The 2023 Australian Women’s Small Business Champion Awards have announced the finalists for the online and retail categories, showcasing the achievements of 29 female-led businesses across the country. The awards, which are in their second year, aim to celebrate the most inspiring and influential women in small business, covering a wide range of industries and sectors.
Online businesses demonstrate innovation and resilience
The online business category features 16 finalists who have leveraged the power of the internet to create successful and sustainable businesses. These include:
- Billycart Kids, a Queensland-based online store that sells eco-friendly and educational toys for children.
- Booxies, a Victoria-based online platform that allows users to create and share personalised digital books.
- Box’d Night In, a New South Wales-based online service that delivers curated boxes of activities and treats for couples or friends to enjoy at home.
- Buggez Bugeyes, a Western Australia-based online store that sells fashionable and functional sunglasses for dogs.
- Bundl Australia, a New South Wales-based online store that sells innovative baby products, such as swaddles, sleeping bags, and carriers.
- Cheers Sweetie, a New South Wales-based online service that delivers customised gift boxes of wine and chocolates.
- Danya Clairvoyant, a Victoria-based online service that offers psychic readings and spiritual guidance.
- East Forged, a Queensland-based online store that sells cold-brewed tea infused with nitrogen gas for a smooth and creamy texture.
- Essential Shift Consulting, a New South Wales-based online service that provides coaching and mentoring for women in leadership roles.
- Jaimie Abbott Communications, a New South Wales-based online service that offers public relations and media training for businesses and individuals.
- Medical Aesthetic Supplies, a Queensland-based online store that sells high-quality skincare products and devices for professional and personal use.
- Oh Flossy, a New South Wales-based online store that sells natural and safe makeup for children.
- Postix Sticker Club, a New South Wales-based online service that delivers monthly subscriptions of stickers for kids and adults.
- Strawberry Solutions, a New South Wales-based online service that provides e-learning solutions for education providers and businesses.
- Sunset Coast Publishing, a Western Australia-based online service that publishes books and magazines for the tourism industry.
- Your Bliss, a Queensland-based online store that sells wellness products, such as candles, diffusers, and crystals.
The finalists in this category have demonstrated their ability to adapt to the changing market conditions, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, by offering innovative and convenient solutions for their customers.
Retail businesses showcase diversity and excellence
The retail business category features 13 finalists who have excelled in providing specialised products and services for their niche markets. These include:
- B Eco Family, an Australian Capital Territory-based retail store that sells eco-friendly and reusable products for families, such as cloth nappies, menstrual cups, and bamboo toothbrushes.
- Birdies, a New South Wales-based retail store that sells bird supplies, such as cages, toys, food, and accessories.
- Blossom Hair Body Face and Wig Boutique, a New South Wales-based retail store that sells wigs, hair extensions, beauty products, and salon services for women with hair loss or thinning hair.
- Harry and Kit, a Queensland-based retail store that sells homewares, gifts, clothing, and accessories with a bohemian flair.
- HeyDoodle, a Victoria-based retail store that sells reusable silicone mats that can be coloured with washable markers and wiped clean with a damp cloth.
- Milkbar Breastpumps, a New South Wales-based retail store that sells breast pumps, accessories, lactation cookies, and nursing bras for breastfeeding mothers.
- Mini Murray and Me, a New South Wales-based retail store that sells matching outfits for mothers and daughters.
- Moulton Galleries, a New South Wales-based retail store that sells contemporary art by Australian and international artists.
- Muk Mat, a Queensland-based retail store that sells mats made from recycled synthetic grass that can be used to clean shoes, boots, or paws before entering the house or car.
- Ride Proud Clothing, a Queensland-based retail store that sells equestrian clothing designed for comfort, performance, and style.
- Silkflora, a New South Wales-based retail store that sells artificial flowers, plants, trees, and arrangements for home or office décor.
- The Spoonie Society, a Victoria-based retail store that sells products and services for people with chronic illnesses or disabilities, such as mobility aids, adaptive clothing, self-care kits, and support groups.
- The Store of Requirement, a Queensland-based retail store that sells merchandise inspired by the Harry Potter franchise, such as wands, robes, books, games, and jewellery.
The finalists in this category have showcased their passion and expertise in their chosen fields, by offering high-quality and unique products and services for their customers.
The winners of the online and retail categories, as well as the other categories, will be announced at a gala dinner on October 14, 2023, at The Star Sydney. The awards will also recognise four individual winners: 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.
