The Sunshine Coast is home to more than 40,500 small businesses, contributing to more than 50 per cent of all employment for the region.
As the ‘entrepreneurial capital of Australia’, the region has plenty of success to celebrate. Businesses are being encouraged to apply for the annual Sunshine Coast Business Awards.
Now in its 28th year, the 2023 awards will have 17 categories, with small and large business winners for each.
Sunshine Coast Business Awards chair Jennifer Swaine says excitement is already building, with 250 businesses already working on their applications.
Mrs Swaine says while there is some work involved in preparing entries, it is a rewarding process as it allows for reflection that is often overlooked in the day-to-day operation of businesses.
“When people think about the awards, they often think about our great gala, but even the process of completing the written application can have great benefits for your business,” Mrs Swaine says.
Dave Becker, from Becker Constructions, won the Building and Construction small business category in 2019, 2021 and 2022. He says the process has been beneficial to encourage business growth and recommends other Coast businesses apply.
“Even if you don’t end up being a finalist, I think that process of going through that questionnaire and answering realistically and being completely honest with yourself is just simply good for your business,” he says.
“We’ve been a part of the awards for more than a few years now and it’s really helped grow our business.”
The Export and Business of the Year winners are drawn from victors in the categories. Hall of Fame Awards are also given to those businesses which have won their category three years in a row.
To find out more about the awards or nominate a business, visit sunshinecoastbusinessawards.com.au. Applications close on August 28 at 5pm.
