Ararat Rural City Council is encouraging businesses operating in the greater Ararat Rural City area to submit their entries for the 2026 East Grampians Business Awards.
As the region's premier business recognition program, the awards celebrate excellence across all sectors, from sole traders and small enterprises to major employers.
This year features a refreshed line-up of award categories:
• Future-Ready Business Award
• Experience Creator Award (for both commercial and not-for-profit enterprises)
• Bold Move Award
• Made Here Award
• Outstand Customer Service Award
The coveted Business of the Year and People's Choice awards will also make a return this year.
The celebration will culminate in a prestigious Gala Dinner at Ararat Town Hall on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. It promises to be a fantastic evening to network, connect, and highlight the outstanding contributions local businesses make to our community.
"Entering these awards is a chance to really put your business in the spotlight, boost your profile across the region, and take a moment to celebrate everything your business has worked hard to build," says Ararat Rural City Council Mayor, Bob Sanders.
"With our refreshed categories, many local businesses will find that multiple award categories apply to them, so don't limit yourself to just one. We know how busy our local business owners are, so we've made the application process as quick and straightforward as possible to encourage you to enter as many as apply. Give it a go and good luck!"
Entries close at 5pm on Saturday, 28 August 2026. Full category guidelines and the application form are available on our website.
