The Sunshine Coast Business Awards are back in 2021 and the event will be a celebration like no other, following one of the most challenging business years in memory.
While the region has fared better than most, the COVID-19 pandemic took its toll on many businesses, including causing the cancellation of the 2020 awards.
But the region’s prestigious awards are set to return and will be officially launched at the Small Business Month Breakfast on May 20.
Sunshine Coast Business Awards chair Jennifer Swaine said this year’s awards, powered by local energy provider LPE, were an important opportunity to recognise excellence in business from across the region’s many different industries.
“COVID-19 has created challenges for most businesses, and this year it’s time to celebrate everyone’s successes whether it be responding and adapting as a result of the pandemic, or simply maintaining and growing their business in one of the most challenging business and economic environments in living memory,” Mrs Swaine said.
Mrs Swaine said that in a first for the awards, a naming sponsor had come on board – LPE.
“The awards are reliant on sponsorships to ensure we can deliver the program throughout the year, leading to our Gala Awards Celebration in November, and we are delighted with the support of all our sponsors this year, including the addition of naming sponsor, LPE.
“This is the first time in our 26-year history, we have had a major cash sponsor from the private sector so this is a massive achievement for the awards and recognition of the importance of them to the business community.
“LPE was founded on the Sunshine Coast and has its headquarters in the new CBD. In providing electricity to residential and businesses across Queensland, they support the regions in which they operate.
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“For the Sunshine Coast that means creating local jobs, being active in the community and supporting the economy as well as providing the best and fairest electricity rates possible, with excellent, locally based customer service,” Mrs Swaine said.
LPE CEO Damien Glanville said they were dedicated to supporting businesses in the region, so supporting the awards was a natural fit.
“The awards are about celebrating hard work, effort, teamwork and innovation – and we are thrilled to be supporting all the businesses involved this year.”
Mrs Swaine said this would be the 26th year the awards have acknowledged the Coast’s business leaders.
“With 16 categories there is one suitable for every type of business, regardless of size, and we want to encourage as many businesses from across the region to enter as possible.”
The 2021 Sunshine Coast Business Awards are now open for nominations, with applications to open after the launch in May, with 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 Enterprise • Trades & Services.
The Business of the Year winner is drawn from the winners of the categories.
Hall of Fame Awards are also awarded to those who have won their category three years in a row.
To find out more about the awards or nominate a business visit www.sunshinecoastbusinessawards.com.au/
To buy tickets to the Small Business Month Breakfast and Sunshine Coast Business Awards Launch go to: www.trybooking.com/events/landing?eid=743101&
