ENTRIES NOW OPEN!
2026 Business Orange Awards
Celebrating excellence, innovation and outstanding contribution across our local business community.
Entries close in
Day(s)
:
Hour(s)
:
Minute(s)
:
Second(s)
Orange's Night to Celebrate Local Business
The annual Business Orange Awards program is the opportunity for local businesses, their staff and business leaders to be recognised for their outstanding work and contribution to the Orange region.
Run by Business Orange, the Awards celebrate businesses and individuals across all industries and sizes. Winners of eligible categories also progress to the Western NSW Regional Business Awards, giving Orange businesses a pathway to regional and state recognition.
2026 Business Orange Awards Key Dates
12 JUNE
Entries open
15 JULY
20-30 JULY
People’s Choice Nominations
1-14 AUGUST
People’s Choice
Voting
TBA
Finalists Announced
25 SEPTEMBER
Gala Awards Evening
12 JUNE
15 JULY
20-30 JULY
1-14 AUGUST
TBA
25 SEPTEMBER
Five Great Reasons to Enter the 2026 Business Orange Awards
It's Free to Enter
There is no cost to enter the Business Orange Awards – and you don’t need to be a Business Orange member to apply.
Reflect and Grow
Recognition and Credibility
Regional and State Pathway
Winners in eligible categories automatically progress to the Western NSW Business Awards – and could potentially go on to the Business NSW State Awards.
Celebrate with your Community
The Gala Night is one of the premier events on the Orange business calendar. Share the night with your team, clients and peers!
2026 Business Orange Award Categories
General 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.
Entry Criteria
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, the employee must have been employed by their current employer for a minimum of 18 months at the time of entry.
Outstanding Young Business Leader
The Outstanding Young Business Leader Award recognises an inspirational business leader, aged 35 or under at the time of entry, who has demonstrated a commitment to their workplace, industry, and the community through leadership.
Entry Criteria
Entrants must demonstrate their ability to lead and inspire people, showcasing exceptional leadership skills and strategic decision-making, while demonstrating how they have effectively utilised resources to achieve strong organisational outcomes, drive innovation, and deliver measurable success over the past 18 months.
Outstanding Business Leader — 20 Employees and Under
The Outstanding Business Leader Award recognises an inspirational business leader, aged 36 years or over at the time of entry, who has demonstrated a commitment to their workplace, industry, and the community through leadership, while also providing mentorship to others.
Entry Criteria
Entrants must demonstrate their ability to lead and inspire people, showcasing exceptional leadership skills and strategic decision-making, while demonstrating how they have effectively utilised resources to achieve strong organisational outcomes, drive innovation, and deliver measurable success over the past 18 months.
Entrants must also demonstrate financial responsibility and success, outlining how their leadership has contributed to the organisation’s financial stability, performance, or growth.
To be eligible, the individual must have held a senior management or executive-level position within their organisation for a minimum of 18 months at the time of entry.
Entry Criteria: Entrants must demonstrate leadership ability, strategic decision-making, financial responsibility and measurable success over the past 18 months. The individual must have held a senior management or executive-level position for a minimum of 18 months at the time of entry. Business must have 20 or fewer employees.
Outstanding Business Leader — 21 Employees and Over
The Outstanding Business Leader Award recognises an inspirational business leader, aged 36 years or over at the time of entry, who has demonstrated a commitment to their workplace, industry, and the community through leadership, while providing mentorship to others.
Entry Criteria
Entrants must demonstrate their ability to lead and inspire people, showcasing exceptional leadership skills and strategic decision-making, while demonstrating how they have effectively utilised resources to achieve strong organisational outcomes, drive innovation, and deliver measurable success over the past 18 months.
Entrants must also demonstrate financial responsibility and success, outlining how their leadership has contributed to the organisation’s financial stability, performance, or growth.
To be eligible, the individual must have held a senior management or executive-level position within their organisation for a minimum of 18 months at the time of entry.
Employer of Choice — 20 Employees and Under
The Employer of Choice Award recognises a business that has implemented strategies and initiatives to create a motivating and supportive workplace environment.
Entry Criteria
Entrants must 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.
Employer of Choice — 21 Employees and Over
The Employer of Choice Award recognises a business that has implemented strategies and initiatives to create a motivating and supportive workplace environment.
Entry Criteria
Entrants must 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.
Excellence in Innovation
The Excellence in Innovation Award recognises a business that has implemented innovative solutions for new and existing needs through the introduction or improvement of a product, technology, or application that impacts the wider community.
Entry Criteria
Entrants must demonstrate their achievements over the past 12 months at the time of entry across the key area of innovation.
Outstanding Community Organisation
The Outstanding Community Organisation Award recognises an organisation that works to improve the social, cultural, or environmental wellbeing of the community.
Entry Criteria
Entrants must 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 the time of entry.
Outstanding New Business
The Outstanding New Business Award recognises a start-up that has effectively driven growth and is able to demonstrate potential to achieve future success.
Entry Criteria
Entrants must demonstrate their commitment to being an outstanding start-up over the past 12 months. This category is open to businesses that have been trading for less than 24 months at the time of entry.
Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion
The Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award recognises businesses that champion inclusivity for diverse communities, such as older people, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, and people with disability. An inclusive business facilitates the needs of all its employees and customers.
Entry Criteria
Entrants must demonstrate their commitment over the past 12 months to address the needs of a diverse community. This category is open to businesses that have been trading continuously for two or more years.
Industry Categories
Excellence in Manufacturing, Trade and Industry
Recognises a business operating in manufacturing, trade or industry that has demonstrated outstanding performance, growth and contribution to the Orange regional economy.
Entry Criteria
Entrants must demonstrate achievements in business excellence over the past 12 months. Open to businesses that have been trading for more than 24 months.
Excellence in Hospitality and Tourism
Recognises a hospitality or tourism business that has delivered outstanding experiences for visitors and locals alike, contributing to Orange’s reputation as a premier regional destination.
Entry Criteria
Entrants must demonstrate achievements in business excellence and visitor experience over the past 12 months. Open to businesses that have been trading for more than 24 months.
Excellence in Professional Services
Recognises a professional services business that has demonstrated outstanding client outcomes, business performance and contribution to the Orange business community.
Entry Criteria
Entrants must demonstrate achievements in business excellence over the past 12 months. Open to businesses that have been trading for more than 24 months.
Excellence in Personal and Lifestyle
Recognises a personal or lifestyle services business that has demonstrated outstanding performance, client satisfaction and business growth.
Entry Criteria
Entrants must demonstrate achievements in business excellence over the past 12 months. Open to businesses that have been trading for more than 24 months.
Excellence in Retail
Recognises a retail business that has demonstrated outstanding customer experience, business performance and contribution to Orange’s vibrant retail landscape.
Entry Criteria
Entrants must demonstrate achievements in business excellence over the past 12 months. Open to businesses that have been trading for more than 24 months.
Major Categories
You do not need to enter the Major Categories below. Businesses who enter the General or Industry Categories are automatically entered into the Major Business Category relevant to their size.
Excellence in Micro Business (up to 5 Employees)
The Excellence in Micro Business Award recognises a business with 5 employees and under that has effectively driven growth and can demonstrate the specific strategies implemented to achieve business success and/or resilience.
Entry Criteria
Entrants must demonstrate their achievements in business excellence over the past 12 months at the time of entry. This category is open to businesses with fewer than five employees at the time of entry, that have been trading for more than 24 months.
Please note: businesses are automatically entered into the relevant major categories based on their submissions for general and industry categories. You do not have to submit a separate entry for this category.
Excellence in Small Business (6-20 Employees)
The Excellence in Small Business Award recognises a business with 6 to 20 employees that has effectively driven growth and can demonstrate the strategies implemented to achieve business success and/or resilience.
Entry Criteria
Entrants must demonstrate their achievements in business excellence over the past 12 months. This category is open to businesses with 6 to 20 employees at the time of entry, who have been trading for more than 24 months at the time of entry.
Please note: businesses are automatically entered into the relevant major categories based on their submissions for general and industry categories. You do not have to submit a separate entry for this category.
Excellence in Medium Business (21 - 99 Employees)
The Excellence in Medium Business Award recognises a business with 21–99 employees that has effectively driven growth and can demonstrate the specific strategies implemented to achieve business success and/or resilience.
Entry Criteria
Entrants must demonstrate their achievements in business excellence over the past 12 months. This category is open to businesses with 21 to 99 employees at the time of entry, who have been trading for more than 24 months at the time of entry.
Please note: businesses are automatically entered into the relevant major categories based on their submissions for general and industry categories. You do not have to submit a separate entry for this category.
Excellence in Large Business (100+ Employees)
The Excellence in Large Business Award recognises a business with 100 plus employees that has effectively driven growth and can demonstrate the specific strategies implemented to achieve business success and/or resilience.
Entry Criteria
Entrants must demonstrate their achievements in business excellence over the past 12 months. This category is open to businesses with 100 or more employees at the time of entry, who have been trading for more than 24 months at the time of entry.
Please note: businesses are automatically entered into the relevant major categories based on their submissions for general and industry categories. You do not have to submit a separate entry for this category.
People's Choice Categories
Orange's Trade Star(s)
Celebrating the tradespeople and trade businesses that keep Orange running – nominated and voted for by the Orange community.
Entry/Nomination Criteria
This category is open to any tradesperson or trade business operating in the Orange region, including but not limited to builders, electricians, plumbers, mechanics, landscapers and other skilled trades.
Orange's Customer Service Star(s)
Celebrating the businesses and individuals who go above and beyond for their customers – nominated and voted for by the Orange community!
Entry/Nomination Criteria
This category is open to any business or individual operating in the Orange region who delivers direct customer service, regardless of industry or business size.
Orange's Outstanding Creative Talent
Celebrating the creative businesses and individuals who bring originality, craft and creative excellence to Orange – nominated and voted for by the community!
Entry/Nomination Criteria
This category is open to creative businesses and individuals operating in the Orange region, in fields such as writing, visual art, music, photography, design, performance or other creative disciplines, regardless of business size.
Orange's Favourite Business
Celebrating the businesses that Orange loves most – nominated and voted for by the community!
Entry/Nomination Criteria
This category is open to all businesses operating in the Orange region, regardless of industry, size or how long they have been trading.
An Unforgettable Night for the Orange Business Community
SAVE THE DATE: 25 September, 2026 – Banksia, Orange
Finalists receive early access to tickets with general ticket sales open soon after.
Ready to Enter? Here's How.
Choose Your Categories
Review the categories and eligibility requirements to identify which category is the best fit for you. Established businesses may enter two.
Complete Your Submission
Click “Enter Now”, register or login to our AwardsForce platform and complete your written submission, clearly addressing each question.
Submit Before 15 July
Entries close 15 July 2026. Late entries cannot be accepted. Contact us at events@businessorange.com.au if you need assistance.
Who Can Enter?
- Businesses must have a valid ABN to be considered.
- Established businesses may enter up to two categories and will be automatically entered into categories for Excellence in Micro, Small, Medium or Large business depending on their size.
- Businesses less than two years old may only enter the Outstanding New Business Category.
- Board Members of Business Orange and current contractors with access to awards information will not enter the Awards to avoid any conflict of interest.
- You do not need to be a Business Orange member to enter.
Thinking About Sponsorship?
The Orange Business Awards is the region’s premier celebration of local business excellence, bringing together more than 300 business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community figures for a night that matters.
Sponsoring the Awards puts your organisation at the heart of that moment and to a broader audience in the months leading up to the Gala – putting you in front of the people who drive the Orange economy, and alongside a program that champions the businesses and individuals shaping our region’s future.
Whether you’re looking to strengthen brand visibility, build meaningful connections, or demonstrate your commitment to the Orange business community, there’s a sponsorship package to suit your goals.
Contact us at events@businessorange.com.au to discuss opportunities.
All Your Questions Answered!
Is it free to enter?
Yes – entry to the Business Orange Awards is completely free. There is no entry fee for any category.
Do I need to be a Business Orange member to enter?
No, the Business Orange Awards are open to all businesses operating in the Orange region, regardless of membership. However, to progress to the Business NSW Regional Awards if you win an eligible category, you will need to be a financial member of a local chamber or Business NSW. Find out more about membership here.
How many categories can I enter?
What is the Outstanding Business of the Year award?
The Outstanding Business of the Year is the highest honour in the Business Orange Awards. It is not a direct entry category – it is awarded to the entrant whose submission scores most highly across all judged categories. Any business that enters is automatically eligible to be considered.
How is judging conducted?
All submissions are assessed by a panel of independent judges with a background in business or experience relevant to the categories they judge.
Judges are sourced from outside the Orange region through organisations such as other business chambers and conflicts of interest are checked before judging commences.
Judging is also completely confidential and merit-based, with judges signing an NDA before receiving submissions and assessing them using standardised scoring.
Finalists and winners are selected based solely on the quality of their submission.
What happens if I win?
Winners are announced at the Gala Night on 25 September 2026. Category winners in eligible Business NSW categories automatically progress to the Western NSW Business Awards, and from there, regional winners advance to the Business NSW State Awards.
More information on the Gala and accepting awards is provided to finalists closer to the date.
What is the Business NSW awards pathway?
The Business Orange Awards are part of the Business NSW awards network. Winners in eligible categories progress to the Western NSW Business Awards. Regional winners in eligible categories then advance to the Business NSW State Awards – giving Orange businesses the opportunity for regional and state-level recognition.
All awards submissions in this process are completely free, however membership of a local chamber or Business NSW is required to be eligible for regional and state level awards.
When do Gala Night ticket sales open?
Finalists will receive priority early access to Gala Night tickets once they are announced. General ticket sales will open shortly after. Keep an eye on our website and social media, or our newsletter for Business Orange members – you’ll be the first to know.
I have more questions - who do I contact?
We’re happy to help! Email us at events@businessorange.com.au and we will get back to you within a couple of business days.