Frequently Asked Questions

Who can enter the Awards? 

Eligible applicants are qualified social enterprises operating in Queensland. To check eligibility, please contact the Queensland Social Enterprise Council (QSEC) here or (07) 3180 1960. 

Who is not eligible to enter? 

The following are not eligible: 

• Government agencies or entities wholly/partly owned by State or Federal Government
• Local Government authorities (except for the Catalyst for Change Award) 
• Charities not deriving the majority of revenue from trade 
• Organisations insolvent, at high risk of insolvency, or bankrupt  
• Official sponsors entering their sponsored category 
• QSEC employees 
• Any applicant not meeting the eligibility criteria in the Terms & Conditions 

How do I enter the Awards?
Create a profile on the application portal:  https://queensla.awardsplatform.com/
Select your category, complete all required fields, upload supporting material, and submit your entry. 

Can I enter more than one category?
Yes. You may enter multiple categories, provided you meet the criteria for each one. Each category requires a separate application form. 

How do I choose the right category?
Category descriptions are available on the Awards website. More detailed criteria are located inside the application portal. 

Can I nominate another business or person?
No. Third-party nominations are not accepted. 

Is there an entry fee?
No. The Awards are free to enter. 

Is there a word limit for responses?
Yes. The portal automatically prevents exceeding the word limit. If you have more information, use concise dot points. 

Can I work on my application offline?
Yes. You may prepare answers offline and upload them to the portal once finalised. Please check formatting before submission. 

How can colleagues review the application before submission?
You can:
a) Upload your draft and export a PDF for review, OR
b) Work offline and upload once all internal checks are complete. 

Can I provide supporting material?
Yes. Common attachments include: 

• Organisation logo
• Two to three high-resolution images 
• Documents, photos, links, certificates, presentations, and testimonials to substantiate claims made in the body of the application
• Supporting materials cannot be used to extend the written word limits. 

How do I know my entry has been received?
You will be notified via email: 

• An email confirming submission will be sent to you immediately upon receipt of your nomination. 
• Within three business days of receiving your nomination, you will receive a second email confirming that the eligibility criteria have been satisfied. 

What if I encounter an error submitting my entry?
Please contact QSEC here or (07) 3180 1960 for support. 

What if my contact details change after submission?
Submit an enquiry via the Awards website. Changes will be confirmed within two business days. 

Who judges the Awards?
Entries are judged by independent panels of local and national experts with relevant discipline knowledge. All judges sign confidentiality agreements. 

The panel for the Indigenous Social Enterprise of the Year category will comprise Indigenous leaders. 

How is my entry assessed?
Judging is based solely on the information provided in the nomination form, following the published criteria for each category. 

Is my application confidential?
Information is accessible only to QSEC staff and judges. Business and personal information (excluding financial data and staff details) may be used for marketing purposes. All details are stored securely according to Terms & Conditions. 

How will I know if I am selected as a finalist?
Finalists will be contacted between 25 and 29 May. An email announcement will be advising all finalists will be send out on 18 June. 

What happens if I am a finalist?
Finalists will present virtually to the judging panel between 2 and 12 June. Presentations will be 25 minutes each. You will be notified of your presentation time at least one week in advance. 

Can finalists and winners promote their achievement?
Yes. Finalists and winners receive an official logo for email signatures, websites, and marketing materials. 

Will I receive feedback on my application?
Yes. Applicants may request feedback, which will be provided after the Awards conclude. 

If I have more questions, who can I contact?
Please submit enquiries via the online enquiry form. Responses are provided by email within two business days.

Note: QSEC can answer program or technical questions but cannot assist in writing applications.