Now, Brisbane businesses have just one week left to nominate for this year’s awards, for the chance to join the innovators and positive change-makers driving the city’s economic future. Nominations for the 2022 awards close on Friday, 15 July.

Reflecting on the success of last year’s winners, Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the awards were a platform to propel esteemed and emerging businesses.

“We’ve seen alumni elevate their business by attracting new investment, creating jobs and planning to expand abroad,” Cr Schrinner said. 

“The awards not only provide finalists with much-deserved recognition, they help open doors for leaders to grow and take the next steps in their professional journey.

“As we recover from the pandemic and look to new challenges ahead, it’s more important than ever we unite as a business community and make connections to support success.

“There’s still time and we encourage businesses of all sizes, from all sectors, to nominate and experience first-hand the opportunities the awards bring.”

Past award winners include cryptocurrency exchange Swyftx, which took out the award for High Growth Business, while founder Alex Harper was named Young Businessperson for 2021.

The Milton-based cryptocurrency exchange recently unveiled a $1.5 billion dollar merger with share trading platform Superhero to service to 800,000 users.

Other success stories include Microba Life Sciences, which recently went public with an ASX listing.

The biotech company, nestled on Queen St, is developing technology to improve health outcomes by measuring and understanding gut bacteria.

Cr Schrinner said the awards also recognised community builders and cultural champions like 2019 winner Fortitude Music Hall. .

“It hasn’t taken long for the Fortitude Music Hall to cement its status as a local institution. From live music to comedy, and even beer festivals, the ballroom-style hall is a go-to place for a night in town,” Cr Schrinner said.

The business was recognised for its local contributions with an award for Investment in Brisbane in 2019.

Nominations for this year’s awards close on Friday, 15 July 2022 with winners to be announced at the gala dinner ceremony at City Hall on Friday, 21 October 2022.

Nine categories are open to businesses:

• Accenture Australia Award for Product Innovation
• ANZ Award for High-Growth Business
• Australia Pacific LNG Award for Business Innovation
• CCIQ Award for Outstanding Small Business
• HSBC Award for Excellence in International Business
• Hutchinson Builders Award for Outstanding Social Enterprise
• ISPT Award for Investment in Brisbane
• Urban Utilities Award for Environmental Sustainability in Business
• Xero Award for Outstanding Micro Business

Two categories open to individuals:

• Port of Brisbane Award for Young Business Person of the Year
• The Courier-Mail Award for Business Person of the Year

A final category will recognize an outstanding overall winner (not open to nominations):

• Optus Enterprise Platinum Award

The Lord Mayor’s Business Awards are possible thanks to partners: Accenture Australia, ANZ, Australia Pacific LNG, BDO, Brisbane City Council, Brisbane Economic Development Agency, CCIQ, Channel 7, Epicure, HSBC, Hutchinson Builders, ISPT, Optus, NW Group, Port of Brisbane Pty Ltd, Sirromet, The Courier-Mail, Urban Utilities and Xero.