Yass Valley Business Awards

2025 AWARDS

CELEBRATING BUSINESS IN THE YASS VALLEY

The Yass Valley Business Chamber Awards celebrates the innovation, resilience and dedication of businesses across the Yass Valley. We believe that businesses play a vital role in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and contributing to the overall well-being of our region. That's why we are committed to recognising the hard work and dedication of businesses of all sizes and industries.


We have created an awards program designed to showcase the best of the best. Whether you are a startup, a small business, or a large corporation, we have a category that recognises your unique accomplishments. From ‘Pride in Workmanship’ to innovative products and services to exceptional customer service and community involvement, we celebrate all aspects of business excellence.



By participating in the Business Awards, you become part of a community of like-minded individuals who share your passion for success. Our judges bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, providing valuable feedback and insights that can help you take your business to the next level.



We invite you to join us in celebrating the vibrant business community in our region. Whether you are a finalist, a sponsor, or a supporter of local businesses, your involvement helps to build a stronger, more resilient economy for all.

ENTER THE AWARDS

Entries for the Yass Valley Business Chamber Awards are now open!

ENTER THE AWARDS

Entries close 5pm Friday 29th November 2024


Entrants into the 2025 Business Awards must be a member of Business NSW or MyBusiness. You will be prompted to verify your membership via the Enter Now button before proceeding to the entry portal. Not a member? No problem, membership is free!
Sign up here.



Terms and Conditions ➜ 


Tips and Tricks for a Successful Entry

  • Give Yourself Enough Time

    Ensure you have ample time to draft, review, and make necessary changes to your entry. Consider having someone else review it for a fresh perspective.Employers are required to highlight their employees’ commitment over the past 12 months to their workplace, the community and to being an outstanding employee. To be eligible to enter this category, the employee must have been employed by their current employer for a minimum of 18 months, at the time of entry. 

  • Focus on Your Message

    Be clear and concise in your response, addressing all aspects of the questions.

  • Quantify the Results

    Reinforce your achievements by including relevant statistics, clearly demonstrating growth and success to the judges.

  • Engage Your Team

    Writing an award entry is an excellent opportunity to acknowledge and reflect on the hard work and results achieved. A collaborative approach can bring fresh ideas and strengthen your submission.

  • Read Your Entry Out Loud and Proofread

    Reading your entry out loud helps check the structure of your sentences and how someone else may read your entry. It is also a great tool for checking spelling mistakes and grammar.

KEY 2025 PROGRAM DATES

Entries Open: Friday 5th April

Entry Deadline: Friday 29th November 2024

Finalists Announced: Monday, 3rd March 2025

Gala Ceremony: Late March 2025

Far South Coast Business Awards: Mid 2025

NSW State Business Awards: Late 2025

Awards Program


The Business in NSW Awards celebrate the vibrant business community in our region, and finalists of our regional awards will progress to the next level.  These awards are competitive in nature.  We invite all businesses in our region to participate!


Self-nomination encouraged.

Businesses can enter multiple categories.

Businesses can nominate another business as well as their own.


By By About Region - Jacqueline Lyons July 9, 2024
The secret is out. Yass Valley is home to a growing, vibrant and supportive business community. And the Yass Valley Business Chamber is again calling for nominations for its upcoming awards.

Award Categories

  • Outstanding Employee

    The Outstanding Employee Award recognises an inspirational employee who has demonstrated a passion for their role and a commitment to their workplace and the community.  It is open to businesses to nominate an employee.

    Employers are required to highlight their employees’ commitment over the past 12 months to their workplace, the community and to being an outstanding employee. To be eligible to enter this category, the employee must have been employed by their current employer for a minimum of 18 months, at the time of entry. 

  • Employer of Choice - Under 20 Employees

    The Employer of Choice Award – Under 20 Employees, recognises a business that has implemented strategies and initiatives to create a stimulating and supportive workplace environment. 

    Entrants are required to demonstrate their achievements over the past 12 months across the key areas of employee recruitment, engagement and retention.  Category criteria are based on initiatives that have had a positive impact on both employees and the business.


  • Outstanding Community Organisation

    The Outstanding Community Organisation Award recognises an organisation that works to improve the social, cultural, or environmental wellbeing of the community.

    Entrants are required to demonstrate their commitment over the past 12 months to being an outstanding community organisation.  This category is open to social enterprises and not-for-profit organisations that have been trading for a period of over 24 months at time of entry.



    SPONSORED BY

    Ginninderry

    Ginninderry is a vibrant and sustainable community that will ultimately extend from West Belconnen in Canberra into Parkwood in NSW. As the Capital Region’s first 6-Star Green Star development, Ginninderry is inspiring a new way of living. Ginninderry prides itself on being an exemplar project, both nationally and internationally, that showcases the world’s best practice in nature conservation, urban design, construction and long-term liveability.

  • Outstanding Visitor Experience - Regional Only

    The Outstanding Visitor Experience award recognises a business that understands the importance of visitor engagement for a region’s economy* and reputation. The business needs to articulate how they promote the Region as well as offering an exceptional visitor experience.

    Entrants are required to demonstrate how their business showcases the Region/community and how their offering is unique within their industry.

    This category will be awarded at regional only and will not proceed to the State Awards.


  • Outstanding New Business

    The Outstanding New Business Award recognises a start-up business that has effectively driven growth and is able to demonstrate the potential to achieve future success.

    Entrants are required to demonstrate their commitment over the past 12 months to being an outstanding start-up.  This category is open to new businesses trading for a period of less than 24 months at time of entry. 


  • Excellence in Diversity & Inclusion

    This Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award recognises businesses that address the needs of a diverse community, including seniors, people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds, and people with disability. An inclusive business facilitates the needs of all its employees and customers. 

    Entrants are required to demonstrate their commitment over the past 12 monthsat the time of entry to address the needs of a diverse community. This category is open to businesses that have been trading for a continuous period of two or more years. 


  • Excellence in Micro Business (up to 4 employees)

    The Excellence in Micro Business Award recognises a business that has effectively driven growth and is able to demonstrate the specific strategies implemented to achieve business success and/or resilience. 

    Entrants are required to demonstrate their achievements over the past 12 months at the time of entry across the key area of business excellence.  This category is open to businesses with less than 5 employees at the time of entry, who have been trading for a period of over 24 months at time of entry.


  • Excellence in Small Business (up to 20 employees)

    The Excellence in Small Business Award recognises a business that has effectively driven growth and is able to demonstrate the specific strategies implemented to achieve business success and/or resilience.

    Entrants are required to demonstrate their achievements over the past 12 months at the time of entry across the key area of business excellence.  This category is open to businesses with 5 to 20 employees at the time of entry, who have been trading for a period of over 24 months at the time of entry.



    SPONSORED BY

    Terry Bros Carpet Court

    Experience the Terry Bros Carpet Court difference - trusted family business values, expert advice, and quality flooring solutions. Our commitment to excellence ensures you receive exceptional service and beautiful floors.


  • Excellence in Large Business (20+ employees)

    The Excellence in Large Business Award recognises a business that has effectively driven growth and is able to demonstrate the specific strategies implemented to achieve business success and/or resilience.

    Entrants are required to demonstrate their achievements over the past 12 months across the key area of business excellence.  This category is open to businesses with 21 or more employees at the time of entry, who have been trading for a period of over 24 months at time of entry.


Community Awards

We’re excited to announce that, as part of our 2025 Business Awards Program, we will be launching two new Community Awards! Stay tuned for more details as we celebrate and honour the incredible contributions of our local community.

2025 SPONSORS

BECOME A SPONSOR

2019 WINNERS

EXCELLENCE IN BUSINESS

Four Winds Vineyard


EXCELLENCE IN MICRO BUSINESS

Blackwattle Alpaca Yarn and Fibre


STARTUP SUPERSTAR

Physical-ease Recovery Clinic


EXCELLENCE IN SMALL BUSINESS

Think Technology Australia


OUTSTANDING YOUNG EMPLOYEE

Georgia Patmore | Yass Valley Council


EXCELLENCE IN SUSTAINABILITY

Vieux - Restaurant & Cafe


OUTSTANDING EMPLOYER OF CHOICE

Yass Gymnastics


OUTSTANDING BUSINESS LEADER  

Andrew Douglas | Priceline Australia


EMPLOYEE CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD

Tiarna Kelly | My Medical Practice


PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD

Yass Gymnastics

2018 WINNERS

Excellence in Small Business

The Vintner's Daughter


Outstanding Young Entrepreneur

Craig Irwin - Sonic Fitness


Outstanding Employer of Choice

Strategic Development Group


Outstanding Business Leader

Michael Pilbrow


Excellence in Social Enterprise

Trader & Co.


Excellence in Sustainability

Six8 Coffee Roasters


Outstanding Access and Inclusion

Trader & Co.


Start Up Superstar

Merchant Campbell

2018 NSW BUSINESS AWARDS STATE FINALIST

Excellence in Sustainability

Six8 Coffee Roasters


Outstanding Employer of Choice

Strategic Development Group

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