Business Hunter has announced the finalists for the 2026 Business Hunter Awards, following a record submission field of more than 300 entries. Marking the largest number of applications in the organisation’s 140-year history, the awards program highlights regional business performance, innovation and leadership across 20 self-nominated categories.
The program includes category awards for micro, small, medium and large enterprises, alongside dedicated categories for local chambers of commerce, visitor experiences, community organisations, sustainability, innovation, and diversity and inclusion. The overall Business of the Year Award will be selected from the winners of 10 core business categories, while the discretionary President’s Award will recognise an individual or entity for long-term contribution to the Hunter region.
The most competitive submission categories for 2026 included Excellence in Micro Business (0 to 5 employees) and Excellence in Small Business (6 to 20 employees), each drawing over 30 entries. The Outstanding Employee and Outstanding Community Organisation categories also recorded high entry numbers.
Chief Executive Officer of Business Hunter, Bob Hawes noted that the finalist cohort reflects broad participation across both emerging firms and major regional employers.
“The Business Hunter Awards continue to showcase the incredible range of businesses that call our region home, from sole traders and family-owned enterprises through to some of the Hunter’s largest employers,” Bob said.
“The finalists represent every corner of our economy and demonstrate the innovation, resilience and ambition that drive our region forward. We’re also delighted to see such exceptional representation in the individual award categories, recognising both established leaders and the next generation of business talent emerging across the Hunter.”
Winners will be announced at the Business Hunter Awards Gala Ceremony at NEX Newcastle on Friday 11 September 2026, with more than 550 business and civic leaders expected to attend.
IMAGE | Business Hunter announces record field of finalists for 2026 Business Hunter Awards
