BALLINA SHIRE BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS
Celebrating the people, businesses and ideas driving our shire forward.
Each year, the Ballina Chamber of Commerce recognises outstanding local businesses across a range of categories — from emerging enterprises to long-standing leaders in our community.
Whether you are looking to nominate, enter, sponsor or attend, the Business Awards are a chance to showcase excellence and connect with the broader business community.
The Ballina Shire Business Awards recognise excellence across our local business community and provide a pathway to regional and state recognition through the Business NSW awards program.
The awards aim to:
- Celebrate business excellence and innovation
- Support growth and visibility for local enterprises
- Strengthen connections across the business community
- Promote Ballina as a vibrant and thriving place to do business
This aligns directly with the Chamber’s broader purpose to promote business, support growth and advocate for the local economy
2026 Ballina Shire Business Excellence Awards
Nominations for the 2026 Ballina Shire Business Excellence Awards open on 20 April, with the Gala Awards Night to be held on 11 July 2026.
This year’s awards introduce an enhanced experience for nominees, with clearer entry pathways, improved category guidance, and stronger visibility across the regional and state awards progression.
Click here for the 2026 Awards details
We have another exciting year planned for the 2026 awards and we look forward to seeing which of the many great businesses from across the Ballina Shire will nominate.
Past Years Business Awards
2024 Ballina Business Excellence Awards
2024 Ballina Business Excellence Awards photos and details can be seen here
2025 Ballina Business Excellence Awards
2025 Ballina Business Excellence Awards photos and details can be seen here
How the Awards Work
Nomination
Businesses and local organisations nominate themselves. In some cases the Chamber gets feedback from the community about a business and we approach them, or the community encourages a business to participate.
There are a wide range of categories to enter, and any businesses from the Ballina Shire can enter (the nominee does not need to be a Chamber member, we celebrate excellence across all organisations).
Entry Submission
Nominees complete a structured submission via an online portal provided by Business NSW.
The questions they answer is different for each category.
Judging Process
All submissions are independently assessed by a panel of experienced judges.
Shortlisted finalists may be contacted for clarification or further information.
Judging is based on merit against defined criteria for each category.
Finalists Announced
Finalists are announced ahead of the Awards Night and recognised across Chamber channels.
This provides:
- Early exposure
- Marketing opportunities
- Momentum leading into the even
Gala Awards Night
Winners are announced at the Ballina Shire Business Excellence Awards Gala.
This is a celebration of the local business community and a key networking event in the region.
Beyond Ballina
Winners progress to the next stage of the Business NSW awards program.
This creates an opportunity for:
- Regional recognition
- State-level exposure
- Extended promotion over several months
