The 2023 Australian Women’s Small Business Champion Awards celebrated the outstanding achievements of women entrepreneurs across Australia in a glamorous event on September 23rd.
The event celebrated 62 remarkable women who have made a significant impact in the world of small business across the nation. Hosted by the accomplished journalist and popular broadcaster, Deborah Knight, the grand ceremony took place at the newly-constructed Western Sydney Conference Centre, drawing an impressive audience of nearly 1000 attendees. The National Presentation Evening Gala Event has earned a reputation as the pinnacle event in the small business arena, often referred to as the ‘Logies’ of the small business world.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the coveted 2023 Australian Women’s Small Business Champion ICON award to Mel Gholami of Planix Projects.
As one of the pioneering female founders of a project management firm, she has defied industry norms and achieved remarkable success, even in the face of numerous challenges. Mel’s dedication to charitable causes, particularly those addressing affordable housing issues, played a crucial role in her selection as the 2023 ICON. In addition to the prestigious ICON award, three other outstanding individuals were recognized for their contributions to the small business sector.
Jacine Greenwood of Roccoco Botanicals in Queensland was named the 2023 Small Business Champion Influential Woman. Pippa Hanson of The Sports Injury Clinic in Victoria received the title of 2023 Small Business Champion Entrepreneur, and Erin Criticos of Moving Mountains Therapy in New South Wales was crowned the 2023 Young Small Business Champion Entrepreneur. Coinciding with the approach of NSW Small Business Month in October, it’s noteworthy that 33 of this year’s Australian Women’s Small Business Champions are based in New South Wales, while Queensland and Victoria each boast a dozen awardees.
Additionally, there are two awardees from South Australia and one each from the Australian Capital Territory, Tasmania, and Western Australia. The awards program spans across all corners of the country, encompassing capital cities, regional areas, and suburban communities. Its diverse range of categories makes it arguably the most comprehensive awards program in Australia. It recognizes women entrepreneurs from various fields, including environmentalists, Indigenous business leaders, agriculture, disability support services, IT, retail, beauty, mechanics, and more. This annual event attracted thousands of submissions, solidifying its position as the nation’s premier awards program for successful female-led small businesses.
Australian Government data reveals that over one-third of the 3.3 million small businesses currently operating in Australia are led by women, a figure that continues to rise. Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics in 2022 indicated a remarkable 46 percent increase in the number of women business owners over the past two decades. Steve Loe, the Awards Founder and Managing Director of Precedent Productions, which coordinates the Australian Women’s Small Business Champion Awards, emphasized the importance of acknowledging the substantial economic, social, and cultural contributions of Australia’s female small business pioneers. He likened this recognition to the success of the Matildas during the recent World Cup, highlighting the positive impact of women in various fields.
This comprehensive awards program not only celebrates the accomplishments of current female entrepreneurs but also serves as an inspiration for future generations of leaders. As preparations for the 2024 program begin, entries are set to open before the middle of next year, providing yet another opportunity to celebrate and honor the achievements of Australia’s dynamic female small business owners.
Entries for the 2024 programme will open before mid-next year.
For more information – including a full list of 2023 winners – visit: womensbusinesschampions.com.au.
Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
