Awards

How to submit your entry

Follow our step-by-step guide to prepare and lodge your submission for the Commercial Finance Awards 2026.

The process

Six steps to submission

  1. 1

    Review the categories

    Browse the full list of award categories to identify which ones best align with your expertise and achievements. You may enter multiple categories where applicable.

    Each category has specific eligibility criteria: review these carefully before proceeding.
  2. 2

    Download the criteria pack

    Each category has a downloadable criteria document outlining the judging rubric, required evidence, and word limits. Download the relevant pack from the Categories page.

  3. 3

    Prepare your submission materials

    Gather all required documentation, including your written responses, supporting evidence, financial data (where relevant), and any testimonial letters. Use the criteria document as your checklist.

  4. 4

    Complete the nomination form

    Fill out the two-step online nomination form with your personal or company details, select your categories, and upload your supporting documents.

    Nominations are submitted via our secure online portal. You can save your progress and return to it later to complete it.
  5. 5

    Review and submit

    Before final submission, review all entries for completeness and accuracy. Once satisfied, submit your nomination.

  6. 6

    Receive confirmation

    You will receive an email confirmation within 24 hours of submission. If you do not receive this, please contact the events team. Finalists will be announced on Friday, 9 October 2026.

Prepare

Before you begin

Have the following materials ready before starting your nomination. Incomplete submissions will not be accepted.

  • Company ABN/ACN and registration details
  • Contact information for the primary nominee
  • Written responses addressing each judging criterion (500–1000 words per criterion)
  • Supporting data and metrics (loan book size, settlement volumes, growth rates – where applicable)
  • Up to three testimonial or reference letters from clients or industry peers
  • Professional headshot (individual categories) or company logo (business categories)
  • Any relevant industry certifications or accreditations

advice

Tips for a winning submission

01

Be specific – use data, not adjectives

Judges respond to measurable outcomes. Instead of "We grew significantly," write "Loan settlements increased 34% year-on-year to $127 million."

02

Don't skip a single point

The judging panel scores against each criterion individually. An unanswered criterion is a zero, regardless of how strong the rest of your submission is.

03

Context matters; numbers alone don't win awards

Explain the challenges you faced, the strategies you employed, and the impact your work had on clients and the industry.

04

Attention to detail counts

Spelling errors, inconsistent formatting, and incomplete sections undermine credibility. Have a colleague review your submission before lodging.

05

Concision is a skill, so adhere to stated word limits

Judges review dozens of submissions, so clear, concise entries are appreciated. Padding weakens your argument.

06

Avoid the last-minute rush

Submitting well before the deadline allows time to resolve any technical issues and demonstrates organisational competence to the judging panel.

Ready to enter

Begin your nomination

Submissions open Tuesday, 14 July and close Friday, 4 September 2026. Start your nomination now.

Start nomination