Applications are now open for the Lord Mayor’s Business Awards – an annual spotlight on the startups, entrepreneurs and industry leaders turning bold ideas into real impact across 12 diverse categories. 

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the awards would be fitting recognition for local businesses that have done so much for Brisbane. 

“Brisbane’s biggest celebration of business is back, and this year we’re marking 20 years of recognising the bold thinkers and big ideas that continue to shape our city,” Cr Schrinner said. 

“From local startups to global success stories, these awards showcase the talent, drive and innovation which help make Brisbane, and the world, an even better place to live. 

“Our business community is critical to our economic growth, which is on track to reach $275 billion by 2041, ensuring we are one of the most business-friendly cities in the world. 

“These awards are a great way to celebrate their ideas, which help our economy continue to prosper and enhance Brisbane’s global reputation as a great place to live and do business. 

“Award winners will enter an alumni network built over two decades and gain the exposure required to help them establish new connections and opportunities here and abroad.”

Delivered by Brisbane Economic Development Agency, the awards continue to celebrate the business excellence and diversity across sectors spanning health, technology, education, design and the circular economy.

With past winners now shaping industries worldwide, the awards cement Brisbane’s position as the launchpad for Australia’s next global success story.

Nicole Dyson, Founder and CEO of Future Anything - winner of the Hutchinson Builders Social Enterprise Award in 2024 - said being recognised had helped her scale her business and grow its impact.

“Winning has been an absolute gamechanger for Future Anything in growing our impact and opening doors we didn’t even know existed,” Ms Dyson said. 

“This recognition helped us scale our work, unlocking bold new partnerships with organisations stepping up to ‘sponsor a school’ in their communities. 

“I know applying for awards is often the last thing on the To-Do list for any busy founder - especially female founders. “We’re so stuck in the work, we forget to look up from the work. If this is you, don’t overthink it - just apply. What have you got to lose?”

Apply before Friday, 27 June 2025 and be part of a 20-year legacy celebrating the big ideas transforming Brisbane.

Visit lmba.com.au to enter the 2025 Lord Mayor’s Business Awards.

Nine categories are open to businesses:

• Accenture Australia Product Innovation Award
• ANZ High-Growth Business Award
• Australia Pacific LNG Business Transformation Award
• Carers Queensland Small Business Award
• International Business Award
• Dentsu Environmental Sustainability in Business Award
• Hutchinson Builders Social Enterprise Award
• ISPT Investment in Brisbane Award
• oOh!media Micro Business Award

Two categories are open to individuals:

• Port of Brisbane Young Business Person of the Year Award
• Business Person of the Year Award

A final category recognises an overall winner (not open to nominations):

• Optus Platinum Award

 

The 2025 Lord Mayor’s Business Awards is supported by valued partners: