Apply now for the 2025 Brisbane Lord Mayor’s Business Awards

Applications are now open for the Brisbane Lord Mayor’s Business Awards, which are marking 20 years of celebrating the city’s best and brightest. PARTNER CONTENT

Applications are now open for this year’s Brisbane Lord Mayor’s Business Awards, which are marking 20 years of celebrating the city’s best and brightest.

From neighbourhood start-ups to city icons and global success stories, the Lord Mayor’s Business Awards have recognised those shaping our city.

Over the past two decades, family-run businesses, ambitious start-ups, social enterprises and global giants have been honoured for their bold ideas, courage and resilience.

“Brisbane’s success is built on the drive and determination of hardworking, forward-thinking locals who have the courage to take a risk and start a business,” Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said.

Entries close June 27. Winners announced November 6 at Gala Dinner. Apply Now!

Brisbane company Vaxxas is at the cutting edge of biotechnology.

“If you’ve created something you’re proud of, or know someone who has, now is the time to recognise these achievements by nominating for this year’s Lord Mayor’s Business Awards.

“These achievements deserve to be shared and celebrated as they reflect the ideas and contributions that help make Brisbane an even better place to live, work and relax.”

The awards are delivered by the Brisbane Economic Development Agency and culminate in a gala dinner and awards presentation at City Hall on Thursday, November 6.

More than 600 business leaders attend the night of celebration, recognition and networking.

There are 11 award categories and the prestigious Optus Platinum Award, honouring innovation, impact and leadership across industries.

Former Queensland Ballet director Li Cunxin AO won the 2023 Lord Mayor’s Business Person of the Year award.

“I know first hand how powerful recognition can be – not just personally, but for the entire team around you,” he said.

“These awards are about celebrating passion, perseverance and purpose. If there’s someone you admire, someone building something meaningful in Brisbane, put their name forward. It might just change the course of their journey.”

Li Cunxin AO won the 2023 Lord Mayor’s Business Person of the Year award. Picture: Steve Pohlner

The awards cover a broad range of categories, from innovation and business growth, to social enterprise, sustainability and young business achievers.

Co-founder and CEO of Carbonaught, Andrew Pedley, said the Lord Mayor’s Business Awards opened up doors for his business immediately.

Carbonaught won the 2024 Product Innovation Award for its work helping farmers move away from synthetic fertilisers, improve soil structure and remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

“We used to think some Silicon Valley genius would come along and solve the carbon problem. Then we realised we are the cavalry,” Mr Pedley said.

“Being a winner created this knock-on effect where people were actively looking for ways to help, introducing us to industry contacts, making connections and offering insights. That kind of support, without any expectation of investment or equity, is rare.”

Elena Gosse OAM, CEO of AIS Water and the 2022 Business Person of the Year, said the awards was recognition that she had been accepted by her adopted her city.

Once an actor and entertainer in her homeland of Russia, Ms Gosse is the CEO of a multimillion-dollar company and a highly sought-after speaker, advocate and mentor.

Her company, AIS Water, is an innovative manufacturer of water disinfection technology and anode material for swimming pools, and exports its technology to more than 55 countries.

“When I won the Lord Mayor’s Business Person of the Year Award, that’s what made me feel like I had finally arrived,” she said.

“When I arrived in this city nearly 30 years ago, I desperately wanted to fit in. I desperately wanted to make Brisbane my second home.

“AIS Water invests in this city. We invest in our people, we create more jobs, we raise money for the prevention of domestic violence, and with our technology, we’re saving millions of litres of water in swimming pools around the city.”

Elena Gosse, CEO of AIS Water and the 2022 Business Person of the Year.

Rino Recycling won the Sustainability in Business Award, Investment in Brisbane Award and Optus Platinum Award last year.

The company has invested $100 million to develop a world-first waste management facility in Pinkenba, capable of processing 1.5 million tonnes of construction and demolition waste streams with unprecedented efficiency.

“The facility uses the most advanced, high-performing, and efficient recycling technologies available globally,” general manager Daniel Blaser said.

“We saw the awards as an opportunity to highlight the impact of our facility. It has driven new business opportunities, with increased interest from ESG-focused organisations looking to integrate high-quality recycled materials into their projects.”

AWARDS CATEGORIES:

Accenture Australia Product Innovation Award

ANZ High-Growth Business Award

Australia Pacific LNG Business Transformation Award

Carers Queensland Small Business Award

dentsu Environmental Sustainability in Business Award

International Business Award

Hutchinson Builders Social Enterprise Award

ISPT Investment in Brisbane Award

Port of Brisbane Young Business Person of the Year

oOh!media Micro Business Award

Business Person of the Year

This article has been produced in partnership with the Brisbane Economic Development Agency, organisers of the Lord Mayor’s Business Awards.

Originally published as Apply now for the 2025 Brisbane Lord Mayor’s Business Awards