The ambitious and emerging talent behind Brisbane’s world-class innovation, visionary ventures and purpose-driven businesses are set to be recognised at this year’s Lord Mayor’s Business Awards.
From business icons to emerging next-gen talent, the finalists for the awards, now in their 18th year, celebrate the diversity of businesses harnessing a new wave of skills and expertise in Queensland’s capital.
Years of unprecedented economic challenges have also spurred a new category in 2023, with the Business Transformation Award honouring organisations that have overcome changing conditions and challenging setbacks by reimagining their business and operations.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the awards celebrated the unwavering pursuit of innovation, creativity and social impact by the Brisbane business community.
“Whether they are Brisbane institutions or emerging entrepreneurs, this year’s finalists are having a profound impact on our city and around the world,” Cr Schrinner said.
“Brisbane is Australia’s fastest growing capital city and the energy, passion and innovation of our local businesses has played a key role in this growth. Council is steadfast in our commitment to providing opportunities to foster success.
“Emerging industries like sustainability and robotics are experiencing a wave of new skills and talent here in Brisbane, while our incredibly successful business leaders and trailblazers are continuing to further innovate and find new opportunities.
“With all eyes on Brisbane in the lead up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, we have an incredible opportunity to shine the spotlight on the city’s best and brightest businesses as we attract new investment, talent and opportunity.”
Amongst the finalists and 11 awards categories (listed below), are purpose-driven companies setting new standards in accessibility, creative arts organisations injecting vibrancy into the city, and organisations that are advancing technology, manufacturing and health.
Internationally renowned icon and Queensland Ballet Artistic Director Li Cunxin AO, global retail giant Michael Hill Jeweller and landmark Brisbane entertainment precinct Howard Smith Wharves are some of the big hitters on the list of finalists, while robotics engineers Australian Droid and Robot, First Nations bush tucker manufacturer FigJam & Co and adaptive fashion brand Christina Stephens, are among the next-gen talent also up for the awards.
The 11 category winners of the 2023 Lord Mayor’s Business Awards will be announced on Friday, 20 October 2023.
2023 Lord Mayor’s Business Awards finalists:
| Cisco International Business Award | Urban Utilities Environmental Sustainability Award |
| FinalistsAustralian Country ChoiceCircaGriffith UniversityMichael Hill Jeweller | FinalistsCirconomyHoward Smith WharvesLittle Birdie Hair Co.Vaulta |
| Hutchinson Builders Social Enterprise Award | Business Chamber Queensland Small Business Award |
| FinalistsGreen Fox StudioHelp EnterprisesNundah Community Enterprises CooperativeSilver Memories | FinalistsAdina WatchesAustralian Droid and RobotEveryBody eBikesIDU Identification |
| Accenture Australia Product Innovation Award | Virgin Australia Micro Business Award |
| FinalistsAustralian Droid and RobotFutureFeedGenicsVaulta | FinalistsChristina StephensLittle Change CreatorsThe Brand BuildersVast Yonder |
| ANZ High-Growth Business Award | ISPT Investment In Brisbane Award |
| FinalistsAlex BankAskableExplorateMidnight Health | FinalistsAIS WaterEast Coast ApprenticeshipsThomas Dixon Centre (Queensland Ballet)Vaxxas |
| Australia Pacific LNG Business Transformation Award | Port Of Brisbane Young Business Person of the Year Award |
| FinalistsAIS WaterAustralian Country ChoiceFigJam & CoStreet Science | FinalistsAdam Brunes – ArugaLachlan Feeney – LabrysLiz Hemmens – Moreton Island AdventuresMathew Allan – Australian Droid and Robot |
| The Courier-Mail Business Person of the Year Award | |
| FinalistsJamie Wilson – CryptolocLi Cunxin AO – Queensland BalletSarah-Jane Peterschlingmann – ATechWilliam Smith-Stubbs – Mettlesome |
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