Want to know how to write a winning business award submission? You’re in the right place!
Writing a winning business award submission takes more than strong writing—it requires a clear strategy, compelling storytelling, and credible evidence. The most successful entries go beyond listing achievements, instead demonstrating real impact, aligning closely with the judging criteria, and presenting your business in a way that stands out.
As someone who has dedicated over a decade to writing winning business award submissions across Australia, I’ve witnessed countless businesses struggle to effectively communicate their achievements to judges. With more than 300 award submissions under my belt and a remarkable 95.75% success rate in achieving finalist status or category wins, I’ve developed deep insights into what makes a submission truly compelling.
I can tell you this with absolute certainty:
Most businesses don’t lose awards because they’re underperforming. They lose because they fail to articulate their story in a way that resonates with judges.
In this comprehensive guide on how to write a winning business award submission, I’ll pull back the curtain to reveal:
- The exact elements judges scrutinise
- Critical mistakes that instantly diminish your chances
- Real-world success stories from award-winning clients
- Inside secrets that can dramatically boost your winning potential
If you’ve ever wondered why certain businesses seem to dominate awards season after season, you’re about to discover their winning formula.
If you’ve ever wondered how some businesses seem to win awards year after year, keep reading.
Writing My First Award Submission Helped Me Discover that this Work Matters
My journey into award submission writing started around a decade ago.
A client was referred to me to write her entry for the Telstra Businesswomen’s Awards. At the time, I had no idea that award submission writing would become such a significant part of my work.
We worked closely together to craft her story – her achievements, the significant challenges she’d overcome, and the impact she’d made in her industry.
The result? My client won Businesswoman of the Year in her state and was runner-up nationally.
Not a bad start!
But what stood out most wasn’t just the win — it was how thrilled she was to see her story recognised at that level.
Since then, I’ve helped hundreds of businesses tell their stories through writing winning business award submissions.
Why Business Awards Matter More Than You Think
Some business owners dismiss awards as “nice but not necessary”. But in reality, awards can have a significant impact on your business.
Even being shortlisted as a finalist can deliver:
Credibility
Recognition from an independent judging panel builds trust with customers.
Marketing opportunities
Finalists and winners often receive publicity, social media exposure and media coverage.
Employee morale
Awards acknowledge the effort and dedication of your team.
Business growth
Many award winners see increased enquiries and new client opportunities.
One thing many people misunderstand about awards is this:
You don’t have to win to benefit.
Being shortlisted as a finalist can be just as powerful when leveraged correctly.
Writing a Winning Business Award Submission – Don’t Make These Mistakes!
After reviewing hundreds of submissions, certain mistakes appear again and again. Here are the most common.
-
Not Reading the Terms and Conditions
This sounds obvious, but it happens more often than you’d think.
Businesses sometimes overlook:
- Eligibility criteria
- “Optional” supporting documents or videos – they’re not optional if you want to win!
- Word or character limits
- Submission deadlines – would an award-winning business need an extension? No, just no!
If you miss any of these, your entry could be disqualified before judging even begins.
-
Leaving Questions Blank
This is one of the fastest ways to lose an award.
If an application asks ten questions and you only answer eight, you’re automatically at a disadvantage.
Judges score submissions based on the information provided. If the information isn’t there, they simply can’t award points.
If you genuinely don’t have enough information to answer certain questions properly, it may be better to wait until next year and strengthen that area of your business first.
-
Copy-Pasting From Your Website
Judges see this immediately.
Award submissions require specific answers to specific questions, not marketing copy.
Your website explains what you do.
Your award submission needs to explain why you’re exceptional.
-
Using AI Without Strategy
Another common issue is entrants copying large chunks of text generated by AI tools.
Judges are reading dozens of answers to the same question and can usually recognise this instantly.
The writing often feels generic, overly polished, and lacks the authentic voice and detail that strong submissions require.
AI can be useful in certain stages of the process, but it should never replace the real story behind the business.
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Leaving it Until the Last Minute
If you’re serious about winning a business award, you need to start the process early. Take time to properly review the questions and really think about the information you wish to share. Chat with your team and gather strong stories and data to support your entry. Start drafting early, and give yourself time to revise and edit well before the closing date.
One of the keys to writing a winning business awards submission is to ensure you finish and submit it on time!
What the Awards Judges Are Actually Looking For
I’ve seen how submissions are evaluated, and the entries that stand out consistently share several qualities.
Compelling Stories
The strongest submissions don’t just list achievements. They tell a clear story about:
- Why and where the business started
- The challenges faced along the way
- The solutions implemented
- The results achieved
- Where you’re heading in the future
Judges want to understand the journey behind the numbers.
Evidence
Claims must be supported by proof. This could include:
- Growth figures (percentages are fine if you don’t want to disclose your actual numbers)
- Customer satisfaction results
- Client outcomes
- Industry recognition
However, numbers alone aren’t enough. The key is explaining how those results were achieved.
Vision
Judges also look for businesses that know where they’re going. A strong submission demonstrates:
- Strategic thinking
- Long-term goals
- Industry leadership
It’s not just about past success … it’s about future potential.
Business Awards Case Studies: Real Award-Winning Businesses
To illustrate how powerful writing a winning business award submission can be, here are three examples from clients I’ve worked with.
Alicia Floyer – Next Legal & Conveyancing
Industry: Legal
Award: Law Society Awards
The challenge was capturing Alicia’s impressive achievements in a way that fully reflected her impact and leadership.
Through in-depth interviews and multiple draft revisions, we refined the story behind her business and presented her accomplishments clearly and persuasively.
With my help and collaboration, Alicia has now won 10 awards and been shortlisted as a finalist in 10 others.
Care Easy
Industry: Aged Care
Award: Tweed Regional Business Awards
Care Easy is a relatively new business with a short history. That meant we had to focus on the innovation, community impact and early momentum of the business.
After gathering detailed information, I created a strong narrative – the results were extraordinary:
- Winner – Best New Business (Tweed Business Awards)
- Winner – Best New Business (Northern Rivers Regional Business Awards)
- Finalist – NSW State Business Awards
The Cutting Room at Riverstone
Industry: Hairdressing
Award: Local Business Awards
This salon has built an inclusive environment that welcomed clients of all ages, styles and backgrounds.
Our task was to highlight the culture, community connection and measurable achievements behind the business.
The result? They won Hairdresser of the Year at the Local Business Awards!
My Process for Writing Award Submissions
Every business awards program is different, but my process typically follows a structured approach.
Step 1: Gather Deep Insight
This stage is critical. I ask a lot of questions – often far more than clients expect.
The questions vary depending on:
- The awards criteria
- The industry
- The business stage
But the goal is always the same: uncover the stories and achievements the business may not even realise are significant.
Many clients underestimate their accomplishments. My role is to draw those stories out.
Step 2: Draft Offline
I prefer drafting submissions offline first. This allows me to carefully structure each answer without the pressure of online forms or character limits.
Also, awards portals have been known to fail. Yep, I’ve known people who’ve lost their entire submission/s with no way of retrieving them… and they have to start again at the very last minute. Not a situation I want myself or my clients to be in. Keep a complete copy on your hard drive – ALWAYS!
Step 3: Edit and Refine
Award writing is not just writing — it’s also editing, re-checking statements and stats, then more editing and polishing.
A strong answer must:
- Directly address the question
- Include evidence
- Tell a story
- Stay within word or character limits
Finding that balance can take several rounds of refinement. Allow time for this process.
Step 4: Upload and Final Review
Once everything is polished, the answers are uploaded into the awards portal and reviewed again before hitting the SUBMIT button.
When Businesses Should NOT Enter Awards
While awards can be powerful, they’re not right for every business. And, it’s all about the timing.
For example, businesses that cannot yet demonstrate:
- Growth
- Resilience
- Innovation
- Impact
- Strategic direction
… may benefit from waiting another year.
Awards work best when you’ve established a track record and have clear achievements to showcase.
Is It Possible to Win Without a Professional Writer?
Yes — it’s certainly possible. But having an experienced awards writer involved can make a significant difference.
A professional brings:
- Strategic thinking
- Knowledge of judging criteria
- Strong storytelling skills
- Experience with successful submissions
It’s similar to having a coach for an important competition.
Final Thoughts: Business Awards Are About More Than Winning
After writing hundreds of business award submissions, one thing is clear.
Awards are not just about trophies.
They’re about recognising the work businesses do every day — the challenges they overcome, the people they help, and the impact they create.
And often, business owners are far more impressive than they realise.
Sometimes they just need help telling their story.
Need Help Writing a Winning Business Award Submission?
If you’re planning to enter business awards and want the strongest possible submission, I can help.
With over 10 years of experience and more than 295 submissions written, I work with businesses across Australia to craft award entries that stand out.
If you’d like guidance with your next award entry, feel free to get in touch. Or follow me on LinkedIn.
Your business might be more award-worthy than you think…. just ask me!
If you enjoyed this article, you may also like to read:
- Choosing the right business awards program for your business
- Are local business awards really worth your time?
- The best 2026 business awards to enter
