Hume Business Awards

Recognises businesses across all sectors who are leaders in circular economy practices. The circular economy aims to improve business efficiency, minimise waste and keep materials and products in circulation for as long as possible.

Nomination Criteria:

• Business actively identifies ways to minimise the environmental footprint of their business operation, supply chain and waste production

• Using sustainable practices in the use of resources

• Pursuing opportunities to “close the loop” on material and/or energy cycles – recycle, repurpose, reuse and redesign

Inclusive Workforce

This award recognises businesses that are committed to employing local people and fostering an inclusive workforce. It celebrates organisations that actively recruit and support individuals from underrepresented communities while also embracing social procurement practices to create broader economic and social benefits.

Nomination Criteria:

• Commitment to Local Employment – prioritises hiring local talent, contributing to the local economy, and supporting workforce development within the community.

• Inclusive Recruitment & Hiring Practices – actively recruits and hires individuals from underrepresented communities, including:

     - Women
     - Young people
     - People from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, including new migrants and refugees
     - First Nations people
     - People with a disability
     - LGBTIQA+ people

• Social Procurement & Supplier Diversity – demonstrates a commitment to local partnerships with suppliers, purchasing goods and services from social enterprises, businesses, and community organisations to drive positive social impact.

This award recognises businesses that have achieved significant expansion, demonstrating strong growth, strategic planning, and sustainable success. It celebrates organisations that have expanded their operations, entered new markets, increased their workforce, or diversified their offerings while maintaining financial stability and a positive impact on their industry and community.

Nomination Criteria:

• Growth & Market Expansion – demonstrated substantial growth in revenue, market share, or geographic reach through new locations, exports, or expanded customer bases.

• Financial Performance & Sustainability – showed strong financial results and long-term viability while managing risks effectively.

• Strategic Vision & Leadership – demonstrated clear planning and leadership, to achieve business sustainability and industry growth.

This award recognises excellence in the manufacturing sector, celebrating businesses that demonstrate innovation, efficiency, and a commitment to quality.

Nomination Criteria:

• Innovation and technology – implementation of cutting-edge technologies or processes, developing innovative products or solutions and adapting to industry trends and challenges.

• Operational Excellence – efficient production processes, quality assurance and control measures and effective supply chain management

• Sustainability and Environmental Impact – adoption of eco-friendly practices, reduction of waste and energy consumption and commitment to lean and sustainable manufacturing.

This award recognises excellence in the retail sector, celebrating businesses that demonstrate outstanding customer service, innovation and operational success.

Nomination Criteria:

• Customer experience and satisfaction – providing exceptional customer service, customer engagement and loyalty and receiving positive customer feedback and reviews.

• Inovation in Retail – creative approaches to merchandising and marketing, implementing unique retail strategies or technologies, ie. social media, online sales.

• Business growth and community impact – building business and community relationships in a highly competitive environment and demonstrated growth and stability through a multi-channel retail strategy to grow and develop the business.

Must have between 20 and 100 employees.

This award recognises businesses that deliver across a range of criteria.

Nomination Criteria:

• Innovation – introduced new products, services or processes through technology or other methods.

• Growth and success – creation of new job opportunities within Hume City and fostering a positive workplace culture.

• Community contribution – making a positive social impact to their industry, through community engagement and/or other initiatives.

This award recognises Startup businesses that deliver across a range of criteria.

Nomination Criteria:

• Must be operational for a minimum of 12 months and no longer than 3years

• Employ less than 5 employees

• Intend to grow beyond the single owner

• Effectively developed and validated a sustainable business model

• High impact potential that uses innovation

This award recognises businesses in the Transport, Logistics, and Warehousing sector that demonstrate excellence in operational efficiency, workforce development, innovation, and sustainability.

It celebrates organisations that play a vital role in the movement, storage, and distribution of goods while prioritising safety, customer service, and environmental responsibility.

Nomination Criteria:

• Operational Excellence & Innovation – implements best practices, advanced technology, and innovative solutions to improve transport, logistics, and warehousing efficiency.

• Workforce Development & Safety – demonstrates a strong commitment to staff training and maintaining high workplace health and safety standards across transport and warehousing operations.

• Sustainability & Environmental Responsibility – adopts sustainable transport and warehousing solutions, reduces emissions, and minimises environmental impact through responsible supply chain practices.

• Customer Service & Industry Leadership – delivers outstanding customer service, builds strong partnerships, and contributes to the advancement of the Transport, Logistics, and Warehousing sector.

• Local Economic Contribution – supports local employment, engages with the community, and contributes to economic growth within Hume City.

Recognises Visitor Economy hospitality businesses (including restaurants and cafes) that are unique and offer consistent quality and standard in an enjoyable, clean and comfortable atmosphere to the public.

Nomination Criteria:

• Consistently delivers high quality food and beverage experiences.

• Customer Experience – outstanding service, guest satisfaction, and accessibility.

• Innovation & Growth – unique offerings, business expansion

• Sustainability – eco-friendly practices and reduced environmental impact.

• Community Engagement – local support, ethical sourcing, and social responsibility.

• Workplace Culture – staff development, diversity, and positive work environment.

• Marketing & Brand Impact – strong branding, digital presence, and customer engagement.

Recognises businesses that contribute to the Visitor Economy including growing product, visitation and yield for a sustainable tourism industry. Examples include attractions, accommodation providers, public events and festivals, venues, markets, and wineries.

Nomination Criteria:

• Significantly contribute to tourism products and experiences within the municipality

• Create substantial economic impact and jobs growth within Hume City

• Position Hume as an ideal visitor destination, driving visitation, spend and dispersal

• Leadership in marketing their product/service to intrastate, interstate and international visitors

• Creates innovative and unique visitor experiences with planning for future growth

This award is open to any person between the ages of 18 and 25 who has worked in a business based in Hume for a minimum of 2 years.

The nomination can be from a business owner (for an employee) or self-nominated, by a person self-employed and running a business in Hume.

Nominees for this award do not need to hold a position of leadership in a business. This award will recognise a young person who has demonstrated entrepreneurship and leadership qualities that will position them as a future business leader of the community.

Nomination Criteria:

• Entrepreneurial Qualities – demonstrates creativity, resilience and vision in their business endeavours.

• Achievements – impacts and contributions to the community or industry.

• Leadership skills – demonstrates management and leadership skills that drive success.