Past Sunshine Coast Business Awards winners and finalists have more in common than just the Awards, with many saying the process of entering the awards improved their businesses.
And with just three weeks left to enter this year’s Awards, it is a good time to focus on the benefits.
Sunshine Coast Business Awards Chair Jennifer Swaine said with the current lockdown a reminder of the impact Covid-19 was continuing to have for all businesses, they wanted this year’s Awards to be a real acknowledgement and celebration of the Sunshine Coast’s resilience.
“With everyone facing challenges and uncertainty again, taking the opportunity to look at your business as you go through the entry process, can be rewarding in itself,” Mrs Swaine said.
And past winners and finalists agree.
Ben Alexander from iExpedition, a category winner in 2018 and 2019, said while his business had to be put on hold during Covid-19, the Awards had provided increased awareness, but also an opportunity to step back and reflect.
“When you are working hard in your business, you can get too busy to really review and reflect on your achievements, but during the awards process you get an opportunity to take a more holistic look at business operations, which is both satisfying but can also help you identify new opportunities,” Mr Alexander said.
Naomi Elliot from Concept Labs, the winner of the 2019 Awards agreed. “Our family business has been in operation for more than 20 years and for the most part we flew under the radar.
“I had been thinking about entering for a few years but kept putting it off because we didn’t think we were ready.
“But in 2019, we entered, and we haven’t looked back. Yes, winning has been great for recognition and awareness, which we were able to capitalise on, but the entry process was really rewarding as well.
“It was an opportunity to review what we were doing, and bring the whole team along with us,” Ms Elliot said.
“If anyone is thinking about entering, I would encourage them to do it – the Awards process is easy and there is a lot of information to help… and you really have nothing to lose.”
Mrs Swaine said entries would close on Friday 27th August at 5 pm, but there was a lot of information on the website for people to help them prepare their applications.
“If you missed our Information Sessions, you can view the recorded Zoom session on the Information Sessions page of our website – https://sunshinecoastbusinessawards.com.au/information-sessions/ – and there are lots of tips in the application form as you complete it.
“You don’t have to be nominated to enter, simply jump on the website, register and you can download the application. Then you can work through the questions and upload your application to complete your entry.
The 2021 Sunshine Coast Business Awards include 16 categories with small and large categories in each:
- Accommodation (Tourism)
- Building and Construction
- Clean Technology
- Creative Industries
- Education and Training
- Experiences
- Export – only available to those exporting internationally
- Festivals and Events (Tourism)
- Food and Agribusiness
- Health and Wellness
- Hospitality
- Manufacturing
- Professional Services
- Retail
- Social Impact
- Trades & Services
The Business of the Year winner is chosen from the winners of the above categories. Hall of Fame Awards are awarded to those who have won their category three years in a row.
To find out more about the Awards or nominate a business or enter your own business visit https://sunshinecoastbusinessawards.com.au/