East Grampians Business Awards open for entries

Businesses from across Ararat Rural City are being encouraged to enter the East Grampians Business Awards, with applications now open.

Ararat Rural City Council CEO Dr Tim Harrison said the Council was holding the awards to recognise excellence in a sector that brings much economic activity and growth to the region.

Dr Harrison said there are five award categories businesses can enter: agribusiness, retail, professional services, tourism and hospitality, and innovation and technology.

“The East Grampians Business Awards is a great opportunity for our region’s businesses to take stock of their achievements and think about where they want to go in future,” he said.

“They aim to recognise achievement and excellence, and applications are open to all businesses within the municipality, whether small or large, rural or CBD-based.”

Dr Harrison said the East Grampians Business Awards follow on from the now-defunct Grampians Pyrenees Business Awards that date back to 1999.

This year, for the first time, the award application process has been simplified and Ararat Rural City Council will be working with the regional business association to encourage entries and participation from outlying organisations.

“The awards provide businesses in the Ararat municipality with the opportunity to grow, develop and further enhance their business, thus ensuring the awards remain a relevant and important part of our business community,” Dr Harrison said.

“All awards will be judged by an independent panel of judges, who will visit entrants’ businesses to gain a better understanding of their processes and operations.”

The awards program will culminate in the presentation of awards to winners at a special gala dinner function on Thursday 5 December at the Ararat Town Hall.

For all the details, entry guidelines and an entry form, click here.