From handcrafted rocky road in Mudgee to award-winning schnapps in the Snowy Mountains, the finalists of the 2025 Business NSW State Awards have been unveiled. 
They represent the very best of innovation, passion, and entrepreneurship across the state.

Business NSW CEO Daniel Hunter said 163 businesses from 11 regions had secured finalist spots – a 29% increase in participation, with 12% entering the awards for the first time.

“This is one of the most diverse and impressive groups of finalists we’ve had,” Mr Hunter said. 

“They represent the hard work, creativity, and determination that drive our economy. These awards are a chance to recognise the effort and ideas making a real difference in NSW.”

The awards finale will be held on 29 October at the ICC Ballroom in Sydney, at what promises to be NSW’s night of nights.

Among the finalists are:
•    Pebbly Path (Mudgee), creators of extraordinary handcrafted rocky road
•    Wildbrumby Distillery (Snowy Mountains), famed for its award-winning schnapps 
•    The Bolt Inn (Uralla), a charming country pub redefining hospitality
•    Staying Independent – founded with no clients, no staff, and no office, it's now been named Fastest Growing Company across Australia, New Zealand, and Asia.

Mr Hunter said the response this year had been outstanding, with regional participation smashing records. Northern Rivers led the charge with 250 entries, followed by Business Hunter with 240 – both setting new post-COVID highs.

This year also marks the launch of a new Visitor Economy segment, featuring four new categories – Outstanding Visitor Experience, Outstanding Visitor Economy Collaboration, Outstanding 24-hour Economy Collaboration, and Excellence in Sustainable Tourism.

Tickets are now on sale. Don’t miss your chance to join NSW’s premier business celebration and see firsthand the ideas and people shaping the future of the state.

Buy tickets here.

See the full list of finalists here.