With just under six weeks to go for organisations to enter the 2024 Sunshine Coast Business Awards, this year is set to be a record breaker for local businesses embracing the awards community.
Since applications opened in May, 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, an impressive 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.
Sunshine Coast Business Awards committee chair Jennifer Swaine said, “We are thrilled to see so many new businesses embrace the community that has been created through the Sunshine Coast Business Awards.”
“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.
“Later this morning, we are hosting a free online information session and registrations are more than double what they were in 2023. 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.”
The top ten 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; building and construction.
Swaine said that’s not to say there won’t be a last minute flurry of entries from other industries with the top most popular categories always evolving over the years.
“History tells us we will see more entries come in to reshape the top ten most popular categories with 2023 including social impact, creative industries, advanced technology and clean technology bump further up the list as the deadline looms,” she said.
Back in 2018, the top five categories submitted had health and wellness at number one, followed by retail, professional services, agribusiness and hospitality.
“The maturing of our region, increase in businesses, diversification of industries and the growth of our economy directly reflected in the business awards,” she said.
This year the awards welcomed a new judging chair Wallis Westbrook who brings his senior executive experience to lead the judging panel and process.
There are 17 categories that businesses can enter – each with small and large sub-categories.
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.
Key dates:
Monday 26 August at 5pm – entries close.
Thursday 19 September – finalists announced.
10 October – finalists media masterclass and cocktail reception .
9 November – awards Gala.
