Pumicestone Small Business Awards, the winners

How can you tell if your community backs local small business? When they turn out in their thousands to vote for them.

Last week, State Member for Pumicestone Ali King hosted the inaugural Pumicestone Small Business Awards to showcase and celebrate small business owners and their employees in her electorate.

“As a former small business owner myself, I know the difference community recognition can make,” Ms King says.

“So, I set up the first-ever Pumicestone Small Business Awards to give our unique small and local businesses an opportunity to tell their stories and promote their products and services.

“97 per cent of businesses in our area are small businesses, and they create 95 per cent of local jobs, so it’s important to appreciate them.

“I expected momentum to build slowly, with just a few nominations, but right from the start it was a runaway success.”

Community members were asked to nominate their favourite local small businesses and employees in various categories, then the top 10 businesses in each became the finalists for the community to vote on.

“We received over 2000 nominations and 7000 locals voted for their favourite businesses and small business employees across nine categories. This truly shows our community’s support for local small businesses” Ms King says.

Small Business Minister Di Famer travelled to Bribie to present the awards.

The winners of the 2023 Pumicestone Small Business Awards are …

Best Beauty and Hairdressing Business: Frankie & Co Hairdressing (Bribie Island)

Best Retail Business: In My Belly: Pupcakes and Treats (Bribie Island and online orders)

Best Health, Wellbeing and Fitness: Island Dance (Bribie Island)

Best Hospitality: Tie between Annie Lane Café (Bribie Island) and Toorbul Store and Tavern (Toorbul)

Best Trade Business: Hans Electrical (Services Pumicestone and Moreton Bay)

Best Business and Professional Services: Bribie Cinema (Bribie Island)

Best Business Newcomer: Camping, Fishing, Prospecting Bribie Island

Outstanding Customer Service Winner: Amy from Annie Lane

And with more than 1000 votes, the 2023 Pumicestone Small Business of the Year was Bribie Cinema.

“Bribie Cinema were a big fan favourite! Not only does the Bribie Cinemas team provide locals with affordable entertainment, they regularly host fundraisers to support local not-for-profit groups” Ms King says.

Pumicestone’s 2023 Small Business Awards Presentation potentially also launched the small business dreams of a new generation, with catering for the 135 attendees delivered by a team of hospitality students at Bribie Island State High School under the leadership of Amanda Waters.

The school works hard to prepare its students to gain employment, using Bribie High School’s newly refurbished commercial kitchens and student-led café to provide brilliant catering services for school and community events.

“Well done to these community-minded Bribie High students and thank you to every Pumicestone Small Business and motivated local who made the Awards a success,” Ms King says

“Next year’s Awards will return bigger and better than ever, including a much-requested Gala Dinner to celebrate.”