Recent Australian Government data shows that of the 3.3 million small businesses in Australia, more than one-third are led by women, a figure that continues to rise, according to DynamicBusiness.com.
With a wide range of categories, the Australian Women’s Small Business Champion Awards stand out as one of the country’s most diverse awards programs. Receiving over 2500 nominations this year, it reflects the remarkable influence of Australian women in the small business landscape.
The cream of the crop in Australia’s beauty industry gathered for a glamorous red-carpet event in Sydney on September 23rd, marking the grand finale of the 2023 Australian Women’s Small Business Champion Awards. This unique national awards program, designed to spotlight the rising success of female-led small businesses across the country, recognized over 60 Champions this year, spanning various industries.
In the category of Best Beauty Product, Roccoco Botanicals from Queensland secured the top spot for its skincare range, including the world’s first acne-safe and all-vegan lip balm.
Jacine Greenwood founder of Roccoco Botanicals, also took home the Small Business Champion Influential Woman award.
Taking home the award for Beauty Services was Josie Weller’s Beauty in the Woods, another female-led small business based in Queensland. Josie, who was inspired by the strong work ethic of country folk, including her parents, opened her first store at 19 and now, in her late twenties, is building a thriving beauty empire with plans for future franchising.
Completing a Queensland trifecta in the Beauty categories, Oi Cosmetic Studio claimed the prize for Cosmetic Specialist. Abby Stuart, the director of Oi Cosmetic Studio, has always aimed to empower her clients to “love the way they look.”
In the competitive Brows and Lashes category, Victoria’s Jackie Lash Co received recognition, while the title of 2023 Makeup Artist Champion went to Victoria’s Emma McFarlane, CEO of Blush Bar. Blush Bar offers an exciting and experience-focused approach to makeup and hair services and is fully licensed for clients’ enjoyment.
“There’s no doubting the rising success of female-led small businesses,” said Steve Loe, Awards Founder and Managing Director of Precedent Productions, which coordinates the Australian Women’s Small Business Champion Awards.
“While female equality is gradually shifting in the right direction, the reality is that stereotypes and a ‘boys’ club’ mentality in traditionally male-dominated sectors is still a factor. Australian women are still contending with a gender pay-gap that favours men; and so many Aussie women today are part of a ‘sandwich generation’, tasked with caring for both their children and their ageing parents – all while working and running successful businesses.
“As a small business owner, myself, I take my hat off to these women. Precedent Productions has been running national awards programmes for more than 40 years now, so we’re generally in-tune with the best-performing businesses. It’s high-time we better recognise the outstanding calibre of our country’s female entrepreneurs.
“Just as the Matildas shone during this year’s World Cup, attracting the nation’s admiration and highlighting the positive contribution of women in sport, the Australian Women’s Small Business Champion Awards honour the rising economic, cultural and social contributions of women in small business, and those who are inspiring future generations,” adds Mr Loe.
The Australian Women’s Small Business Champion Awards 2023 National Presentation Evening Gala Event was held at the new Western Sydney Conference Centre, and was hosted by accomplished journalist and broadcaster, Deborah Knight.
The 2023 Australian Women’s Small Business Champion Awards were sponsored by Nine Plus, CUB, NOVA Employment, Castaway Forecasting, Xcllusive Business Sales and Big Clean.
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.
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