From more than 5,500 entrants, less than 30 have made the Manufacturing and Food Manufacturing Finalists Lists of the 2024 Australian Small Business Champion Awards – the nation’s pinnacle recognition awards programme that celebrates the achievements and considerable economic, social and cultural contribution of today’s 2.5 million small business operators from right across the country.

This year marks the 26^th consecutive year of the Champion Awards and its most successful year to-date, with more entries received this year than any year prior.

Free to enter and judged by an independent panel with small business experience, the Awards specifically highlight the finest of Australia’s small businesses in the retail, services, and manufacturing industries across a total of more than 100 categories.

An independent national survey recently commissioned by Precedent Productions, which coordinates the Awards, found that an overwhelming majority (74 per cent) of Australian small businesses would rather purchase from an Australian manufacturer or supplier even if it meant paying more.

Steve Loe, Founder of the Australian Small Business Champion Awards and Managing Director of Precedent Productions, says now more than ever is the time to strongly support the nation’s most hardest working sector.

“I believe the resilience of Australia’s small business community is more evident today than ever before in recent memory, and it is absolutely deserving of national recognition.

“The remarkable quantity and quality of submissions we received this year is testament to the triumphant spirit of so many small business operators – absolutely including those from manufacturing industries. We’re very much looking forward to celebrating the very best of this nation’s small businesspeople in spectacular style this April,” adds Mr Loe.

Winners of the 2024 Australian Small Business Champion Awards will be revealed via two National Presentation Evening Gala events at Sydney’s The Star on 12 and 13 April 2024.

To be hosted by popular Nine presenter and journalist, Jayne Azzopardi, this year’s National Presentation Gala features a star-studded entertainment line-up that is fitting to the Champion Awards’ biggest year in more than a quarter of a century.

Headline stage acts of this year’s event include ‘Eurovision Royalty’ Dami Im, the inspirational Harrison Craig, Johnny Manuel and the ‘practically perfect in every way’ star of the recent Australian production of Mary Poppins, Stefanie Jones.

The 2024 Australian Small Business Champion Awards are supported by Presenting Partner the Commonwealth Bank, and Major Partners Nine Ad Manager, NOVA Employment, Castaway Forecasting, Big Clean, Xcllusive Business Sales and Boa.

The 20 Manufacturing category finalists are: Bedsahead (NSW), BOS Oceansport (NSW), Packserv Australia (NSW), Resourceful Living (NSW), Deeps Engineering (NSW), Valour Sport (NSW), Kata Camperbox (NSW), UGG Comfort Me Australia (NSW), Harry West Flags (NSW), Buckaroo Leatherworks (NSW), AusiPack (NSW), Ensitech (NSW), Southside Aluminium Windows and Doors (NSW), Gannon Group (QLD), Meredith Metalworks (QLD), Ultimate Shower Screens (QLD), Health Focus Manufacturers (QLD), Midwest Fabrication (QLD), SOM Blinds (VIC) and Empire Copper (WA).

The seven Manufacturing Food category finalists are: To Be Frank Ready Meals (NSW), Cooks Confectionery (NSW), Feta Juli-Etta (QLD), Belladotti (QLD), Lula Rum (QLD), Comfy Foods (QLD) and San Elk (VIC).

Just one small business will be crowned Champion per category.

For more information about the 2024 Australian Small Business Champion Awards, visit: businesschampions.com.au.