Just reading the phrase ‘terms and conditions’ is enough to make many of us run for the hills.
I encourage you not to do that, and instead, let me take two minutes to help you understand some of the more pertinent ones.
Our terms and conditions are in place for a reason. Well, many reasons. We need to ensure consistency, fairness and accuracy across the entire program, and a defined set of terms and conditions ensures we achieve this.
Many of our terms are set by the NSW Business Chamber, and we must follow the same terms with our aligned categories. And in many cases, we retain the same terms across our local categories to achieve consistency and avoid ambiguity.
While reading terms and conditions may seem tedious, it is an important step in entering the Awards.
Last year we had scenarios where we had to remove entrants from categories as they were in breach of the terms. This is not a fun part of our job. Calling an entrant and advising that all their hard work will not result in an assessable entry is one of the hardest parts of managing the Awards.
Please help us help you by reading the terms and conditions and only entering categories for which you are eligible.
Common questions or oversights
1. How many categories can I enter?
This question is often asked, and the term often overlooked when people are entering. A business may enter three business categories, and an individual may enter a single individual category.
For example, Company XYZ has been in business for 4 years and is owned by John, who is 33 years old. John may enter Company XYA Excellence in Small Business, Excellence in Innovation and Excellence in Professional & Commercial. As John is under 36, he could enter Young Entrepreneur (for owners 35 and younger), and nominate an employee for Employee of the Year.
However, I would also like to emphasise that it is important to choose the categories that best tell your story. While in theory you could enter multiple categories, taking a scattergun approach will be evident to the judges. If you have a true story to tell across multiple categories, by all means, go for it. But attempting to hedge your bets by entering as many categories as you can is more likely to harm than help you chances of winning.
It takes time to write a truly great entry. Spend the time on quality, not quantity.
2. How many categories can I enter?
The answer to this question varies depending on the category you are entering.
For Start Up Superstar, you need to have been in business for two years or less, as at the Awards opening date, which was 17 May 2017.
For all other categories, your business must have been in operation for two years or more as at 17 May 2017. This also applies for Employee of the Year, however the employee only needs to have been in your employ for 12 months as of 17 May 2017.
3. So if I am entering Start Up Superstar, I can’t enter any other categories?
No, you cannot. This category has been created exclusively for new businesses under two years old and all other categories require a business to have been trading for two years or more.
4. If I won an Award last year, can I enter the same category this year?
Yes. However, if you went on to the Illawarra Awards, and you also won your category there, then you cannot enter the same category again. For example, if you won Excellence in Business at the Shoalhaven Awards in 2016, and you then went on to win Excellence in Business at the Illawarra Awards (in 2016), you cannot enter it again until 2018. If you were a finalist in the Illawarra Awards, but did not win, you may enter the same category again this year.
5. Do I need to be a member of the Shoalhaven Business Chamber to enter?
No, you do not. Any business that is located, or was started in the Shoalhaven region as defined by Local Government Area borders may enter the Awards.
6. Do I need to answer the ‘Inclusion’ and ‘Social Responsibility questions in each category in order to enter that category?
No, you do not. These questions still contribute towards your entry in your chosen category, but they will also provide you with an entry into their respective Awards. Think of it as three bites of the cherry; one Award entry actually gives you the chance to be a finalist in three awards!
The reason we include them in each category is because we believe they are important considerations for all business owners. We want to help raise awareness of the importance of inclusion and social responsibility and help make our region ore inclusive and more socially responsible.
For a full list of commonly asked questions please visit the FAQ page.
