More than 130 guests assembled at The Pavilion Kiama for the second annual awards, organised by Kiama Business Network.
All finalists from the categories have automatically qualified for the Illawarra Business Awards at the University of Wollongong on 11 September.
Bee Inspired owner Rachael Peedom was a popular choice as the winner of the Kiama Business of the Year award.
Her beekeeping business, which provides education and mentorship, also took out the award for Excellence in Micro Business.
Ms Peedom said she was “speechless” after being named the Business of the Year ahead of fellow finalists Cin Cin Wine Bar and Marketing Movement.
Kiama Business Awards winners
Business of the year: Bee Inspired. Finalists: Marketing Movement, Cin Cin Wine bar
Outstanding Business Leader: Gulcin Topel – Saltwater. Finalists: Meg Storey – Marketing Movement, Esther Keenan – Known Designs & Print, Sheree Bailey – The Collective Beat
Outstanding Community Organisation: Kiama Sevens. Finalists: Kiama Community Radio, Zonta Club of Kiama-Shellharbour.
Employer of Choice: Marketing Movement. Finalist: Culleton Lawyers
Excellence in Micro Business: Bee Inspired. Finalists: This Old House Studio, Miss Zoe’s School of Dance, Known Designs & Print, Luckies Knickers, Micro Ear Care, Resolve Business Coaching
Outstanding New Business: The Sea & Beau. Finalists: Seth Dental Gerringong, Lane, Havenwood Pottery Studio, That Bike Guy
Outstanding Employee: Jes Cochrane – Marketing Movement. Finalists: Erin Egan, Lily Hoyt-Bull, Veronica Bardsley, Cantekin Baysal, Britt Flecknoe
Excellence in Small Business: Cin Cin Wine Bar. Finalists: Slow Dough, Marketing Movement, Travel Focus, The Collective Beat, Saltwater
Visitor Experience: The Collective Beat. Finalist: Saltwater
Outstanding Young Business Leader: Teresa Vi Nguyen. Finalist: Georgie Davey – Serious About Socials.
