Business Awards are back

Entries are now open for the 16th annual Bass Coast Business Awards.

“Bass Coast is rapidly becoming a thriving hot bed for innovation, regeneration, and creativity thanks to our growing community of entrepreneurs, businesses owners and change makers,” says Bass Coast Shire Council Mayor, Cr Michael Whelan.

“These awards are an opportunity for individuals to reflect on their achievements during the past year, while celebrating their successes. It also provides the chance of recognition for excellence, while showcasing your business to our community.”

This year Bass Coast Shire Council is calling for entries in the following categories, which will be judged by an independent panel from the business community:

• Access, Equity and Inclusion (sponsored by Interchange Gippsland)
• Business Innovation (sponsored by Corio Generation)
• Environmental Sustainability (sponsored by Westernport Water)
• Event Excellence (sponsored by rEVENTS Academy)
• Marketing and Communications (sponsored by Destination Phillip Island)
• Resilience (sponsored by Small Business Mentoring Service)
• Business of the Year (sponsored by Harman Wines) presented to the highest scoring application across all judged categories.

Council is excited to announce a new category this year celebrating Event Excellence. This award recognises festivals, events and exhibitions that contribute to environmental sustainability, local economic prosperity, community engagement and visitation.

Applicants will need to demonstrate their contribution to the three pillars of sustainability (economic, social, environmental) as part of their application, which is open to events with up to 50,000 participants.

The much-coveted Bass Coast Business Awards People’s Choice Award also returns. In 2022 over 1200 votes contributed to the People’s Choice Award, shared among 61 nominated businesses.

“This year Council encourages everyone in our community to support your favourite Bass Coast based business or event with a vote for our People’s Choice Award,” said Cr Whelan.

“Every vote cast will go into the draw to win one of two $100 gift vouchers to spend at a local Bass Coast business – so everyone wins!”

Council is grateful to the award sponsors, including Destination Phillip Island, Harman Wines, rEVENTS Academy, Small Business Mentoring Service, Corio Generation, Interchange Gippsland and Westernport Water.

Winners of the 2023 Bass Coast Business Awards will be announced at a VIP presentation dinner on Friday, October 27, at Cape Paterson Life Saving Club. Applications close 5pm, Sunday June 18.

Learn more, enter or vote now at www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/businessawards2023