By Abbey Cannan
The Sunshine Coast business community came together and celebrated their hard work and dedication at the annual Small Business Month Breakfast on Thursday 4 May.
The event, presented by the Sunshine Coast Business Awards, Sunshine Coast Council and Regional Development Australia (RDA), Sunshine Coast, saw the 2023 Sunshine Coast Business Awards launched.
“With more than 40,500 small businesses, contributing to more than 50 per cent of all employment for the region, it is no wonder that we are the envy of other regions,” Sunshine Coast Business Awards chair Jennifer Swaine said.
Past Sunshine Coast Business Awards winners spoke with RDA Sunshine Coast chief executive officer Paul Fisher at the event, including RACV Noosa Resort manager Darren McClenaghan; Stymie founder and director Rachel Downie; and Aussie Tiny Houses managing director Thiago Perrone.
“We have such a rich diversity of business and industries which is reflected by the business winners and finalists in our Awards year after year,” Mr Fisher said.
Noosa Mayor Clare Stewart said the last few years have been tough on businesses big and small.
“I know first hand, as I’m married to a small business owner, so I’ve seen the struggles that are endured daily. How do you get the staff paid? Goods delivered? Rise in costs. Logistics concerns. Staff shortages and so on. It hasn’t been easy. But our businesses have been resilient and soldiered on.
“Supporting these awards is something Noosa Council is incredibly proud of and I wish all of the applicants all the very best.”
RACV Noosa Resort manager Darren McClenaghan said the RACV team celebrate their success all year round, not just during awards season.
“Back in 2012 we had 70 staff and $6 million in revenue and our wage bill was around $3.5 million. Now we have 210 staff, our wage bill was about $9 million and and we’re heading north of $30 million in revenue, so it’s been significant growth over that time.”
Aussie Tiny Houses managing director Thiago Perrone said the most important thing for their business was the happiness of their staff and customers.
“At the end of the day we’re giving people a place to live and financial freedom through a lifestyle change,” he said.
Mrs Swaine said this year’s Awards categories had been realigned so businesses should check the website for details and enter the category that was right for them.
“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.
“Our Awards program and Gala event is among the best in the country, and it just wouldn’t be possible to run without the committed support of our volunteer Awards committee and our sponsors so it is great to see LPE once again leading the way in their commitment to the Awards.”
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.
To find out more about the Awards or nominate a business, visit sunshinecoastbusinessawards.com.au
