Application

Entrepreneur Award — Small Business

For an individual exemplifying the true spirit of entrepreneurship, leading a small business with innovation and measurable impact.

⏰ Nominations close Friday 31 July 2026, 5pm AEST

Eligibility

✓Of Tamil origin, or who identifies as Tamil or is of Tamil descent, and a resident of Australia
✓Owner of a business with fewer than 10 employees
✓Business operated for more than 2 years
✓Has founded at least one business venture
✓Standard ATCC eligibility (bankruptcy / convictions / public office)

Assessment criteria

Your application will be assessed against these criteria by the independent Selection Committee.

01Recognised as an entrepreneur by peers, industry or community
02Leading your business day to day
03An entrepreneurial mindset — creativity and smart risk-taking
04Building a business — you founded at least one venture
05A track record of success
06Innovation — doing things in new and better ways
07A positive, measurable impact on your community and industry

About you

Tell us who you are and where we can reach you.

Full name *

Email *

Mobile number *

LinkedIn (optional)

Your business / organisation

Business / organisation name *

Your role / title *

About your business

Give us an overview of your business. *

What you do, who you serve, and what makes it stand out.

0 / 200 words

In which year was your business established? *

How many employees does your business currently have? *

What motivated you to start your business? *

0 / 150 words

Have you contributed to the community? If yes, please share some details.

A few sentences is fine.

0 / 150 words

Describe the growth of your business over time (employees and revenue). *

0 / 200 words

What was your revenue in the last financial year? (optional)

Optional — share a figure or range if you are comfortable.

What's the most significant challenge you've faced, and how did you overcome it? *

0 / 150 words

Why do you believe you deserve this award? *

0 / 150 words

References & supporting material (optional)

All fields in this section are optional. Why we ask: referees help the Selection Committee verify and deepen their understanding of your contribution. If your application is shortlisted, the Committee may contact your referees directly — by phone or email — for a brief, confidential reference. These details are used only for award assessment and are never shared or used for marketing.

Referee 1 — name

Referee 1 — email or phone

Referee 2 — name

Referee 2 — email or phone

Public articles, talks, awards, or other recognition

Up to 5 links, one per line. Optional.

Gala attendance

Helps the committee plan finalist logistics across NSW, VIC and QLD.

Which state are you based in? *

If you are selected as a finalist, are you willing to attend the gala in Sydney on 3 October 2026? *

Finalists are celebrated on stage at the gala — your moment in front of the room, the cameras, and the wider Tamil-Australian business community, with media and social coverage that builds real profile for you and your business. It is a moment you will not want to watch from afar. If you cannot attend in person, a business representative can accept on your behalf.

Eligibility confirmations

Please confirm each statement applies to you. False confirmations may invalidate your application.

I confirm I am of Tamil origin, or identify as Tamil or am of Tamil descent, and am a resident of Australia. *

I confirm I am not an undischarged bankrupt and have no current/prior criminal convictions (unless an official pardon has been granted). *

I confirm I am not a current/former publicly elected member of municipal/state/federal government, and not currently employed by a government body. *

I confirm I have continuously owned my business (for business awards) or held my current role/position throughout the achievement year relevant to this Award. *

I have read and accept the ATCC Awards governance policy and confidentiality terms. *

By submitting, you authorise ATCC to use your application information for assessment purposes only. Endorser contact details are captured separately on your endorsement page.