“Now in its 17th year, the Lord Mayor’s Business Awards celebrates the outstanding achievements and success of Brisbane businesses and our businesspeople,” he said.

“The 2022 awards will highlight the excellence, success and innovation our business community is known for, while also acknowledging the important contribution local business makes to our community, city and our economy.”

Cr Schrinner said the Lord Mayor’s Business Awards are the pre-eminent business awards for Brisbane, advocating all local businesses, no matter the size, to nominate and experience first- hand the opportunities the awards bring.

“Being recognised as a Lord Mayor Business award finalist or winner provides a unique opportunity that extends far beyond that winning moment. It accelerates business growth and those all-important connections, while also raising profiles to achieve greater levels of success, something past winners and finalists can attest too,” he said.

“Each year, the awards tell the inspirational stories of local businesses and the people behind them. By sharing these stories of our businesses succeeding locally, nationally, and internationally, we hope to encourage and inspire others to succeed as well.

Cr Schrinner said it was fantastic to see the 2021 award winners doing well on the national and international stage after winning their awards.

“We have seen some outstanding winners over the last 16 years and last year was no different. From launching on the Australian Stock Exchange to opening new manufacturing plants, last year’s winners have been busy making strides locally, nationally and internationally.

“The 11 diverse award categories capture the breadth of business excellence, innovation and ingenuity in Brisbane.

“I would really encourage all businesses to consider nominating this year.”

Nominations close on Friday, 15 July 2022, with winners to be announced at the gala dinner ceremony at City Hall on Friday, 21 October 2022.

Nine categories are open to businesses:

• Accenture Australia Award for Product Innovation
• ANZ Award for High-Growth Business
• Australia Pacific LNG Award for Business Innovation
• CCIQ Award for Outstanding Small Business
• HSBC Award for Excellence in International Business
• Hutchinson Builders Award for Outstanding Social Enterprise
• ISPT Award for Investment in Brisbane
• Urban Utilities Award for Environmental Sustainability in Business
• Xero Award for Outstanding Micro Business

Two categories open to individuals:

• Port of Brisbane Award for Young Business Person of the Year
• The Courier-Mail Award for Business Person of the Year

A final category will recognize an outstanding overall winner (not open to nominations):

• Optus Enterprise Platinum Award