Applications now open: Apply today!
The Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards (Export Awards) celebrate the achievements of Queensland’s top exporters who significantly contribute to the state’s growing economy.
Held in collaboration with Austrade, the prestigious awards recognise the creativity, innovation, determination, and continuing success of Queensland’s $117B export industry. This year, the Export Awards will celebrate 34 years in Queensland and will showcase businesses from every region across the state with great distinction.
The Premier of Queensland's Export Awards Dinner will be held on 4 September 2024 at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Applications for the 2024 Export Awards are now open.
Prepare your application and download the Applicant Handbook to learn more about:
2024 categories
application questions
judging criteria
hints and tips.
Why apply?
The Export Awards is your key to unlocking unparalleled opportunities in the world of international trade. Here's just some of the reasons why your business should not miss the opportunity to apply for these prestigious awards:
Global brand awareness, marketing and PR
Elevate your business profile: Gain international recognition and establish your brand as a global player. The Export Awards showcase excellence in export, providing a platform for your business to stand out on the global stage.
Open doors to new markets: Position your brand strategically and explore new markets with the credibility that comes from being a Premier of Queensland's Export Award winner.
Reach global potential: Leverage the awards to boost your marketing efforts and PR initiatives, ensuring that your business reaches its full global potential.
Networking
Forge connections with fellow exporters: The award program is designed to facilitate networking with like-minded businesses. Connect with fellow exporters, share insights, and collaborate for mutual growth.
Engage with industry and government representatives: Build valuable relationships with key figures in the industry and government. The Export Awards provide exclusive opportunities to interact with influencers who can further enhance your business prospects.
National recognition
Be a finalist at the Australian Export Awards: Winning a Premier of Queensland's Export Award automatically propels your company into the spotlight at the Australian Export Awards. Your achievement is recognised at the national level, opening doors to even broader opportunities.
Categories
There are 15 award categories – 13 national and two Queensland state-based – that businesses and individuals can apply for.
Winners of the 13 national categories become automatic finalists in the Australian Export Awards that are run and managed by Austrade.
A summary of all categories is provided below
National award categories
Queensland winners of these categories progress to the Australian Export Awards.
- Advance Technologies
- Agribusiness, Food and Beverages
- Creative Industries
- e-Commerce
- Emerging Exporter
- International Education and Training
- International Health
- Manufacturing and Advanced Materials
- Professional Services
- Regional Exporter
- Resources and Energy
- Small Business
- Sustainability and Green Economy
Queensland only award categories
Queensland winners of these categories do not to the Australian Export Awards.
- First Nations
- Women in International Business
Eligibility criteria
When considering your application for 2024, please review your businesses eligibility. All businesses can enter multiple categories and refer to activities primarily in the 2023/2024 financial year. Some questions do require up to three (3) years of evidence.
Judging criteria
Areas to focus include:
evidence of sustainable competitive advantage
export success and growth potential
leadership and innovation in international business and marketing strategies
commitment to diversity, inclusion, sustainability and/or positive social impact
value and contribution of exports to business expansion
overall commitment to growth in international business.
Section 1: Business details
Section 2: National award category selection
Section 3: Introduce your company
Section 4: About your business and product/service (25% weighting)
- 4.1-4.2 Criteria
- Assess the viability of the business, including its product/service and unique value proposition, recent milestones and exports/international successes in the current year.
Section 8: Criteria for e-Commerce category
- What are the innovative online practices/strategies the applicant has implemented to maximise their reach overseas (look for innovation in platforms, tools used and customer engagement).
Sections: 5 to 17
- Assess the business’s activities against the selected national category they have applied in. Do these activities clearly reflect and effectively demonstrate leadership and innovation in the selected industry sector?
Section 18: International business marketing strategy (40% weighting)
- 18.1 Criteria: Quality of business and marketing strategy taking into consideration scope of the applicant's international competitive advantage.
- 18.2 Criteria: Value or impact of any diversity and inclusion, sustainability and/or social impact strategies the applicant implemented in their business.
- 18.3-18.4 Criteria: Assess the level and sustainability of international revenue considering:
- Exports as a proportion of total sales revenue.
- Export value, and year-to-year percentage change in value, over the last three years or since the applicant commenced exporting.
- Total export earnings from major overseas markets, and diversity of export markets.
Section 19: Business management (25% weighting)
- 19.1 Criteria: Assess how/if the business’s employment figures and human resources strategies support export growth.
- 19.3 Criteria: Assess the structure of the business’s export/international operations, their systems to effectively respond to international sales and whether the business is appropriately resourced for export expansion.
- 19.4-19.9 Criteria: Soundness of financial strategy for international business. Look for examples of a sound capital base (substantial net profit) and sufficient capital (cash and resources) to support export activity. Do they support the applicant's international plans for the coming year (e.g. new markets, additional staff, different marketing strategies).
Section 20: International business planning and direction (10% weighting)
- 20.1 Criteria: Assess evidence of effective measures and business commitment to international business growth.
Success stories
Hear from previous finalists and winners to learn how the Export Awards propelled their business internationally.