Sunshine Coast business community members are set to share their stories and recognise industry leaders at two annual events.
They have been invited to the Small Businesses Month Breakfast at Maroochy RSL on May 2, which will be the launchpad for the 29th Sunshine Coast Business Awards later in the year.
The breakfast is presented by Sunshine Coast Business Awards, Sunshine Coast Council and Regional Development Australia Sunshine Coast.
SCBA chair Jennifer Swaine said it was aimed at celebrating small businesses, which make up more than 50 per cent of employment in the region.
“It’s more important than ever before for the Sunshine Coast’s small business community to thrive,” she said via a media release.
“That’s why we’re encouraging businesses to join us for breakfast on May 2, as a chance to share, learn, collaborate and celebrate.
“We are incredibly proud of the sense of community surrounding the business awards thanks to the support of our sponsors, judges, past winners, entrants and volunteer committee.
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“Each year, the diversity of organisations who enter the awards increases and it’s rewarding to see a range of industries represented.”
The award’s new chair of judging Wallis Westbrook said the breakfast was the perfect forum to join fellow small business professionals in sharing challenges, stories of success, strategies for growth and to reflect on the past 12 months.
A panel of past awards winners will share their experiences with an opportunity for question and answers.
The panel will include Laguna Pest Control founder and owner Nicky Turner, GreaseBoss co-founder and CEO Tim Hall and COYO co-founder Sandra Gosling.
Ms Swaine said the event was also an opportunity for businesses to gain inspiration for entering the awards.
Immediately after the breakfast, information sessions will be held for the awards that are designed to give entrants the chance to find out more about the application process and eligibility criteria.
They’ll also gain tips about submitting competitive applications and have the opportunity to ask questions of the awards team.
Nominations and entries for the awards will be open after the Small Business Breakfast.
The categories, with small and large in each, are accommodation (tourism); advanced technology; building and construction; business services; clean technology; creative industries; education and training; experiences; export; food and agribusiness; health and wellness; hospitality; manufacturing; professional services; retail; social impact; and trades and services.
“There are 17 categories, with small and large for each, so 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,” Ms Swaine said.
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.
A venue and date is yet to be announced for the awards.
See Sunshine Coast Business Awards for more info, see TryBooking to buy tickets to the Small Business Month Breakfast and Sunshine Coast Business Awards Launch, and go to TryBooking to book separately for the free information session on the awards.
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