2 May 2024: Local businesses gathered this morning to celebrate Queensland Small Business Month and launch the 2024 Sunshine Coast Business Awards.
Businesses from a diverse range of industries gathered to hear past award winners speak about overcoming challenges, successes and strategies for growth. Over breakfast at Maroochy RSL, businesses also heard from Sunshine Coast Mayoress Rosana Natoli Noosa Mayor Frank Wilkie one of the first official small business engagements by the Mayors since local elections were held in March.
“The Coast is home to over 43,000 small businesses and accounts for over half of all jobs in the region. Small business is the backbone of the region and today was another wonderful celebration of the business community here that are creating opportunities today and into the future for our young people,” said Jennifer Swaine, Chair of the Sunshine Coast Business Awards.
The breakfast was presented by Sunshine Coast Business Awards, Sunshine Coast Council and Regional Development Australia (RDA) Sunshine Coast.
Immediately after the breakfast, the first information session was held for the 2024 Awards. The session was a chance to give entrants the chance to find out more about the application process and eligibility criteria. Attendees gained tips about submitting competitive applications and had the opportunity to ask questions of the awards team.
“There are 17 categories that businesses can enter this year – each with small and large sub-categories so there is one suitable for every type of business regardless of size. We encourage as many businesses to enter as possible.”
The Export and Business of the Year winners are drawn from the winners of the categories. Hall of Fame Awards are also awarded to those businesses which have won their category three years in a row.
The 2024 Sunshine Coast Business Awards will open for nominations and entries after the Small Business Breakfast. The categories with small and large categories in each include:
● Accommodation (Tourism)
● Advanced Technology
● Building and Construction
● Business Services
● Clean Technology
● Creative Industries
● Education and Training
● Experiences
● Export – only available to those exporting internationally
● Food and Agribusiness
● Health and Wellness
● Hospitality
● Manufacturing
● Professional Services
● Retail
● Social Impact
● Trades & Services
To find out more about the Awards or nominate a business go to sunshinecoastbusinessawards.com.au
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For more information, images and interviews please contact: Jennifer Swaine, 0438952830, awards@sunshinecoastbusinessawards.com.au
About the Sunshine Coast Business Awards: Now in its 29th year, The Sunshine Coast Business Awards celebrates large and small across all industries. The annual event is traditionally kicked off at the Queensland Small Business Week in May with an opportunity for businesses to attend information sessions, workshops and networking ahead of the Gala Dinner awards evening in November.