Business: A person's regular occupation or trade.  

In this category we accept nominees for any small business that is operated or has been developed, by someone with a disability. The business must be registered with an ABN and employ less than fifty people.  

Nominees in this category must either be the owner of the business or the developer/creator of the business idea.   

If accepted as a finalist, the applicant will need to provide proof of ABN and active involvement in the business.

Employee - A person employed for wages or salary.

In this category we accept nominees for any employee that is living with a disability and being paid for employment. 

The business must be registered with an ABN. 

If accepted as a finalist, the applicant will need to provide proof of employment.

Inclusive: Businesses that aim to provide equal access and opportunity for people who are marginalised through disability.  

In this category we accept nominees for any small business or not for profit that has inclusive practices. The business must be registered with an ABN, or have charity status and employ less than fifty people.  

Nominees in this category must offer things such as wheelchair access, disabled restrooms, braille menus, sensory  sessions, captioned videos etc. 

If accepted as a finalist, the applicant will need to provide proof of business status and their inclusive practices. 

NFP: Stands for Not for Profit organisations and this extends to include charities. 

In this category we accept nominees for any NFP or charity  which provides a service, product or employment opportunities for people with a disability.  

If accepted as a finalist, the applicant will need to be registered ACNC or prove NFP status.

Solo: Something achieved by one person alone. 

In this category we accept nominees that are sole traders.  

Nominees in this category must either be;

• Disabled or;

• Provide a disability product or service.  

If accepted as a finalist, the applicant will need to provide proof of ABN and active involvement in the business.

Stamina: The ability to maintain physical or mental effort. 

In this category we accept nominees for any small business , sporting groups or community groups that recognise physical and mental wellbeing. 

Services might include practices such as sport, physical activity, dance, strength, massage, occupational therapy, health and diet, speech therapy.

 This category extends to include sport clubs, community organisations and group therapy services that improve physical and /or mental health. 

If a regostered business, they must employ less than fifty people.  

If accepted as a finalist, the applicant will need to provide proof of ABN, community memberships or NFP status.

Product: Any item that is sold to serve a customer's need or want.  

In this category we accept nominees for any small business that sells a product specifically designed for people with disability. 

The business can be registered or unregistered as this category focuses on the product.

Nominees in this category must either be the owner of the business or the developer/creator of the business idea.   

Service:  The act of helping or doing work for someone.  

In this category we accept nominees for any volunteer that provide a service specifically supporting people with a disability. The nominee must not be paid for their services and support 

These services may include but are not limited to;

• Education

• Social Support

• Cleaning

• Medical support

• Personal care

• Transport

Creative: The use of imagination or creative ideas to create something.

In this category we accept nominees for any small business or participant that demonstrates active involvement in creative practice. 

The business if registered with an ABN must employ less than fifty people.  Individual participants nomnating for a creative award do not need to be regostered with an ABN but must have a disability.

Nominees in this category must either be the owner of the business or the developer/creator of the business idea, or participant.

Examples of creative practices include;

• Music

• Dance

• Writing

• Art

• Acting

• Art Therapy

Youth: Recognising people aged 15 to 25. 

In this category we accept nominees for any person with disability aged 15 to 25 who are eligible for any of the CAPE Ability Network business categories.

Nominees in this category must be, an employee, volunteer, business owner, developer/creator of the business idea; or active participant as a disabled person. 

If accepted as a finalist, the applicant will need to provide proof of age and disability. We recommend youth nominations to complement a selection from the another category. 

Excellence: The quality of being outstanding.  

In this category we  encourage nominees who are already high achievers in their industry. This category recognises small business, not for profit and employees/volunteers. The business if registered must employ less than fifty people and either employ or be operated by someone with a disability.

Nominees in this category must proven success which could include but not limited to:

• Financial growth

• Testimonials

• Award recognition   

STRIVE : Make great efforts to achieve or obtain something. 

This award recognises people with disability who operate a small hobby business or continue to develop their personal business skills through training courses.

The nominee must prove they are striving to reach a goal of personal achievement and growth towards business.

Nominees might sell their product on line or at a local market. They may offer their product in the community or just be starting out on a small scale with family and friends. 

This category is to  recognise unregistered hobby businesses run or developed by people with disability, wanting to kick start their idea.