This year is set to be a record-breaker for the Sunshine Coast Business Awards, with the event on track to attract more entries than ever.
Since applications opened in May, and with just over a month to go for organisations to enter, 73 per cent of the total number of 2023 submissions have either been started or submitted.
Of those who have entered or started online this year, 42 per cent are participating for the first time.
The popularity of the awards has grown annually with a 34 per cent increase in entries from 2021 to 2023.
“We are thrilled to see so many new businesses embrace the community that has been created through the Sunshine Coast Business Awards,” Sunshine Coast Business Awards Committee chair Jennifer Swaine said.
“The awards are in their 29th year and we hope to smash last year’s records as we get excited about our milestone birthday in 2025.
Related story: IN PHOTOS: All the winners from business awards gala
“The community who get involved in the awards are very supportive and welcoming of new faces.
“We host a series of information sessions, networking and finalist events, as well as our flagship gala event in November that celebrates the grit, determination, innovation and collaboration of our local business community.”
This year the awards will welcome a new judging chair in Wallis Westbrook, who is the chief executive officer of UQ Health Care and brings his senior executive experience to lead the process.
There are 17 categories that businesses can enter, each with small and large sub-categories.
The industries that have got in early this year include business services; hospitality; experiences; professional services; retail; trades and services; education and training; health and wellness; and building and construction.
Ms Swaine said a last-minute flurry of entries from other industries was possible, with the most popular categories evolving over the years.
“The maturing of our region, increase in businesses, diversification of industries and the growth of our economy is directly reflected in the business awards,” Ms Swaine said.
In 2018 the top five categories submitted were health and wellness at number one, followed by retail, professional services, agribusiness and hospitality.
“History tells us we will see more entries come in to reshape the top 10 most popular categories,” she 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.
See Sunshine Coast Business Awards for more details.
Key dates
- Monday, August 26, at 5pm – entries close
- Thursday, September 19 – finalists announced
- Thursday, October 10 – finalists media masterclass and cocktail reception
- Saturday, November 9 – awards gala
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