From thousands of entrants, several Hunter-based ventures have made the “Finalists List” of the 2023 Australian Women’s Small Business Champion Awards.

The prestigious event, which will take place at the newly-built Western Sydney Conference Centre at Penrith on Saturday 22 September, celebrates the growing number of inspiring and influential female entrepreneurs.

And, those businesses from the region to mark their respective mark include Palfreyman Chartered Accountants (Cessnock), PLH Accountants (East Maitland), Purposeful Life (Williamstown), Flaunt it hair and beauty (Kurri Kurri), ACN – All Communications Network (Raymond Terrace), Edge of Possibilities (Fletcher), Rise N Shine Espresso Bar (West Wallsend), Freedom is Within (Elermore Vale), Hunter Ethical Disability Support Services (Beresfield), Level Up Development (Caves Beach), Sunflower Services (East Maitland), Little Cookies Early Learning Centre (Glendale), Advanced School of Beauty (Maitland), Kid Biz Academy (Adamstown Heights), Start My Cleaning Biz (Newcastle West), Hunter Valley Goat Hire (Mount Vincent), Manisha Fitness (Hamilton), Camel Milk NSW (Muswellbrook), Hair at DASH (Rutherford), Transcend Health (Broadmeadow), Tracy Thomas Art (Rathmines), Conveyancing Services (Adamstown), The Family Law Co (Newcastle), Jaimie Abbott Communications (Newcastle East), Newcastle and Hunter Community Health (Mayfield West), Innerworks Business Solutions (Newcastle West), B Eco Family (Weston), HV Tours (Bellbird) and The Better Clean Team (Newcastle West) and Dragonfly Cakes (Weston).

On top of that, Jaimie Abbott is vying for the title of Small Business Champion Woman Icon and Sarah Marco for Young Small Business Champion Woman Entrepreneur (30 years and under).

Now in its second consecutive year, the 2023 Australian Women’s Small Business Champion Awards features more than 65 categories, judged by an independent panel of representatives who have relevant experience or an understanding of the operations of small business.

“We’re simply blown away by the incredibly high-calibre of Australia’s female-led small businesses,” founder Steve Loe said.

“While it’s certainly a welcome challenge, the next round of judging is bound to be even more challenging, as we continue to nut-through the impressive finalists to reach one category winner.

“When they evaluate entries, they consider all aspects of a small business: its strategies, innovative initiatives, customer service, vision, growth, charitable and community support… to name but some of the judging criteria.”

In addition to honouring category winners, the 2023 Australian Women’s Small Business Champion Awards also showcases the achievements of four individuals – Young Small Business Champion Woman Entrepreneur (aged 30 and younger), Small Business Champion Woman Entrepreneur (aged over 30), Australian Small Business Champion Influential Woman and Australian Small Business Champion Icon.

“The success of female-led small businesses in this country is absolutely on the rise, especially during the past decade and even during the current challenging economic climate,” Mr Loe said.

Winners will be announced at a national presentation evening gala event, hosted by accomplished journalist and popular broadcaster Deborah Knight.

For more business stories:

• Grape expectations exceeded by Hunter winemakers
• Safety in spotlight after recent Hunter tragedy
• Newcastle business duo lodges DA for unique storage sub-culture hub

Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.