Northern Territory Export and Business Awards 2026
The Official Business Awards of the Northern Territory

Behind every Territory business is a story of resilience and innovation, and that success deserves recognition.

Whether it is your own growing business, a favorite local coffee shop with exceptional staff, or a corporate venue that always goes above and beyond, now is your chance to give them the recognition they deserve. Put them in the spotlight and celebrate the real impact they are making on the Territory’s growth.

The 2026 Northern Territory Export & Business Awards are back to champion the people and organisations shaping our future.

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Northern Territory Export and Business Awards, celebrating outstanding Territory businesses and exporters. The Awards bring together the long-standing Export Awards and the well-established Business Excellence and Outstanding Customer Service Awards across 32 categories.

  Open to All: All Territorians are welcome, from visionary start-ups to established industry leaders.
  Free to Enter: No cost to nominate yourself or another business.
  Fully Inclusive: Open to all Territory businesses, whether you are a Chamber member or not.

Don't miss your chance to be celebrated, or to celebrate others, alongside the Territory's business leaders and Government representatives. 

Judging Panel

Expressions of Interest (EOIs) to join the judging panel for the 2026 Northern Territory Export and Business Awards (NTEBA) have now closed.

Building on the success of our 2025 awards, Chamber NT and the Northern Territory Government were thrilled to receive applications from professionals across the Territory eager to help us recognise excellence in our local industries. Thank you to everyone who submitted an EOI.

The selection process is currently underway, and the official 2026 Judging Panel will be announced this month, June 2026.

        

Export Awards

Step onto the national stage! Nominate your business across 13 export award categories for the opportunity to become the Chief Minister’s Northern Territory Exporter of the Year. Winners will progress to the Australian Export Awards, where you can compete against your peers and gain national recognition.

Nominations will close at 11:59pm AEST/ 11:29pm ACST 12 June 2026.

Export Awards Categories

Agribusiness, Food and Beverages
Outstanding international success in manufactured foods, beverages or agricultural products. This includes primary production, forestry, fisheries and related services or technology.
Creative, Lifestyle and Design
Outstanding international success in creative industries and consumer-facing, design-led products and services. This brings together creative outputs and lifestyle/consumer brands where design and brand experience are central.
Digital and Smart Technologies
Outstanding international success in information technology, digital technologies, software, hardware or digital services. This includes solutions using cloud, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Internet of Things, Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality, robotics, quantum, fintech, cybersecurity and related tools.
International Education and Training
Outstanding international success in education and training. This includes higher education, VET, transnational education, online learning, curriculum development and EdTech.
International Health
Outstanding international success in the fields of health, medical or wellbeing. This includes biotechnology, biosecurity, medical technology, digital health, e-health, aged care, disability, complementary health, pharmaceuticals and related services.
Manufacturing and Advanced Materials
Outstanding international success in manufacturing, engineering or advanced materials development. This includes manufacturing of medical devices, advanced manufacturing technologies, design and production.
Professional Services
Outstanding international success in the field of professional services. This includes legal, accounting, administration and support services, business management and consultancy, marketing services, franchising and licensing, engineering, financial and insurance, market research, translation services and tourism and business events.
Resources and Energy
Outstanding international success in the resources and energy sectors. This includes production, processing or value-adding of extractive resources, or provision of related equipment, services or technology.
Sustainability and Green Economy
Outstanding international success in the Green Economy. This includes environmental solutions, clean energy, sustainable materials, renewables, waste and water management, green building, smart cities or businesses with strong sustainability practices.
Emerging Exporter
Outstanding export achievement by a business which has been exporting for two years or less. This includes established and new businesses in any industry.
First Nations Exporter
Outstanding international success by a First Nations business. This includes First Nations businesses operating in any industry.
Regional Exporter
Outstanding international success by a regional business. This includes businesses in any sector that is based in a regional or remote location.
Small Business
For outstanding international success by a small business. This includes businesses with total annual turnover not exceeding A$10 million.

Business Awards

Nominate your business in any of the 19 award categories and celebrate your organisation's exceptional role in shaping our regions.
Open to all service providers, the awards offer a premier platform to showcase local success stories and recognise excellence on a Territory-wide stage.

Nominations will close at 1:59pm ACST 19 July 2026.

Business Awards Categories

Outstanding Customer Service for an Individual
This award recognises an individual who has consistently delivered exceptional client or customer service within their workplace. Whether in a customer-facing role or behind the scenes, this person goes above and beyond to create meaningful, positive experiences for customers and the wider community.
Outstanding Customer Service for Business
This award recognises a business that demonstrates an outstanding commitment to delivering exceptional customer service. Whether through personalised service, innovation, or a strong service culture, this category celebrates businesses that consistently go above and beyond to meet and exceed customer expectations.
Small Business
This award recognises a small Northern Territory business that has demonstrated excellence, innovation, and continued success in their field. The category highlights businesses that play a key role in industry development and contribute meaningfully to their community, workforce, and local economy.
Medium & Large Business
This award recognises a medium or large Northern Territory business that demonstrates consistent business success, innovation, and industry leadership. It celebrates organisations that drive economic impact, uphold high standards of service or product delivery, and contribute to the local workforce and community.
Not for Profit
This award recognises a Northern Territory not-for-profit organisation that has demonstrated excellence, resilience, and leadership within its sector. This category acknowledges the unique challenges and community contributions of not-for-profit organisations, celebrating those who deliver high-impact programs or services while maintaining sustainable and ethical operations.
Outstanding New Start-Up
This award recognises a new Northern Territory business that has launched with impact and demonstrates strong potential for future growth and scalability. It celebrates emerging businesses with a clear vision, a unique value proposition, and a proactive approach to innovation and entrepreneurship.
Community Event
This award recognises an outstanding community event that has delivered significant impact within the Northern Territory. Whether a one-off event or part of an annual calendar, this category celebrates initiatives that stand out for their innovation, bring people together and make a positive contribution to the local community.
Business Summit or Conference
This award recognises an outstanding business event, meeting, or conference that has delivered value to industry, professional networks, or the broader business community within the Northern Territory. Whether a one-off event or part of an annual calendar, it celebrates events that demonstrate excellence in delivery, innovation, and meaningful outcomes for participants and stakeholders.
Venue of the Year
This award recognises an outstanding venue in the Northern Territory that delivers exceptional experiences for clients and guests. It celebrates venues that demonstrate excellence in facilities, service delivery, and innovation, while consistently achieving high-quality outcomes across a range of events.
Defence Industry, Supply Chain and Sustainment
This award recognises a Northern Territory business operating within the defence industry that demonstrates capability, innovation, and sustained contribution to supply chain and sustainment outcomes. This category highlights businesses that not only perform strongly in their own operations through high-quality products or services, but also contribute to the broader defence ecosystem.
Mining and Energy, Supply Chain and Sustainment
This award recognises a Northern Territory business operating within the mining and energy sectors that demonstrates capability, innovation, and sustained contribution to supply chain and sustainment outcomes. This category highlights businesses that perform strongly in their own operations through high-quality products or services, while strengthening local industry capability and economic growth.
Construction Industry, Supply Chain and Sustainment
This award recognises a Northern Territory business operating within the construction sector that demonstrates capability, innovation, and sustained contribution to supply chain and sustainment outcomes. This category highlights businesses that perform strongly in their own operations through high-quality products or services, while strengthening local industry capability and economic growth.
Logistics and Supply Chain
This award recognises a Northern Territory business operating within the logistics and supply chain sector that demonstrates capability, innovation, and sustained contribution to supply chain and sustainment outcomes. From logistics and freight to compliance, coordination, and export readiness, this award celebrates those ensuring Territory goods and services reach markets across Australia and the world efficiently and competitively.
Manufacturing Innovation
This award recognises a Northern Territory business operating in the Manufacturing sector that has demonstrated consistent excellence, innovation, and sustained success. It celebrates businesses that strengthen industry capability, drive economic impact, uphold high standards of service or product delivery, and support their workforce, partners, and community.
Community and Social Services
This award recognises an organisation delivering outstanding community or social services within the Northern Territory. It highlights organisations that create meaningful impact by addressing community needs, supporting vulnerable or targeted groups, and contributing to long-term social outcomes.
Employee of the Year
This award recognises employees helping shape the future of the Northern Territory’s industries and made a significantly positive impact to their organisation. It celebrates professionals demonstrate initiative, innovation, and a strong commitment to excellence in their role, highlighting the future potential of their industry.
Business Leader of the Year
This award recognises an outstanding business leader who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision, and impact within their organisation. It celebrates individuals who go above and beyond their role to drive performance, inspire others, and contribute to a positive and high-performing workplace culture.
Employer of the Year
This award recognises an outstanding organisation that demonstrates excellence in creating a positive, inclusive, and high-performing workplace. It celebrates employers who prioritise employee engagement, wellbeing, and development, while substantially fostering a strong culture that supports both people and business success.
Peak Industry Body/Association Advocate of the Year
This award recognises an industry body or association that has demonstrated outstanding advocacy on behalf of its members or sector within the Northern Territory. It celebrates organisations that influence positive change, represent their industry effectively, and contribute to meaningful outcomes for their members and the broader community.

Export Awards - Your Pathway to National Recognition

Entering at the state or territory level is the only path into the Australian Export Awards national program.

Need assistance with your nomination? If you have any questions about the entry process or need guidance on your application, please reach out to our dedicated support contact:

Ricky Borg
TradeStart Advisor
Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations (DTBAR)
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 08 8999 3926

Why Nominate

Nominating your business is more than just entering a competition; it is an opportunity to pause, reflect on your achievements, and benchmark your success against the best in the Territory. Whether you are a local hero or a global exporter, these awards provide a powerful platform to elevate your brand, boost team morale, and open doors to new strategic networks.

2026 Awards Promotional Toolkit Downloads

Get Your Customers to Champion Your Business!

You do fantastic work, and the 2026 Northern Territory Export & Business Awards are the perfect time to get recognised for it. We've created a free "Nominate Us" digital promotional toolkit to help you encourage your loyal customers, partners, and community to submit a nomination on your behalf.

Become a Sponsor

Elevating your brand alongside the Northern Territory’s most prestigious business accolade offers unparalleled visibility and connection. The 2026 Northern Territory Export and Business Awards celebrate the resilience, innovation, and global reach of our local industry leaders.

By becoming a sponsor, your business takes center stage in front of a diverse network of innovators, government officials, and industry pioneers. This is an investment in the growth of the NT economy and a public commitment to excellence in our Territory business community.

                    

Key Dates