Between 2022 and 2024, Mindset Consulting has won or been shortlisted for several prestigious awards, including the Golden Bridge Business and Innovation Awards, the Global Agency Awards 2025, and PR Daily’s Media Relation Awards.

Additionally, many of our clients have been regularly recognized with high-profile accolades such as Inc.’s Founder-Friendly Investor, Inc.’s Best in Business, the Stevie Awards, and the Globee Business Awards.

We've seen firsthand how winning a business prize can significantly enhance your company's visibility and credibility. In this article, we’ll break down the steps to help you navigate the application process and increase your chances of bringing home that coveted trophy.

Why apply for awards?

According to studies from the British Quality Foundation, award-winning companies see substantial growth in key metrics. Particularly smaller firms see even bigger boosts — 63% in operating income and 39% in sales.

Beyond the numbers, the prizes increase credibility and brand awareness, as well as help stand out from competitors and solidify your position as an industry leader. They act as powerful third-party validation for your clients, partners, and investors, and can also serve as a morale booster, acknowledging the hard work and dedication of your team. This bolsters employee recognition and motivation. Furthermore, since awards often lead to press mentions, interviews, and features, they add more visibility to your company — giving you free PR and media exposure.

5 Steps to Apply for Business Awards

#1: Compile key information about your company and analyze it

Before applying for awards, take a deep dive into your company’s achievements. This will help you choose which awards to target and will serve as the foundation of your application.

Gather data on your company’s most impressive achievements, including financial performance (e.g., revenue growth, profitability), product or service innovations, recent milestones (e.g., employee growth, customer acquisition), and successful campaigns or client case studies.

For example, at Mindset, we keep an updated portfolio of client cases, so we’re always ready to showcase the most relevant examples when choosing which awards to pursue. This preparation ensures that we highlight our most compelling achievements.

#2: Create a calendar of relevant awards

Now that you’ve assessed your company’s strengths, it’s time to research the right awards to apply for. This process takes time and effort, so it’s important to plan ahead and create a calendar — here are some tips to define it.

First, look for industry-specific awards. Especially if you’re a small company, these accolades often have less competition and are more aligned with your expertise. However, don't let this hinder you from considering top-tier business media outlets. Publications like Inc., Forbes, Business Insider, and Entrepreneur have prestigious awards that will give you significant visibility if you win.

This was the case for our client, XPANCEO. One of the firm’s co-founders, Dr. Valentyn S. Volkov, was recently honored by Fast Company as one of the technologists of the year.

To propel your prospects, it helps to check what other companies in your space have won. Researching competitors or similar companies and what awards they’ve been recognized for can help you identify relevant accolades and validate your choices.

And, if you don't know where to start, search for “top awards” lists. Google lists like “Top 10 awards for tech startups” or “Best business awards for 2025.” Having said this, be careful, and make sure the prize is credible by conducting due diligence on the organizers, previous winners, and reviews.

Bonus tip: Once you’ve found the awards that fit, compare your achievements with those of the past winners. If the list includes giants like Microsoft or Amazon, you may want to wait until your company reaches that level of scale.

#3: Study award terms, conditions, and requirements

Once you’ve identified which awards you want to apply for, thoroughly review the terms and conditions before you start crafting your application. This ensures you don’t waste time applying if you aren’t a good fit.

Here’s what to focus on.

Eligibility: Does your company meet the specific criteria (location, industry, size, etc.)? Some awards may be limited to certain regions or industries.

Deadlines: Don’t wait until the last minute. Apply early to avoid higher fees and to have time for revisions if needed.

Required materials: Some awards may require financial disclosures or specific documentation, like client reviews or videos. Understanding this upfront allows you to prepare the necessary materials.

Judging criteria: Review the judging process, if available. This will give you insight into what the judges are looking for and how to best position your company in your application.

#4: Craft an application that stands out

Your application is the key to winning an award. It’s important to craft a compelling, well-structured submission that speaks directly to the judging criteria.

To create a solid application, here are some tips:

Highlight business metrics: Focus on revenue growth, team expansion, customer acquisition, and market impact.

‍Use case studies and real-world examples: The idea is to show how your company achieved measurable results, such as increasing revenue or solving a complex problem for a client.

Discuss challenges and how you overcame them: This is also important, so don’t shy away from sharing obstacles your company managed to work through. Judges often look for resilience and creativity in problem-solving.

‍Include testimonials: There is no replacement for humans who can attest to the validity of your claims. Include client, partner, or colleague endorsements that show you walk the talk.

‍Visual aids: If the submission form allows, include infographics, photos, or videos to make your case more engaging.

Above all, though, follow the instructions to the letter. Whether the application asks for a 1-page essay or a 1-minute video, make sure you adhere to the required format and word count.

#5: Submit your application

Once your application is ready, it’s time to submit. Most top-tier awards use user-friendly online platforms for submissions, making the process straightforward. Be sure to double-check that everything is in the correct format before you submit.

After submission, it’s a waiting game. Winners are often notified in advance, but public announcements can take a bit longer. Keep an eye on the award’s website for updates, and don’t be discouraged if the process is slow. From our experience, sometimes it can take months.

What to do when the results are announced

If you win, leverage the award to maximize your exposure. Share the news on your website, through press releases, and across social media. Winning a prize is a great opportunity to build brand recognition and credibility.

On the other hand, if you don’t win, use this result as a learning opportunity. Ask for feedback from the award organizers if possible, and analyze the winners’ applications to refine your approach for next time.

Summary

Winning a business award can bolster your exposure and reputation and give you a competitive edge. However, reaching this milestone requires thoughtful preparation, strategic planning, and an understanding of what makes your company stand out.

By gathering the right information, choosing the most relevant awards, crafting a compelling application, and following the submission guidelines, you increase your chances of being recognized. Whether you win or not, the process will help refine your company’s narrative and boost your chances of being in the spotlight.

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