Entries have officially opened to the 2024 Australian Small Business Champion Awards, the nation’s pinnacle recognition awards program that celebrates the achievements and considerable economic, social and cultural contributions of small business operators from across the country.

Marking its 26th consecutive year, the Awards specifically highlights the best of Australia’s small businesses in the retail, services and manufacturing industries.

“From high inflation and exceptional increases in operating expenses to challenges associated with staff hire, productivity and the overall current high cost of living, there’s no disputing that Australian small businesses are currently doing it very tough,” Awards founder and managing director of Precedent Productions Steve Loe says.

“It is often rightly said that small business is the backbone of the national economy. The millions of Australian small business operators ought to be honoured now more than ever before, not just for their economic contribution but also for their invaluable support of community-based initiatives and worthwhile causes that couldn’t overwise be supported so significantly.”

The Awards will feature more than 100 categories in electrical services, painting services, plumbing and kitchen and bathroom improvement as well as special spotlight categories including Business of the Decade, Small Business Young Entrepreneur (aged 30 and younger), Small Business Entrepreneur (aged over 30) and the 2024 Growth Award.

Online entry to the 2024 Australian Small Business Champion Awards is free and will remain open until 15 February 2024.

Finalists of the 2024 program will be announced during March and winners of the 2024 Australian Small Business Champion Awards will be revealed via two national presentation evening gala events at Sydney’s The Star on 12 and 13 April, 2024.