrath Geelong
Memphis Hire
MoPA: Museum of Play and Art
MultiSkills Training
Murrell Group
Myers Street Dental
Natural Supply Co
Oh Crap
Pawtastic Dog Training
Pearls & Roses
Plan Group Geelong
Real Core Properties
Ruck Agency
Sketch & Etch
SMARTIn Safety
South Western Alliance
Sproutwell
Sugar Images
Surf Coast Physiotherapy & Pilates
Telstra Business Technology Centre Victoria West
The 18th Amendment Bar
The Resident Barber
The Rock Adventure Centre
The Salary Packaging People
The Skin Hub
Viewpoint Digital Marketing
Walker Safety Services
WildlifeXposure Pty Ltd
You’re Gorgeous Hair and Beauty
Business Leader of the Year Finalists
David Greenwood
Frances Diver
Gina Popowicz
Dr Rashi Gupta
Sarah Albon
Young Entrepreneur of the Year Finalists
Ash Bent
Giovanni Siano
Jye Bohm
Zoe Waters
Place Tuesday 19 October 7pm in your diaries to watch the announcement of the winners at the Virtual Awards event! To register to attend the event, click here:
8th July 2021
Geelong Business Excellence Awards to go virtual for another year! |
The Geelong Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the Geelong Business Excellence Awards presentation evening will be another exciting virtual experience in 2021 with an even larger audience tuning in and participating.
The Geelong Business Excellence Awards 2021 are recognising and celebrating our clever, creative and resilient businesses and business leaders.
The prestigious presentation evening will be live-streamed on Tuesday, 19 October 2021 at 7pm. The night promises to be a highly produced, glamorous virtual event which celebrates the way the Geelong business community has adapted, survived and thrived over the last year.
Geelong Chamber CEO Ben Flynn said “last year’s virtual awards attracted over 10,000 people. It was amazing to see the business community celebrate those at the top of their game in front of their families, friends and colleagues. We can’t wait to replicate another incredible event this year”.
It’s more important than ever to recognise those businesses and leaders who are driving our city forward and an event like this plays an important part in rebuilding everyone’s confidence.
The support of our major sponsors, Deakin University, LBW Business + Wealth Advisors together with our category sponsors and program partners makes this night possible and it’s a testament to the resilience of the Geelong Business Community to adapt and enjoy our night together despite the challenges.
Entries for the Geelong Business Excellence Awards close on Friday, the 16 July 2021.
Entries are free and you do not need to be nominated to enter into the program.
To learn more information or enter, visit gbea.com.au/enter-2021 and follow us on Instagram and Facebook.
Photo above is of Manse Group winner of the Home-based and Micro Business Award sponsored by City of Greater Geelong.
06 May 2021
Entries now open!
The Geelong Chamber of Commerce calls on all businesses, business leaders and young entrepreneurs to enter the Geelong Business Excellence Awards. The Geelong Business Excellence Awards in 2021 are all about recognising and celebrating our clever, creative and resilient business community. It’s important to celebrate those businesses who have pivoted during extraordinary circumstances and now move forward with confidence.
Ben Flynn, Chief Executive Officer, Geelong Chamber of Commerce, said “Geelong businesses are agile and we can’t wait to celebrate their achievements of adapting, surviving or thriving in one of the most challenging business and economic environments in history.”
Proudly supported by major sponsors, LBW Business + Wealth Advisors and Deakin University and managed by the Geelong Chamber of Commerce, the awards celebrate business excellence across 20 categories targeting small, medium and large businesses from all industries including the manufacturing, hospitality, tourism, not for profit, health, financial services and more.
The awards offer entrants, finalists and winners a range of opportunities and experiences far beyond simply ‘winning’. Tennille McInnes, Business Awards Manager said "The entry process helps you articulate what your business does, how you do it and why you are unique. Here is a great opportunity to celebrate everything your team has contributed over the last year.”
Information Sessions will be conducted online from the 11th of May where you learn more about entering and how to write a successful submission. Past winners and judges will be available to give you advice and answer any burning questions.
Bookings open now
Session 1: Tuesday 11 May 12.00 - 1.30pm
Session 2: Friday 14 May 12.00 - 1.30pm
Session 3: Tuesday 18 May 5.00 - 6.30pm
Session 4: Wednesday 26 May 5.00 - 6.30pm
Entries are open through the Geelong Business Excellence Awards website here and can be submitted up until the 16th of July 2021. Businesses, Business Leaders and Young Entrepreneurs do not need to be nominated to enter the program. To learn more and register for an online information session click here.
Geelong Business Excellence Awards 12 page feature in the Geelong Independent.
04 March 2021
Nominate or register a resilient business, young entrepreneur or business leader today!
Registrations and nominations for the 2021 Geelong Business Excellence Awards are NOW OPEN.
This is a great chance to stop and reflect on your success, especially after such a challenging year.
In 2021 we celebrate clever, creative and resilient businesses, business leaders and young entrepreneurs in our region who were able to successfully adapt, survive or thrive during an unprecedented global pandemic.
Previous entrants have acknowledged what it takes to enter into the GBEA: the rewards, the recognition and to gain a fresh insight into their business operations. Please consider nominating another business or business leader you are inspired by, or even your own business!
Click here to register yourself as a leader or young entrepreneur, your own business or nominate another.
Entries open 6 May and we will be hosting Information Sessions via Zoom to update you with changes, give you tips on how to write a successful submission and answer any burning questions.
Bookings are now open:
Session 1: Tuesday 11 May 12.00 - 1.30pm
Session 2: Friday 14 May 12.00 - 1.30pm
Session 3: Tuesday 18 May 5.00 - 6.30pm
Session 4: Wednesday 26 May 5.00 - 6.30pm
The GBEA Team are available to answer any questions at gbea@geelongchamber.com.au or call us on 5222 2234
15 October 2020
The Geelong Chamber of Commerce, with major sponsors LBW Business + Wealth Advisors and Deakin University are proud to deliver the Geelong Business Excellence Awards program celebrating our clever and creative business community.
Congratulations to the 2020 Finalists and Winners.
It was inspiring to recognise a range of significant achievements at a difficult time for businesses. These achievements showcased the resilience of our entire business community to an extensive online audience. Far more than previous years.
An extensive range of businesses and business leaders were acknowledged for their commitment, passion, resilience and determination. Entering the awards program requires the completion of a 2500 word submission and a virtual site visit/interview. It is a comprehensive program that provides unparalleled opportunities to benchmark your business and be recognised as one of Geelong’s best businesses or leaders.
The 2020 Geelong Business Excellence Awards program may be the only regional awards program in Victorian to continue. We are most grateful for the incredible support of our sponsors, who have made this program possible.
Click here for a full list of Winners and Category Sponsors
Ben Flynn
CEO
Geelong Chamber of Commerce
Congratulations to our 2020 Finalists!
Whilst 2020 marks a difficult year for business, we are pleased to receive a similar amount of entries to previous years. This is a huge testament to the incredible resilience of our business community.
Please congratulate the following Businesses, Young Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders on becoming a Finalist in the 2020 Geelong Business Excellence Awards!
| Event Kit |
| 100 Hitchcock |
| 18th Amendment Bar |
| Adventure Park |
| Arthur St Digital |
| Be More Mindful |
| Bellarine Community Health |
| BlueLab |
| Boomaroo Nurseries |
| Botanicals by Luxe |
| Braille Sign Supplies |
| CentreStage Pty Ltd |
| Circa 1902 |
| CPAP Australia Geelong |
| Crew Face Make Up |
| Custom Neon |
| Drive Safe Service Centre |
| Employers Mutual Limited (EML) |
| Farm Foods Australia |
| FLAIM Systems Pty Ltd |
| Focal Point Dark Room Gallery |
| Fortitude Legal |
| Geelong Arts Centre |
| Geelong Gallery |
| Grand Slam Physiotherapy |
| Harper's Bathroom |
| Heal & Soul Podiatry and Fair-Go Access Support Services |
| Home Instead Senior Care Geelong |
| Humans in Geelong Inc |
| Huntress Hair |
| Kardinia International College |
| Kardinia Park Stadium Trust |
| Kazworks Pty Ltd |
| Kinsfolk Farm |
| Lard Ass |
| Lord's Design Menswear |
| Manse Group |
| Memphis Hire pty ltd |
| Murrell Group |
| Mustang & Co |
| Myers Street Dental Clinic |
| Pawtastic Paws Dog Training |
| Pixeld |
| Plan Group Geelong Pty Ltd |
| Scaada Group |
| Sea All Dolphin Swims |
| South Western Alliance |
| Sugar Images |
| Surf Coast Physiotherapy & Pilates |
| The Pivotonian Cinema |
| Viet Rolls |
| Vitality Laser & Skin Clinic |
| Your'e Gorgeous Hair & Beauty |
| Young Entrepreneur |
| David Greenwood |
| Bec Connolly |
| James Murphy |
| Cameron O'Keefe |
| Business Leader |
| Brian Cook |
| John Preston |
| Grant Boyd |
| Joel McGuinness |
Place October 15 in your diaries to watch the 'Nights of Nights' and celebrate our finalists at our Virtual Event!
Geelong Business Excellence Awards to go virtual for Awards night 2020!
Published 2 June 2020
The Geelong Business Excellence Awards has announced its awards presentation evening will transform into an exciting virtual experience in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Geelong Business Excellence Awards is designed to recognise and celebrate our clever, creative and thriving business and business leaders.
The prestigious presentation evening will take place online on Thursday, 15 October 2020, 7pm. The night promises a highly produced, glamorous virtual event that celebrates the success of the Geelong business community.
The new format aims to engage viewers with entertainment, an in studio MC and home competition prizes. The night will allow guests to engage, communicate and connect with fellow business colleagues, peers and the wider Geelong community while dressing up in the comfort of their own home or workplace.
Geelong Chamber CEO Ben Flynn said “the event will deliver a much-needed boost of positivity for the Geelong Business community amid the COVID-19 crisis.”
“In the face of the current health pandemic, the purpose of the awards remains the same. We are creating a platform to shine the spotlight on our clever and creative Geelong businesses and business leaders.”
Whilst mass gathering restrictions may ease by October, the Geelong Chamber of Commerce believes it is important to continue with a virtual event in-case of another potential out-break. The safety of our guests is of most importance. Most of our counterparts in other local regional towns have cancelled their awards night. We are committed to bringing our community together this year virtually, to offer positivity in these challenging times and have been encouraged to do so.
The support of our partners makes this new format possible and it’s a testament to the resilience of the Geelong Business Community that we can adapt and enjoy our night together despite the challenges.
The Geelong Chamber of Commerce has run many successful online events and they are confident in delivering a memorable event to a much larger online audience.
This will allow the event to be more inclusive of families and colleagues so that more people can share in the excitement of the finalists on the night.
The awards team have spent weeks individually calling businesses who have been nominated or expressed interested in the program. It has been incredibly inspiring to hear despite the hardship, the Geelong business community are committed to adapt and forge ahead. During this period, many of the entrants are using the awards entry process to reflect on their business and plan for the future.
Entries for the Geelong Business Excellence Awards close on the 24 July 2020. You do not need to be nominated to enter the program. To learn more information or enter, visit www.gbea.com.au and follow us on Instagram and Facebook.
Changes to the Geelong Business Excellence Awards
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Published March 2020
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