One-hundred and thirty finalists have been named for the annual Sunshine Coast Business Awards.
Finalists were selected from 239 entries across 17 categories, with an increase in the number of businesses participating for the first time.
Sunshine Coast Business Awards Chair Jennifer Swaine said local enterprises were keen to get involved.
“Congratulations to all of this year’s finalists and a big thank you to everyone who entered and our 36 volunteer judges for running a fair and thorough process,” she said.
“Each year the bar is raised in terms of entries and we continue to see businesses leverage their participation in the awards to promote and enhance their organisations which is fantastic to see.”
The finalists announced will take part in face-to-face interviews with judges, before winners will be announced at a gala event on Saturday, November 9.
Finalists will also have the opportunity to purchase sought-after tickets to the event.
“If you are a finalist, you will receive an email communication in the coming days with all of the information you need to know,” Ms Swaine said.
Finalists will also attend a media masterclass to help them consider how to leverage their involvement and potential win for the growth and development of their business.
“Small business is the backbone of Queensland and here on the Sunshine Coast, we are home to a thriving and entrepreneurial business community,” Ms Swaine said.
“The awards are about recognising the positive impact of small to medium businesses on the Coast and the role they play economically, socially and environmentally so we can create a better future for the kids who call the Sunshine Coast home.”
In addition to the 17 categories, the Export and Business of the Year winners will be drawn from the winners.
Hall of Fame Awards will also be awarded to businesses which have won their category three years in a row.
Now in its 29th year, the 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.
Sunshine Coast Business Awards finalists
Accommodation (Tourism) sponsored by Sunshine Coast Airport.
- Glen Eden Beach Resort, Mercure Sunshine Coast Kawana Waters, The Point Coolum Beach.
Advanced Technology sponsored by SumUp Australia.
- DIGITALON, GreaseBoss, Inform Ag, Javelin Aerospace Group, RAIDER Targetry, The Laundry Lady.
Building and Construction sponsored by Walker Corporation
- Absolute Plastering QLD, Advanced Aquarium Technologies, Bennett & Bennett, GeoDrill Australia, Nyblad Constructions, Phoenix Carpentry & Building, Qspec Building Mobility Solutions, Richmond Roads Group, Triple Zero Property Group.
Business Services sponsored by Coraggio
- ABA Advice Beyond Accounting, Admins the Answer, Amber Werchon Property Group, Ambrose Construct Group, Crisp Communications, Digital Nomads HQ, Fishbowl Inventory, Henzells Agency, Noosa4Sale, OYA Consulting, Secure Access I.T., Team Body Corporate, The Audacious Agency, Clean Technology sponsored by Noosa Council, Pipe Management Australia, CDC Solar and Electrical, Mineral Fox.
Creative Industries sponsored by AV Partners
- Absolute Aerials, Karla Enterprises, Ignite & Write by Roxanne McCarty-O’Kane, Innovate Media, Smith Madden Creative Agency,Your Brand Crew.
Education and Training sponsored by Pacific Ford
- GoFly Aviation, Neurodivergent Empowered, Nikki Fogden-Moore The Mojo Make, The Eighth Mile Consulting, The Industry School.
Experiences sponsored by Opals Down Under
- Amaze World; Creative Tours, Dance Exchange Competition, Dream Rides, Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World, OceanView Helicopters, Range of Life, Saltwater Eco Tours, Sunshine Coast Ballooning, Sunshine Coast Helicopters Tours, Sunshine Coast Lightning, Sunshine Coast Virtual Reality, Yandina Station.
Food and Agribusiness sponsored byTurbine
- Beachtree Distilling Co, Green Valley Fingerlimes, Italia Pizza & Pasta, Maleny Dairies, Noosa Black Garlic, Peachester Fresh, Silver Sea Seafoods, The Country Chef Bakery Co, Wild Horse Turf.
Health and Wellness sponsored by SunCentral Maroochydore
- Active Body – Physio, Health and Fitness, Back to Bounce Sports Physiotherapy, Blackall Terrace Dental, Body and Mind by Leon, Cluzie Enterprises, Coolum Fitness, Fit Kat, Mothers Mylk, Sunshine Coast Orthopaedic Group.
Hospitality sponsored by Portable Creations
- Alex Surf Club, Bella Venezia, Kings Beach Surf Club, Penny Seafood, Spice Bar, Sunny Rays Catering, Sunshine Beach Surf Club, Sunshine Coast Function Centre – Caloundra RSL, The Beach Bars.
Manufacturing sponsored by Sunquest Signs
- First Light Fabrication, Metalmorphic Laser, Plastec Australia, The Mattress Company.
Professional Services sponsored by Travis Schultz & Partners
- Aitken Legal, Animal Emergency Services Tanawha, Argon Law, Ausfirst Lending Group, Australian Valuers, Catton & Tondelstrand Lawyers, CoastWide Smiles Dentalcare, Complex Consulting Group, GHD, Gregson & Weight Funeral Directors, Habitance Architects, InDepth Accounting, Yield Advisory.
Retail sponsored by Judo Bank
- Amplitude, En Mina Leather, Kawana Flooring, Kove & Co, The Branding Office, Worklocker Sunshine Coast.
Social Impact sponsored by ADFX
- Aqua Ubique, Comlink Australia, endED, Island Charity Swim, LifeFlight Sunshine Coast, ECOllaboration, Manufacturing Excellence Forum Sunshine Coast, Reef Check Australia, Suncoast Community Legal Services, SunnyKids.
Trades & Services sponsored byCatton & Tondelstrand Lawyers
- Clayton’s Towing Service, Laguna Pest Control, Luxe Electrical Industries, MJB Bodyworks, Moxy Services, Ms Monaco Hair Society, Oxley Plus Cut and Colour, Radicool Air, Solomons Flooring Caloundra, Sunshine Family Support, Thermal Scanners, Uptown Hair Studio.
Export sponsored by Sunshine Coast Council
- GreaseBoss, The Laundry Lady, Advanced Aquarium Technologies, Nikki Fogden-Moore The Mojo Maker, Silver Sea Seafoods, The Country Chef Baker Co.
