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Check your eligibility and view the entry requirements.
The Central Coast Business Awards celebrates the innovation, resilience and dedication of businesses across the region. We believe that businesses play a vital role in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and contributing to the overall well-being of our region. That's why we are committed to recognising the hard work and dedication of businesses of all sizes and industries.
Our awards program is designed to showcase the best of the best in our region. Whether you are a startup, a small business, or a large corporation, we have a category that recognises your unique accomplishments. From innovative products and services to exceptional customer service and community involvement, we celebrate all aspects of business excellence.
By participating in the Regional Business Awards, you not only have the opportunity to gain recognition and exposure for your business, but you also become part of a community of like-minded individuals who share your passion for success. Our judges are industry experts who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, providing valuable feedback and insights that can help you take your business to the next level.
We invite you to join us in celebrating the vibrant business community in our region. Whether you are a finalist, a sponsor, or simply a supporter of local businesses, your involvement helps to build a stronger, more resilient economy for all.
The Outstanding Employee Award recognises an inspirational employee who has demonstrated a passion for their role and a commitment to their workplace and the community.
Entrants are required to demonstrate their commitment over the past 12 months to their workplace, the community and to being an outstanding employee. To be eligible to enter this category, the individual must have been employed by their current employer for a minimum of 18 months.
Finalist 2023:
Alan Birnie, Salmon Buckets and Attachments
Emily Beatty, Eastcoast Beverages
Jake Henry, A2B Trailers
Jennene Collins, Scan2Archive
Melinda McCrone, LEP Digital
Kasey Halam, Signarama Tuggerah
Terri Knott, Salmon Buckets and Attachments
Thomas Spooner, Green Aspect Consulting
The Outstanding Young Business Leader Award recognises an inspirational business leader aged 35 or under who has demonstrated a commitment to their workplace, industry and the community through leadership.
Entrants are required to demonstrate their commitment over the past 12 months to creating a smarter and more inclusive future and to being an outstanding business leader. To be eligible to enter this category, the individual must have held a management position within their organisation for a minimum of 18 months at the time of entry.
FInalist 2023:
Caitlin Vine, Australian Reptile Park
Jacob Denford, Salmon Buckets and Attachments
Rhiannon Walton, Conveniently Active Exercise Physiology
The Outstanding Business Leader Award recognises an inspirational business leader aged 36 years or over who has demonstrated a commitment to their workplace, industry and the community through leadership, whilst providing mentorship to others.
Entrants are required to demonstrate their commitment over the past 12 months to creating a smarter and more inclusive future and to being an outstanding mentor and business leader. To be eligible to enter this category, the individual must have held senior management or executive level position within their organisation for a minimum of 18 months at the time of entry.
Finalist 2023:
Alena Bennett, Alena Bennett
Allan Gibson, Salmon Buckets and Attachments
Craig Giles, AAGilesberg
Fiona Morris, The Better Clean Team
Isaac Zoaretz Vanunu, DAYTODAY
Jonathon Fleming, Industree Group
Laura Prael, LEP Digital
Melanie Archer, The Foundry Cowork
Melissa Scoffield, Moxie & Muse
Shaun Mielekamp, Central Coast Mariners
Sheridan Beaumont, Sydney Oyster Farm Tours
Tim Faulkner, Australian Reptile Park
Finalist 2023:
The Excellence in Small Business Award recognises a business that has effectively driven growth and is able to demonstrate the specific strategies implemented to achieve business success and/or resilience.
Entrants are required to demonstrate their achievements over the past 12 months across the key area of business excellence. This category is open to businesses with 5 to 20 employees at the time of entry, who have been trading for a period of over 24 months.
FInalist 2023:
The Excellence in Large Business Award recognises a business that has effectively driven growth and is able to demonstrate the specific strategies implemented to achieve business success and/or resilience.
Entrants are required to demonstrate their achievements over the past 12 months across the key area of business excellence. This category is open to businesses with 21 or more employees at the time of entry, who have been trading for a period of over 24 months.
Finalist 2023:
The Outstanding Start-up Award recognises a start-up business that has effectively driven growth and is able to demonstrate the potential to achieve future success.
Entrants are required to demonstrate their commitment over the past 12 months to being an outstanding start-up. This category is open to new businesses trading for a period of less than 24 months.
Finalist 2023:
The Employer of Choice Award – 20 Employees and under, recognises a business that has implemented strategies and initiatives to create a stimulating and supportive workplace environment.
Entrants are required to demonstrate their achievements over the past 12 months across the key areas of employee recruitment, engagement and retention. Category criteria are based on initiatives that have had a positive impact on both employees and the business.
Finalist 2023:
The Excellence in Sustainability Award recognises a business that has demonstrated its commitment to sustainable business practices and is working to reduce the impact of its operations on the environment.
Entrants are required to demonstrate their achievements over the past 12 months across the key area of environmental sustainability. Category criteria are based on initiatives and projects executed within the business not related to its core offering.
Finalist 2023:
The Excellence in Innovation Award recognises a business that has implemented innovative solutions for new and existing needs through the introduction or improvement of a product, technology, or application that impacts the wider community.
Entrants are required to demonstrate their achievements over the past 12 months across the key area of innovation.
Finalist 2023:
The Outstanding Visitor Experience award recognises a business that understands the importance of visitor engagement for a region’s economy* and reputation. The business needs to articulate how they promote the region as well as offering an exceptional visitor experience.
Entrants are required to demonstrate how their business showcases the region/community and how their offering is unique within their industry.
Finalist 2023:
This Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award recognises businesses that address the needs of a diverse community, including seniors, people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds, and people with disability. An inclusive business facilitates the needs of all its employees and customers.
Entrants are required to demonstrate their commitment over the past 12 months to address the needs of a diverse community. This category is open to businesses that have been trading for a continuous period of two or more years.
Finalist 2023:
The Outstanding Community Organisation Award recognises an organisation that works to improve the social, cultural or environmental well-being of the community.
Entrants are required to demonstrate their commitment over the past 12 months to being an outstanding community organisation. This category is open to social enterprises and not-for-profit organisations that have been trading for a period of over 24 months.
Finalist 2023:
Central Coast Conservatorium of Music
Business of the Year is open to all winners of the following categories:
Excellence in International Business
Employer of Choice
Excellence in Innovation
Excellence in Sustainability
Outstanding Community Organisation
Outstanding Start-up
Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion
Excellence in Micro Business
Excellence in Small Business
Excellence in Large Business
This award is awarded to a Business that has been judged to be an outstanding business, that has provided an entry that demonstrates achievements and excellence over and above all other entrants.