Winners of the below categories progress to the national-level Australian Export Awards.

Advanced Technologies  

For outstanding international success in the field of information technology, digital technologies, software, hardware or digital services.

This includes solutions utilising cloud-based platforms, artificial intelligence, machine learning, Internet of Things, augmented reality, autonomous systems, robotics, quantum, virtual reality, data collaboration and management tools, fintech, cyber security and/or blockchain with civilian, defence, space and/or other industry applications.

Agribusiness, Food and Beverages

For outstanding international success in the field of manufactured foods, beverages or agricultural products.

This includes primary production, forestry and fisheries and related services or technology.

Creative Industries

For outstanding international success in any creative industry.

This includes music, visual and performing arts, fashion, design, film and television, digital media and content, animation, software and games, festival and event production, writing and publishing and creative services.

e-Commerce

For outstanding international success selling goods or services to customers overseas via e-Commerce, including cross-border e-Commerce and online sales.

This includes sales to business (B2B), consumer (B2C) or government (B2G) via own website, online marketplaces and other e-Commerce channels.

Emerging Exporter

For outstanding export achievement by a business which has been exporting for three years or less.

This includes established and new businesses in any industry.

International Education and Training

For outstanding international success in the field of education and training.

This includes higher education, vocational education and training, transnational education, online learning, curriculum development and EdTech.

International Health

For outstanding international success in the fields of health, medical or wellbeing.

This includes biotechnology, biosecurity, medical technology, digital health, e-health, aged care, disability, complementary health, pharmaceuticals and related services.

Manufacturing and Advanced Materials

For outstanding international success in manufacturing, engineering or advanced materials development.

This includes advanced manufacturing and materials technologies, engineering, design and production.

Professional Services

For outstanding international success in the field of professional services.

This includes legal, accounting, administration and support services, business management and consultancy, marketing services, franchising and licensing, engineering, financial and insurance, market research, translation services and tourism and business events.

Regional Exporter

For outstanding international success by a regional business.

This includes businesses whose head office or majority of operations are based in a non-metropolitan location.

Resources and Energy

For outstanding international success in the resources and energy sectors.

This includes businesses involved in the production, processing or value adding of extractive resources or the provision of energy or resources related equipment, services or technology.

Small Business

For outstanding international success by a small business.

This includes businesses with total annual turnover not exceeding A$10 million.

Sustainability  and Green Economy

For outstanding international success in the Green Economy.

This includes the provision of green economy technology or capabilities such as environmental solutions, clean energy, sustainable materials, renewables, waste and water management, green building, smart cities or businesses committed to sustainable business practices.

These are NSW State categories. Winners of these categories win at the NSW State-level only and do not progress to the National Awards.

NSW Development Impact Award

For companies creating an outstanding positive impact on communities in developing countries through the export of goods and/or services or through their operations. Improved development outcomes include (but are not limited to); increased economic growth and prosperity, improved health outcomes, improved conditions for the most vulnerable, improved education, or improved gender equality.

NSW Women in International Business Award

For outstanding achievement in international business by a woman, or group of women, either through developing or leading an international enterprise, or contribution as a senior leader in an enterprise.

Western Sydney Exporter Award

For outstanding export achievement in any Industry sector, by an enterprise located in the Greater Western Sydney area.

NSW Exporter to Southeast Asia Award

For outstanding export achievement in Southeast Asia in any industry sector.

NSW Indigenous Exporter Award

For outstanding export achievement by an NSW Indigenous business that is successfully operating within the export market in any industry sector.

The coveted NSW Exporter of the Year will be chosen from the 13 National Category winners.

Applicants benefit by

• Looking critically at your business, guided by the awards criteria that highlight what’s important for successful international businesses
• Benchmarking your business against others in your industry

Finalists benefit by

• Inclusion in Export Awards media/publicity campaigns
• Profile as an Export Awards finalist on the Export Council of Australia’s website
• Opportunity to get involved, profile your business, and share your export story at the Export Council of Australia’s export events
• Profiling opportunities in Export Council of Australia’s marketing (i.e. case studies on successful New South Wales exporters, website exposure etc.)
• Premier’s NSW Export Awards finalist logo for use on your company’s collateral – put the Export Awards finalist symbol on your business cards, letterhead and brochures to communicate your success to your international clients

Winners benefit by

• Exclusive use of the Premier’s NSW Export Awards winner’s logo
• Premier’s NSW Export Awards winner’s trophy and framed winner’s certificate
• Invitations to Export Council of Australia’s NSW Export Awards winners roundtable and other events
• An opportunity to vie for the NSW Exporter of the Year Award

Winning a New South Wales award in one of the 13 national categories also means your company progresses as a finalist in the Australian Export Awards. This means:

• An opportunity to vie for the Australian Exporter of the Year Award
• Promotion by Austrade of the Australian Export Awards finalists and on the Australian Export Awards website;
• An Australian Export Awards National Finalist certificate;
• Complimentary registration for your team to attend a masterclass hosted by leading experts to gain insights into the latest innovative trends in global business
• Complimentary attendance to the Australian Export Awards National Awards Ceremony
• Entitlement to use the national Australian Export Awards logo for your corporate marketing materials
• Feedback from national judges on your application

Applications for the Australian Export Awards Program are invited from businesses that meet the following criteria.

Business

• Earn foreign income.
• Hold an active Australian Business Number (ABN).
• Operate as a separate business if part of a larger organisation.
• Maintain appropriate business ethics and demonstrate a commitment to legal obligations including anti-bribery laws and laws to combat modern slavery, both in Australia and overseas markets.
• Government entities as defined in the “A New Tax System (Australian Business Number) Act 1999” are not eligible, except where they are registered education and training providers.
• Sponsors of a State or Territory Export Awards program or the Australian Export Awards program are not eligible to apply.

Products or services

The product or service exported must include significant (at least 50%) Australian content or value-add. This may include product or services:

• made in Australia from Australian primary products
• made overseas, mainly using Australian primary products
• made in Australia from Australian and imported components
• elaborately transformed in Australia
• made overseas using substantial Australian value-add, intellectual property (IP) or know-how, including design
• delivered in Australia to foreign individuals or entities
• delivered overseas using substantial Australian value-add, IP or know-how.

Financials

• Applicants must demonstrate delivery of net foreign economic returns to the Australian economy in terms of profit repatriation and employment in Australia.
• Applicants must provide 3 years of export income, unless they are applying for the Emerging Exporter Award which requires up to 3 years of export income.
• Applicants that are unable to provide actual export income for the 2023-24 financial year must provide a genuine estimate that support their demonstrated export efforts.
• Applications containing incomplete financial details will not be assessed.

Applications

• The Awards program operates as a two-stage process:
  • Stage 1: A business applies to their home state or territory Export Awards program, where they are judged on their selected national and state-based categories (where applicable).
  • Stage 2: A business that wins a national category in their home state or territory Export Awards program automatically progress for judging as a national finalist in the Australian Export Awards.
• A business can only submit one application; it must be in   the state or territory Export Awards program where the business’ head office is located or where the majority of operations are established.
• Applications are only accepted online via the Export Awards application portal.

Award categories

• A business can apply in one or more of the 13 national categories.
  • Winners at the State or Territory Export Awards will only be eligible to progress as a national finalist in one national category.
• A business can also apply in state and territory categories (if applicable).
  • Winners in a state or territory category are not eligible to progress as a national finalist.
• Award categories which are not sector specific have specific or additional eligibility criteria:
  • Regional Exporter: a business with a non-metropolitan Head Office or majority of operations is eligible to apply for this award.
  • Small Business: a business with total annual sales not exceeding A$10 million is eligible to apply for this award.
  • Emerging Exporter: a business which has been exporting for 3 years or less is eligible to apply for this award.

Previous winners and Hall of Fame

• Past Australian Export Award national winners are eligible to apply, except for inductees in the Australian Export Awards national Hall of Fame.
• Where a business is a state or territory Hall of Fame inductee, they should check with their home State or Territory Awards Coordinator regarding eligibility.

Australian Export Awards purpose is to: identify and celebrate the most outstanding, innovative and inspiring Australian exporters across diverse sectors and markets.

Judges will assess only the information supplied in the application.

Areas of focus include:

• Clear demonstration of sustainable competitive advantage
• Export success and growth potential
• Leadership and innovation in international business and marketing strategies
• Commitment to diversity, inclusion, sustainability or positive social impact
• Value and contribution of exports to business expansion
• Overall commitment to growth in international business.

 

The judging criteria are as follows below.

Section 1 – Business details

[score weighting 0% – this section does not attract a score]

 

Section 2 – National award category selection

[score weighting 0% – this section does not attract a score]

 

Section 3 – About your business, products and services

[score weighting 0% – this section does not attract a score]

Applicants should ensure their business overview is clear and factual.

 

Section 4 – Your business and brand story

[score weighting 25%]

4.1 Applicants should tell a compelling story about what makes their business unique, outstanding, inspiring and innovative.

4.2 Applicants should provide a clear example of their export success.

 

Sections 5 to 17 – Category specific questions

Applicants should respond to the category question, including demonstrating what innovative strategies they have implemented to achieve export success. Responses should relate clearly to the category.

 

Section 18 – International business and marketing strategy

[score weighting 40%]

18.1 Applicants should demonstrate their export and marketing strategies, with clear examples that highlight a range of tactics to achieve export growth.

18.2  Applicants should clearly demonstrate the business or community value and impact of any diversity, inclusion, sustainability or social impact initiatives. Examples related to international business should be highlighted where applicable.

18.3-18.4 Applicants should supply accurate data for three financial years (with the exception of Emerging Exporter category). Based on this data, judges will consider:

• Exports as a proportion of total revenue.
• Export value, and year-to-year percentage change in value, over the last three years or since the applicant commenced exporting.
• Total export revenue from key markets, and diversity of export markets.

 

Section 19 – Business management

[score weighting 25%]

19.1-19.2: Applicants should demonstrate sufficient resourcing and investment in staff development, to support current and future export growth.

19.3: Applicants should demonstrate a clear understanding of a range of international business risks, and sound strategies in place to mitigate these risks.

19.4-19.9: Applicants should clearly outline their financial position and include accurate data to support this.

Based on the information and data provided, judges will consider:

• Soundness of financial strategy and planning to support international growth in the coming year.
• A sound financial base (cash, assets and other revenue sources) to support export activity.

 

Section 20 – Future export plans

[score weighting 10%]

20.1  Applicants should demonstrate a clear plan and business commitment to achieve international business growth over the next 3-5 years.