Just completing an application for the Sunshine Coast Business Awards can benefit businesses, according to past winners and finalists.
Sunshine Coast Business Awards chair Jennifer Swaine said there was plenty of excitement about the awards this year, with more than 250 businesses already starting their applications in the online entry system.
“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 – but don’t just take my word for it,” she said.
Many winners and finalists have said that, from the application process, they have identified opportunities to improve their businesses.
Mercure Sunshine Coast Kawana Waters general manager John Orning said the application process was an opportunity to involve the team.
“We didn’t win on our first application but over a few years we really worked on our applications and we found the process gave us important insights into how we can develop our services and become even better for our guests and team,” he said.
“The last few years have been hard, with many highs and lows. The win last year was proof for the team that we are doing something right.”
Dave Becker from Becker Constructions, which won the Building and Construction small business category in 2019, 2021 and 2022, said he recommended any business on the Coast, large or small, enter the awards.
“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 said.
“We’ve been a part of the awards for more than a few years now and it’s really helped grow our business.”
Mrs Swaine said there was some work involved in preparing entries, but it was a rewarding process because it allowed for reflection that was often overlooked in the day-to-day of business operation.
Judging chair Bruce Williams said there was plenty of reasons to enter the awards, including growing your business; marketing and promotion; inspiring your team; getting recognition as a trusted business; networking and collaboration; celebration; creating a pathway to other awards; and encouraging other businesses by nominating them too.
“Answering the application questions is easy – you are the expert on your business, and you can involve your team to get different perspectives,” he said.
“There are also tips relating to each question in the system and on our website to help, and remember it’s quality not quantity so answer the questions directly and provide as much detail as you can.
“And remember the word count is a limit not a target.”
Mrs Swaine said it wasn’t too late for new businesses to enter the awards.
“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,” she said.
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; and Trades and Services.
The Export and Business of the Year winners are drawn from the winners of the categories.
Hall of Fame Awards are also awarded to businesses that have won their category three years in a row.
The awards opened for nominations and entries after the Small Business Breakfast in May, and applications close on Monday, August 28, at 5pm.
Finalists will be announced online on September 21, before the Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony is held at the Sunshine Coast Convention Centre, Twin Waters, on November 11.
To find out more about the awards or nominate a business visit Sunshine Coast Business Awards.
