Nominations for the 2024 Lord Mayor’s Business Awards are now open, with leaders across the city invited to put their businesses forward for recognition.
The awards celebrate the success of Brisbane’s business community, from growing start-ups to those on the global stage.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said this year’s awards program would recognise the local businesses and innovators helping to power Brisbane’s economy.
“Brisbane is one of Australia’s fastest growing capital cities, and our business network is a major contributor to this unparalleled economic boom,” Cr Schrinner said.
“Brisbane’s State of the City Report revealed our economy is set to skyrocket by more than 68 per cent to $275 billion by 2041, and business leaders and job seekers are poised to capitalise on this rapid growth.
“This growth will see the creation of more jobs, expansion of local industries and increased capacity to sell Brisbane to the world.
“These awards recognise the talented business community that champions this growth as they make an extraordinary difference in our city and across the globe.”
Cr Schrinner said the awards have become an unmissable part of Brisbane’s business calendar over the past 18 years, opening the door to new opportunities and networks for finalists and winners.
“These awards are more than a trophy on the mantlepiece,” he said.
“The winners and finalists get access to an international platform and an expanded network of connections to help them reach higher, more ambitious goals,” he said.
“Whether they operate in commercial, industrial, creative or social enterprise industries, our business leaders continue to inspire the next generation to find their calling and make living in Brisbane even better.”
Adina Watches General Manager, Grant Menzies, said that winning the Business Chamber Queensland Small Business Award and the Optus Platinum Award last year was the catalyst for a range of exciting new opportunities.
“One year ago, I sat out in the crowd, and I listened to the stories, and I thought ‘You know what, our story is pretty good too. I’m going to throw our hat in the ring and see what happens.’... and this is what happened!” Mr Menzies said.
“It was an incredible experience for all of us here at Adina and has pushed us to keep having fresh thinking and affirmed our position as an iconic Brisbane and Australian brand. Since then, it has been amazing to see was how eager other people and businesses have been to help us on our journey.”
Paige McInnes, Founder of 2023 Micro Business of the Year, Little Change Creators, said she would urge every business to enter.
“I recommend all businesses apply for the Lord Mayor's Business Awards because it's an opportunity to reflect on milestones and achievements that can often be overlooked,” Ms McInnes said.
“Whether you win an award or not, the process of applying is insightful and would help every business improve.
“Since the awards showcase a wide range of businesses, from startups to well-established brands, every applicant has a chance to shine. The judging process is supportive and constructive, plus finalists benefit from publicity within the local community.”
Nominations close on Friday, 5 July 2024. Winners will be announced at the Lord Mayor’s Business Awards Gala Dinner at City Hall on Friday, 25 October 2024.
The Awards are structured into 12 categories designed to showcase the full range of city-wide excellence.
Nine categories are open to businesses:
- Business Chamber Queensland Small Business Award
- Micro Business Award
- Accenture Australia Product Innovation Award
- Australia Pacific LNG Business Transformation Award
- Hutchinson Builders Social Enterprise Award
- ANZ High Growth Business Award
- Dentsu Environmental Sustainability in Business Award
- International Business Award
- ISPT Investment in Brisbane Award
Two categories open to individuals:
- Port of Brisbane Young Business Person of the Year Award
- The Courier-Mail Business Person of the Year Award
A final category will recognise an outstanding overall winner (not open to nominations):
- Optus Platinum Award
