LMBA categories

Each year, all category winners are considered for the Optus Platinum Award. This ultimate recognition isn’t open for application – it’s awarded to the most exceptional among the winners.

2025 Award Categories

Accenture Australia Product Innovation Award

For companies redefining what’s possible with nationally or globally competitive products, services or strategies.

Applicants should showcase how their innovation meets a market need, creates impact, or leads the way in their industry.

Past winners include: Carbonaught, Genics, Flavour Creations, Microba and Vaxxas.

ANZ High-Growth Business Award

For companies scaling boldly and sustainably – whether through new markets, or have achieved significant growth in revenue, staff, customers or new markets over the past three years.

Applications should clearly outline the key drivers of growth, supported by data, and demonstrate how the business has scaled sustainably and strategically.

Past winners include: Askable, Swyftx, SimPRO and Tanda.

Australian Pacific LNG Business Transformation Award

For businesses thriving and creating value through transformation – from customer experience to tech innovation. Applications can be for a single initiative or an overall strategy.

Applicants should illustrate how their transformation has created value and positive outcomes.

Past winners include: Australian Country Choice, DoubleTake Sports, HTA Global and Seipel Group.

Carers Queensland Small Business Award

For outstanding privately-owned small businesses (5-20 full-time employees) whose grit, creativity or community focus sets them apart.

Applications should showcase what truly sets their business apart — whether it's bold innovation, exceptional service, community connection or remarkable resilience.

Past winners include: Adina Watches, Blaklash, Nourish’d and UNE PIECE.

International Business Award

For organisations achieving outstanding export success and growing Brisbane’s presence on the global stage.

The applicant has successfully committed to exporting products and services and is now enjoying the growth and prosperity from that venture.

Past winners include: Circa, Emesent and Populous.

dentsu Environmental Sustainability in Business Award

For businesses leading the way in sustainable practices and clean innovation. Applications can be for a single initiative or an overall strategy.

Applications should demonstrate how the business is contributing to keeping resources in use for longer, minimising consumption of finite resources, reducing waste and pollution, and protecting and enhancing our natural environment.

Past winners include: Helios Brewing, Save our Supplies and Vaulta.

Hutchinson Builders Social Enterprise Award

For businesses making a meaningful difference – through impact-led models tackling social challenges, support people and communities or help protect the encironment.

Applications should describe their business model, the social or environmental issue they address, and the impact they've created through measurable outcomes

Past winners include: Australian Spatial Analytics, Future Anything, Leap in! Australia and Nundah Community Enterprises Cooperative.

ISPT Investment in Brisbane Award

For businesses backing the future of Brisbane. Investment can take the form of capital investment, new ideas and new business divisions or projects undertaken in Brisbane during the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 financial years.

Applications should highlight how the investment contributes to the city’s economy, innovation, or liveability.

Past winners include: The Fortitude Music Hall, One Harvest Rino Recycling and Watkins Steel.

oOh!media Micro Business Award

For mighty sole traders or micro businesses (up to 4 employees) displaying excellence in running their business with passion, smarts and impact.

Applicants should tell the story of their business journey, outline their impact and innovation, and show how they punch above their weight in a competitive market.

Past winners include: Kiddo, Little Change Creators and Small Scholars.

Port of Brisbane Young Business Person of the Year

For entrepreneurial changemakers aged 35 and under making waves in business and the Brisbane economy.

Applicants should showcase their entrepreneurial spirit, business achievements, and contribution to the local community or economy.

Past winners include: Ashleigh Morris – Coreo, Dr James Fielding – Audeara, Mathew Allan – Australia Droid and Robot and Scott Young – Young Guns Container Crew

Business Person of the Year

For outstanding business leaders whose vision, values and impact have shaped Brisbane’s success story.

Past winners include: Caroline McCulloch – Frankie4, Don Meij – Domino's Pizza Enterprises, Maxine Horne – Vita Group, and Phillip Di Bella – The Coffee Commune

Optus Platinum Award

Presented to the most outstanding overall category winner – highlighting Brisbane as a business destination of choice. Winners from business categories will be considered for this award. This category is not open for applications.