Just completing a Sunshine Coast Business Award can have a significant impact on your business, according to past winners and finalists, so now is the time to get to work on your application.
Sunshine Coast Business Awards Chair Jennifer Swaine said there was a lot of excitement about the Awards this year, with over 250 businesses having already started their applications in the Awards 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,” Mrs Swaine 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 for them 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.
“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,” Mr Orning said.
Dave Becker from Becker Constructions, who 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.
“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 while there is some work involved in preparing entries, it was a rewarding process because it allows for reflection that is often overlooked in the day-to-day of business operations.
Judging Chair Bruce Williams said there were plenty of reasons to enter the Awards, including:
- To help grow your business
- Marketing & Promotion
- Inspire your team
- Get recognition as a trusted business
- Networking & Collaboration
- Celebration
- Pathway to other Awards
- Encourage 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,” Mr Williams 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.
The 2023 Sunshine Coast Business Awards will open for nominations and entries after the Small Business Breakfast. 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
- Trades & 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 those businesses which have won their category three years in a row.
To find out more about the Awards or nominate a business, visit https://sunshinecoastbusinessawards.com.au/. Applications close on Monday, 28th August 2023, at 5pm.
