There are 11 categories open for application in the 2025 Lord Mayor’s Business Awards.
Businesses can enter as many categories as they like, where they meet the criteria.
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Optus Platinum Award
Recognises the most outstanding overall category winner, highlighting Brisbane as a destination of choice for business. Winners from business categories will be considered for this award. This category is not open for applications.
Accenture Australia Product Innovation Award
For game-changing businesses operating in Brisbane that have developed nationally or globally competitive products, processes or services. Applications can be for a single product or service initiative or an overall strategy.
Applicants should showcase how their innovation meets a market need, creates impact, or leads the way in their industry.
For businesses of all sizes that are tackling national and global markets and have achieved significant growth in revenue, staff, customers or new markets over the past three years.
Applications should clearly outline the key drivers of growth, supported by data, and demonstrate how the business has scaled sustainably and strategically.
Australia Pacific LNG Business Transformation Award
Acknowledges businesses that have transformed their business through initiatives, innovation or technological achievement, to grow their impact for customers or communities. Applications can be for a single initiative or an overall strategy.
Applicants should illustrate how their transformation has created value and positive outcomes.
Recognises excellence in running a small business in Brisbane. This category is for privately-owned businesses with five to twenty full-time equivalent employees.
Applications should showcase what truly sets their business apart — whether it's bold innovation, exceptional service, community connection or remarkable resilience.
dentsu Environmental Sustainability in Business Award
Acknowledges excellence in clean business practices and sustainable resource use, including energy, waste, water and recycling. Applications can be for a single initiative or an overall strategy.
Applications should demonstrate how the business is contributing to keeping resources in use for longer, minimising consumption of finite resources, reducing waste and pollution, and protecting and enhancing our natural environment.
For businesses of all sizes making a positive impact through their business to tackle social challenges, support people and communities and help protect the environment.
Applications should describe their business model, the social or environmental issue they address, and the impact they've created through measurable outcomes
Recognises businesses that have made a strategic investment in Brisbane and the city’s future. Investment can take the form of capital investment, new ideas and new business divisions or projects undertaken in Brisbane during the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 financial years.
This award celebrates those backing Brisbane’s growth and vibrancy. Applications should highlight how the investment contributes to the city’s economy, innovation, or liveability.
Recognises small and mighty microbusinesses, run by sole traders or teams of up to four employees, displaying excellence in running their business and making an impact in Brisbane.
Applicants should tell the story of their business journey, outline their impact and innovation, and show how they punch above their weight in a competitive market.
Recognises individuals who have made a significant contribution to Brisbane’s business community through an unrelenting pursuit of excellence in business.
The Lord Mayor's Business Awards are more than just an awards program.
They are a chance to connect with esteemed alumni, grow bigger local networks and create opportunities for collaboration. As a finalist, you’ll be amongst other Brisbane business leaders from a diverse range of industries from health and technology to education, sustainability, social enterprise and the arts.
Our seasoned panel of expert judges can offer helpful insights to better understand your biggest selling points and potential pathways to growth. Our partners also give back to Brisbane’s business community through their support of the awards as well as workshops and events at the Brisbane Business Hub.
As a bonus, many of our finalists and winners often receive invaluable media coverage to boost their profile and reputation.
Reflecting on the success of last year’s winners, Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the awards were a powerful platform to propel esteemed and emerging businesses.
“Being recognised as a Lord Mayor Business Award finalist or winner provides a unique opportunity that extends far beyond that winning moment,” Cr Schrinner said.
“It accelerates business growth and those all-important connections, while also raising profiles to achieve greater levels of success, something past winners and finalists can attest too.
“We’ve seen alumni elevate their business by attracting new investment, creating jobs and planning to expand abroad.
“The awards not only provide finalists with much-deserved recognition and help open doors for leaders to grow and take the next steps in their professional journey.
“We encourage businesses of all sizes, from all sectors, to nominate and experience first-hand the opportunities the awards bring.”
Apply from 7 May 2025 and use the Lord Mayor's Business Awards program to:
Celebrate your achievements and boost staff morale and retention
Have an expert assessment of your company
Showcase your business and impress potential clients
Enhance your company profile and reputation if chosen as a finalist or winner
The Lord Mayor’s Business Awards are a celebration of the success of Brisbane businesses and businesspeople, from growing start-ups to those leading on the global stage.
The Lord Mayor's Business Awards acknowledge the contribution of businesses and individuals to Brisbane’s economy and the city's profile as a vibrant centre of innovation and enterprise.
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