NEARLY a dozen hinterland businesses have been nominated as finalists in the 2023 Sunshine Coast Business Awards, including four in the Food and Agri Business category.
There are 137 finalists in the running for awards in 16 categories, after more than 400 entries were submitted.
Misty Views Cottages and Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat, both in Montville, are in the running for the best Accommodation category.
In the Creative Industries, Rozanne McCarty-O’Kane from Beerwah has been nominated for her Ignite & Write business.
Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World has been nominated in the Experiences category, going head to head with other finalists including Aussie World and Sunreef.
In Manufacturing, Trailers 2000 from Beerwah is a finalist.
The most hinterland nominations were recorded in the Food and Agri Business category, with Green Valley Fingerlimes (Peachester), Wild Horse Turf (Glass House Mountains), Peachester Fresh and Maleny Dairies all receiving nominations.
In Professional Services, Habitance Architects in Mapleton is a finalist while COPY CRED in Beerburrum is vying to win the Business Services category.
Sunshine Coast Business Awards Chair, Jennifer Swaine, said there were a record number of nominations with a 20 per cent increase in 2022.
“A big congratulations to each and every one of our finalists,” Ms Swaines said.
“It takes a tremendous amount of work just to make it to this stage, which is an achievement in itself.”
Habitance said they must be doing something right after being nominated in 2022 as well.
“We were finalists in 2022, and we are delighted to be finalists again in 2023,” the architectural firm posted on social media.
“Thank you to the Sunshine Coast Business Awards for recognising Habitance’s dedication to promoting Energy Positive Architecture, and having strong and sustainable business practices.
Finalists now undergo an interview process before the winner is decided.
Winners will be announced at the November 11 gala dinner at the Sunshine Coast Convention Centre.