The Scenic Rim Business Excellence Awards celebrate the outstanding businesses that drive the strength, diversity, and vitality of our region. These awards are designed to showcase, promote, and connect local businesses by recognising excellence in innovation, productivity, customer service, and community impact.
Whether you are a start-up, a growing small-to-medium enterprise, or a well-established organisation, these awards honour the hard work, resilience, and achievements of businesses across all industries—regardless of economic conditions. They also shine a light on the aspirations, values, and vision that power your continued success.
Winners will be announced at the sold out 2025 Scenic Rim Small Business Awards Gala on Friday 20 March in Boonah.
Awards Timeline
Milestone
Date
Submissions
Submissions have closed
Judging
November – December 2025
Awards Gala Dinner – The Centre, Boonah
Friday 20 March 2026
Click on the links below to explore the 2025 Business Excellence Awards Nominees.
In 2025, the award categories have been refreshed to reflect the growing diversity of entries and the evolving strengths of the Scenic Rim business community.
This award recognises a tourism business, event, or experience that actively promotes the Scenic Rim, attracts and engages visitors, and enhances the region’s reputation as a premier tourism destination.
Eligible businesses include (but are not limited to):
Tourism events (e.g. festivals, shows, rodeos)
Visitor experiences or attractions (e.g. agritourism, adventure, cultural or nature-based experiences)
Entrants must demonstrate measurable outcomes in innovation, visitor satisfaction, and regional impact.
Click on the link to see questions and criteria for this category.
Categories(PDF, 469KB)
Honouring providers of exceptional guest experiences that reflect the warmth, quality, and distinctiveness of Scenic Rim hospitality.
Open to:
Hotels, motels, and resorts
Farm stays and retreats
Glamping and eco-stay operators
Boutique or unique accommodation offerings
Submissions should highlight service excellence, innovation, sustainability practices, and regional contribution.
Recognises hospitality venues that contribute to the Scenic Rim’s growing culinary reputation, showcasing local flavours and exceptional service.
Eligible venues include:
Cafés and restaurants
Wineries, breweries, and distilleries
Pubs, bistros, and cellar doors
Specialty venues (e.g. dessert bars, paddock-to-plate experiences)
Entrants should demonstrate a commitment to local produce, community, and memorable customer experiences.
Celebrates outstanding retail businesses that deliver exceptional customer service, product quality, presentation, and connection to the local community.
Fashion and clothing retailers
Gift, book, and homeware stores.
Florists and specialty shops
General or convenience stores
Online retailers with a physical presence in the Scenic Rim
Entrants should demonstrate innovation, and their contribution to the vibrancy and economic vitality of the Scenic Rim.
Categories(PDF, 432KB)
Recognises outstanding businesses in agriculture, trade, construction, and logistics that contribute to economic growth and operational excellence.
Eligible businesses include:
Builders, electricians, plumbers, and trades
Mechanics and equipment servicing
Farming and primary producers
Food and material processors
Transport, logistics, and supply chain providers.
Note: This is a combined category for the 2025 Awards. Council reserves the right to combine, cancel or withhold categories at its discretion. However, if a high volume of submissions are received, Council may consider creating separate ‘break-out’ categories to ensure fair and relevant recognition.
Honours businesses that improve the health and wellbeing of individuals or the Scenic Rim community—through services, workplace culture, or community impact.
Healthcare and allied health providers
Gyms, yoga studios, and fitness centres
Mental health and social services
Wellness, nutrition, or lifestyle businesses
Workplaces prioritising staff wellbeing.
Submissions should show leadership in creating healthy workplaces, delivering wellness-focused services, or championing initiatives that enhance the quality of life for employees, customers, or the broader Scenic Rim community. This category aligns with Scenic Rim Regional Council’s vision of fostering a resilient, connected, and thriving community.
Celebrates contributions to education, training, and lifelong learning across the region.
Eligible entrants include:
Schools and early learning centres
RTOs, and higher education providers
Private tutors, trainers, or workplace educators
Community education programs or life skills initiatives
Submissions should highlight new or innovative approaches, specific programs, measurable outcomes, and commitment to learning—whether through formal education, vocational training, workplace learning, or community-based programs.
Categories(PDF, 431KB)
Recognises a project, or business that is driving innovation or leading the way in sustainable practices that benefit the Scenic Rim. It celebrates forward-thinking approaches that reduce environmental impact, solve problems creatively, and/or support a more sustainable future for the region.
Businesses or entrepreneurs
Projects or initiatives across any industry
Public or private sector organisations
Relevant sectors may include:
Environmental services, tourism, agriculture, education, technology, design, or retail
Entrants may be innovating through products, services, technologies, systems, or business models—or creating meaningful environmental or social outcomes through sustainability leadership and community impact.
Categories(PDF, 455KB)
Celebrates new businesses that have launched between July 2023 and June 2025, showing promise, innovation, and a sturdy foundation for long-term success.
New or emerging businesses from all industry sectors operating within the Scenic Rim region.
Businesses that commenced operations after July 2023 (i.e. within the last two years) and have not previously entered the Scenic Rim Business Excellence Awards.
This category highlights businesses that are making a bold start, showing resilience, creativity, and a solid foundation for long-term success.
Recognises an outstanding individual currently undertaking formal training who shows exceptional promise, skill development, and commitment.
Eligible industries include but are not limited to:
Construction and trades
Tourism, retail, and hospitality
Health, aged care, and community services
Agriculture, business, or creative industries
The award honours those who show initiative, resilience, and a positive contribution to their workplace, reflecting the values of the Scenic Rim business community.
Nominate employee(PDF, 426KB)
Nominate yourself(PDF, 405KB)
Awarded to the most outstanding overall winner across all categories. This prestigious accolade honours a business that demonstrates all-round excellence, visionary leadership, and significant contribution to the region’s economic and community wellbeing.
No separate application is required—all category winners are automatically considered.