Celebrate our Winners 31st Belmont & WA Small Business Awards 2024
The winners of the 31st Belmont & Western Australian Small Business Awards 2024 were unveiled to an audience of over 430 attendees at our spectacular ‘Night of Stars’ event on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, held in the grand ballroom of the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre. It was a thrilling night, celebrating 31 years of opportunity, and honouring the dedication and resilience of Western Australian small business owners.
Welcome to Country – Dadajaal Daniel Garlett Welcome to Country
Entertainment – Kaylene Taylor Kaylene Taylor Song 1, Kaylene Taylor Song 2, Kaylene Taylor Song 3, Kaylene Taylor song 4
Cr Bernie Ryan, City of Belmont 31st Small Business Awards
FINALISTS Certificate Presentations – Video presentation
Finalists photos
Fashion Parade Gallery
Fashion Parade Video
Belmont Business Awards Feature PERTH NOW pages
Winners, Finalists, Fashion Parade Photos: Courtesy Leon Tang
Social Photos: Courtesy Jagdeep Singh, EMJ Photography
Winners media Release
Global Book Launches
BEST MARKETING AWARD
Sponsor: WESTWAYS VISUAL COMMUNICATION & A TEAM PRINTING
Presenter: Neil Cranny
Winners Video
Westways Visual Communications is a diverse graphic design studio and major print supplier. The company motto is “From business cards to websites and everything in between.” Our focus has been making business stand out since 1994. A Team Printing are Perth’s commercial printing experts, delivering high-quality printing and design services across a huge range of mediums. No matter the size of your business, you can be assured of receiving the very best with their high quality, competitive pricing, and fast service.WINNER: Helen O’Grady Drama Academy – Eastern Suburbs
Accepted by: Merylena Sulak
The Helen O’Grady Drama Academy in the Eastern Suburbs offers developmental drama programs for children aged 3 to 17. The program ensures that students enjoy balanced and engaging lessons every week. Led by principal Merylena Sulak, the eastern suburbs franchise is dedicated to helping children develop essential life skills while exploring their creative side. ‘Welcome Bags’ are given to all new students at the conclusion of their first lesson, containing additional information for parents about the classes and fun items for students. Other marketing strategies include radio and newspaper advertising, letterbox drops, and social media.
KARL FARRELL INSPIRATION AWARD
Sponsor: TEXTILE, CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR RESOURCES CENTRE OF WA INC.
Presenter: Carol Wallbank
Winners VideoThe Textile, Clothing and Footwear Resource Centre of Western Australia provides a valuable resource for the fashion, creative, and T.C.F. industries. Established in Belmont in 1998, the not-for-profit centre has been so successful that it now receives requests from across Australia and overseas. TCFWA provides specialised fashion business skills, mentoring, and supply chain sourcing on and offshore and has been recognised as a leader and role model organisation. This award honours Karl Farrell, an inspirational Chair of TCFWA.WINNER: Highlight Hair Salon
Accepted by: Georgia Quick
Highlight Hair Salon, located in Mt Hawthorn, aims to be a special place in the community for all women. Opening during COVID-19, Georgia and her business partner Juliana were inspired by Georgia’s late father, Russell Quick, a builder who helped design the plans for the salon. Just a week after opening, Georgia began to get ill and was later diagnosed with a serious disease. Through resilience and unwavering support, they’ve navigated the ups and downs of business. The team’s expertise ensures that beauty shines through in every client’s look.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AWARD
Sponsor: FRIENDS OF BELMONT
Presenter: Geoff Baker MLA, Member for South Perth
Winners Video
Belmont BEC, in conjunction with its extensive Perth Metropolitan business network and alliances, has delivered its “Count Me IN Disability Employment Awareness” program to over 3,000 business participants across the region. The initiative aims to assist employers in ‘Breaking Down the Barriers’ around disability employment. Friends of Belmont BEC wishes to acknowledge the support of Hannah Beazley MLA, Cassie Rowe MLA, Samantha Rowe MLC, and Geoff Baker MLA for contributing towards the Corporate Social Responsibility Award.WINNER: Geographe Holiday Homes
Accepted by: Tegan Wilde
Geographe Holiday Homes is a locally owned holiday home management company serving the Geographe Bay area since 2013. They are committed to making positive community impacts, including partnering with Geographe Education Support School to offer work experience for students with special needs. This initiative helps students gain confidence and experience in real-world environments. Additionally, Geographe Holiday Homes is dedicated to reducing its environmental impact through energy-saving and sustainable practices.
BUSINESS MANAGEMENT AWARD
Sponsor: FORTIX
Presenter: Craig Mason
Winners Video
At Fortix, we believe that operational excellence can be the difference between making money and losing it. That’s why we’ve put together a top-notch team dedicated to helping business owners streamline their operations and achieve amazing results. We offer a unique combination of expertise and technology, all provided as a service.WINNER: Elite Compliance
Accepted by: Kasey Venter
The Elite Group team, under the direction of Kasey Venter, is committed to fulfilling their roles without compromise, adhering to professional responsibilities, statutory obligations, and the company’s core values. The group spans a diverse range of industries, reflecting Kasey’s multifaceted experience and commitment to business and community development. The Group includes Elite Compliance, Elite Engineering, Elite Business Hub, Zenacon, and The Hope Project, a humanitarian initiative that established a 36-bed crisis accommodation facility in Kalgoorlie, WA. Elite Compliance fosters a supportive and inspiring community for women, empowering them to gain the confidence to become leaders, speakers, and educators in the construction industry.
Sponsor: TCF GLOBAL
Presenter: Carol Hanlon
Winners Video
TCF Global assists small businesses with sourcing and linking to global networks of sustainable suppliers. TCF is recognised for its long-standing delivery of online sustainable fashion and the circular economy. In 2024, TCF Founder Carol Hanlon presented on ‘Fashion Sustainability’ in Taiwan and at the Women Economic Forum in Melbourne, and presented at the prestigious Intertextile Apparel Expo in Shanghai, China, on TCF Investment Opportunities in Australia. TCF Global partners with Belmont BEC & BPW Business Incubator to deliver forums at United Nations CSW NGO Forums in New York each year, focusing on the UN Sustainable Development Goals. TCF has delivered free online energy efficiency webinars for small businesses for 12 years to help them reduce energy usage and better understand the upstream and downstream energy use in their supply chains.WINNER: Circular Fibres
Accepted by: Mansi Zaveri
At Circular Fibres, the team are passionate and advocate for a sustainable future rooted in the principles of the Circular Economy. As agents of change, they embark on a journey to champion the circular economy framework for sustainable development. Circular Fibres adopts a holistic approach to its key areas of impact: Education, Research & Analysis, and Policy Advocacy—ensuring a comprehensive commitment to advancing sustainability initiatives.
CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD
Sponsor: STORAGE KING PERTH AIRPORT
Presenter: Donna Forrest
Winners Video
Storage King are previous winners of Canstar Blue’s Most Satisfied Customer award for self-storage and offer a huge range of store locations across Australia and New Zealand. Storage King at Perth Airport are your local experts for anything from small locker-style storage all the way up to garages for vehicles or a 4-bedroom home. Offering outstanding customer service in this large 24-hour facility enabled the store to achieve the outstanding achievement of Storage King Facility of the Year in 2023.WINNER: Di Lusso Hair
Accepted by: Garrod Keightly
At Di Lusso, the salon is an inclusive, LGBTQIA+ and eco-friendly space located in the heart of West Perth. Under the direction of experienced owners Garrod and Danielle, the team is dedicated to helping clients navigate their haircare journey, whether that involves a new style, cut and colour, or a pampering treatment for some well-deserved relaxation. Whatever clients are seeking, the team is committed to making them feel comfortable, confident, and, above all, relaxed. If there’s anything they can do to better accommodate individual needs, clients are encouraged to let them know, ensuring a supportive experience every step of the way. Individual client records detail the preferred products to use, booking and purchase history, and styling requirements which are shared with team members.
SPIRIT OF AUSTRALIA AWARD
Sponsor: BELMONT BEC & MY BUSINESS INCUBATOR
Presenter: Jules Lewin
Winners Video
Belmont BEC is a not-for-profit association established in 1994, providing small business training and mentoring services, and has assisted over 35,000+ individuals in Belmont, WA and beyond to start or improve their small business during that time, and is a specialist in virtual business incubation. Belmont BEC has developed well-known projects for the benefit of its small business clients that have included the Belmont & WA Small Business Awards, ‘Ask an Expert’ Belmont Business Sundowners, Designedge Innovation FESTIVALS, TCF Resource Centre WA, Multicultural Business Support Services, WA Racing Industry Development Project, Belmont Clothes Library, Count Me IN Disability Employment Project, MY Business Incubator Cyber Security Project, BEC National Export Project, and the BPW Business Incubator supporting women in small business.WINNER: I B’Long
Accepted by: Hoozie Chapman & Colin Fuller
I B’LONG is more than just a lifestyle brand – it’s a movement. Originating from the rugged beauty of the Kimberley, it ignites and inspires a profound sense of belonging. The business is a young indigenous-owned business with family ties to the Jaru People in Halls Creek. The brand represents a journey, walking alongside individuals as they seek their place, their people, and a sense of home. Current products include: headwear, clothing, and merchandise such as stubby holders, UV car stickers, key rings, and bags. I B’LONG stands for hope, believing that when people truly belong, they discover strength, and in that strength, can be saved.
INNOVATION & CREATIVITY AWARD
Presenter: Louise Percy
Winners Video
The Designedge Innovation Festival, established by Belmont BEC & TCFWA, now in its 20th year, is an annual festival that includes workshops, webinars, events, forums, and networking staged in Belmont, Perth, Western Australia, and nationally and globally online. In 2024, the Designedge Innovation Festival hosted over 130 events including topics on exporting, cyber security, featured global business entrepreneurs, innovators, designers, creatives, sustainability, and the circular economy.WINNER: RaptorTech
Accepted by: Aaron Locke
Located in Belmont, RaptorTech was founded in 2018 to provide all levels of industry access to leading technology from tier 1 multinationals, catering to both large miners and single machine owner-operators. They believe that technology should be compatible with any brand of machine, with a strong emphasis on interoperability that empowers owners and operators to achieve their business goals. Recognising the crucial role of technology in business, RaptorTech treats it with utmost importance. At its core is a dedicated team of engineers, developers, business analysts, IT experts, and machine control specialists, whose strong technical foundation guarantees a deep understanding of every project. RaptorTech has been a finalist for 4 major Australian awards so far in 2024.
TECHNOLOGY AWARD & CYBER SECURITY AWARD
RES-Q COMPUTER SERVICES & SUPPLIES
Presenter – Niklas Frost
Winners Video
At Res-Q IT, innovation is at the heart of everything we do. We provide top-notch computer protection and support to keep you safe from cyber threats. If your computer is acting up and you’re ready to toss it out the window, don’t worry—Res-Q is here to save the day and bring a smile to your mission is to give you the time and freedom to focus on what you do best, while we handle your tech needs. Whether it’s sorting out your Microsoft Office applications, fixing your internet, or ensuring you’re protected against cyber threats, Res-Q has you covered. Let us take care of the technology, so you can take care of your business.
Winner – Limitless Devs
Accepted by – Samuel HawleyLimitless Devs, based in Cloverdale, specialises in custom software, web, and mobile app development. They focus on innovation and quality, providing solutions that drive business growth and efficiency. Limitless Devs produce websites that don’t just look pretty, they genuinely help businesses achieve their goals. In addition, they develop apps that have a clear focus so they can save their clients time and money. Now having added services in AI Integration and data processing, they are also able to offer custom software development. Business owner Samuel Hawley credits his team with their success. Although the team are primarily remote, collaborative office days are organised to promote teamwork and a strong culture.
COMMUNITY SPIRIT AWARD
Sponsor: PERTH NOW
Presenter: Andrew Clark
Winners Video
PerthNow is WA’s top news and entertainment website, always on and always informing. Through the combined reporting resources of Seven West Media, PerthNow gives you the latest local, national, and international news, hottest entertainment happenings, must-know lifestyle stories, and the biggest sporting updates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. PerthNow also brings its well-known, vibrant brand and large social media following to your local newspaper. The FREE weekly newspaper prides itself on helping our readers connect with their community. Valued for covering local issues, events, and news, we get to the heart of local matters!WINNER: Belmont Men’s Shed
Accepted by: Brian Carey & Ron Young
Belmont Men’s Shed is a member of the Australian Men’s Shed Association and supports the values of the Men’s Shed movement. Its primary goal is to provide men in Belmont and surrounding suburbs with a welcoming facility to share ideas, knowledge, and work on projects in a safe and friendly environment. The shed offers members a chance to connect with others and discuss health and well-being issues in a non-threatening atmosphere. Volunteers at the Men’s Shed engage in various community projects and encourage local residents to join, make friends, and participate in activities that benefit the community.
HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE – BELMONT MEN’S SHED INC
Sponsor: BELMONT BEC
Presenter: Cassie Rowe MLA, Member for Belmont
Winners Video
Hall of Fame Inductee Belmont Men’s Shed Inc was awarded the 2021 and 2023 Community Spirit Award and now this year, with their 3rd award, are inducted into the Awards Hall of Fame.
FASHION INDUSTRY AWARD
Sponsor: TCF AUSTRALIA EXPORT TRAINING & MY FASHION INCUBATOR
Presenter: Irving Lane
Winners Video
The TCF AUSTRALIA EXPORT Project provides EXPORT business skills assistance to small businesses operating in the fashion, textile, clothing, footwear, leather and TCF industry and creative sectors across Australia looking to improve their exporting business skills and develop an export marketing plan. Its TCF Access Asia Project provided linkages and opportunities through 17 Asian countries within the TCF and related industries. MY Fashion Incubator has created a range of projects over the years assisting migrant designers, fashion incubators and fashion sustainability.WINNER: Style by Rachel Metropolis
Accepted by: Rachel Metropolis
Style by Rachel Metropolis showcases the talent of local fashion designer and stylist Rachel Metropolis. As a certified Personal Stylist and Fashion Designer with over 10 years of experience, Rachel is dedicated to helping clients rediscover their unique style and feel confident in their appearance. Known for her dedication to fit, fabric, and quality, Rachel creates stunning designs that are locally made and available at Harry & Gretel boutique. So, whether you’re looking for a wardrobe refresh, outfit inspiration for special occasions, or simply want to feel more comfortable and stylish in your everyday clothes, Rachel is there to guide you every step of the way.
BEST NEW BUSINESS
Sponsor: CITY OF BELMONT
Presenter: Cr Bernie Ryan
Winners Video
The City of Belmont is a vibrant, modern City located just six kilometres from the Perth CBD. The City’s prime location between Perth Airport and Perth CBD has led to a strong local freight and logistics industry, and attracts new families, businesses, and visitors to the area. With a pro-business outlook, diverse local economy, and growing population, the City is a great place to live, work, and invest.WINNER: Blue Rose Celebrancy
Accepted by: Karen Quigley
Based in Belmont, Karen Quigley is the owner and principal celebrant of Blue Rose Celebrancy, boasting over 50 five-star reviews. Karen specialises in creating and delivering bespoke ceremonies that celebrate life’s significant moments, including love and loss. She offers her services in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, and Italian. With a background in social work, leadership, and event management, Karen is equipped with the skills and experience necessary to excel as a celebrant. Her well-rounded expertise ensures that clients benefit from a top-notch celebratory experience.
MARJORIE CHARLESON WA RACING INDUSTRY AWARD
Sponsor: FRIENDS OF BELMONT BEC
Presenter: John McGrath
Winners Video
The late Marjorie Charleson was a media & PR trailblazer in the 1970s Golden Era of Perth Racing and went on to establish “Racebreed Australia” magazine in 1998; winning three Belmont & WA Small Business Awards and inducted into the Awards Hall of Fame. On August 17th, 2024, Marjorie Charleson was inducted into the WA Racing Industry ‘Hall of Fame’ for her outstanding past contributions to the WA Racing Industry. The annual Marjorie Charleson WA Racing Industry Award will continue in her memory to acknowledge excellence within the WA Racing Industry and this year has been supported by ‘Friends of Belmont BEC’ who are committed supporters of Marjorie and her memory and include Ernie Manning, Bill Sidebottom, Mary Gracie, John and Karen McGrath, Carol Hanlon, Bernie Ryan, Samantha Rowe MLC, Cassie Rowe MLC, Louise Percy, Jules Lewin, Irving Lane, and Kumar Peiris.
WINNER: Western Australian Racehorse Owners Association
Accepted by: Mark Luzi
The sole mission of the Western Australian Racehorse Owners Association is to provide racehorse owners a direct voice to Government, Racing and Wagering Western Australia, Racing Clubs, and Breeders to advance the interest of owners. Members receive a range of benefits such as free entry to various tracks around WA, preferential seating, access to a member magazine, and representation for racing industry groups. Their strategic priority areas include happy members, strong partnerships, association awareness, good governance, and financial stability.
INDIGENOUS BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD
Sponsor: INDIGENOUS BUSINESS AUSTRALIA
Presenter: Kelly Keane
Winners Video
IBA was created to assist and enhance the economic development opportunities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Australia. IBA serves, partners, and invests with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who want to own their future. We go further than providing money; we invest in people, places, and ideas that can’t wait. We help make them real. Our vision is for a nation in which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are economically independent and an integral part of the economy.WINNER: Gather Foods
Accepted by: Felicity Callahan & Ash Penfold
Gather Foods is a business developed by Aboriginal people in support of Aboriginal people. Nyoongar Traditional Owner Gerry Matera, alongside renowned executive chef Eddie Bulatao, collaborates with local farmers and Aboriginal elders to forage for indigenous superfoods and flavours. The provenance of their ingredients and commitment to sustainability are central to everything Eddie and the team do. Gather Foods are diverse and inclusive by nature, which is more innovative, not only in their approach to creating food experiences but also in their social mission. From small-batch native-food-inspired condiments to native ice cream, Gather Foods can do it all, and have corporate catering clients like UGL, Synergy, FML, and RAC.
HOME BASED BUSINESS AWARD
Sponsor: APM
Presenter: Jessica Ballard
Winners Video
APM is the world’s largest human services organisation. The Self-Employment Assistance program is one of many Workforce Australia contracts offered by APM in WA and helps people set up, develop, and grow their own small business. Self-Employment Assistance provides more support to more people & more businesses in more places across Australia. Participants have access to collaborative and personalised support from their business mentors for 12 months, all with the goal of giving you the best possible start in business.WINNER: NMCYBER
Accepted by: Nickson Karie
NMCYBER is a home-based cybersecurity consultancy focused on helping local businesses in Perth improve their cybersecurity awareness. At NMCYBER, the team takes pride in transforming workforces into cyber warriors. Their innovative approach to cybersecurity awareness and training not only protects data but also transforms the entire organisation. By adopting a holistic approach that integrates various security products and services, NMCYBER creates a multi-layered defence system. This comprehensive process leads to a more secure and resilient digital environment for organisations, significantly reducing the likelihood of successful cyber attacks.
BUSINESS WOMAN OF THE YEAR AWARD
Sponsor: BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL WOMEN WA & BPW BUSINESS INCUBATOR WOMEN IN BUSINESS TRAINING & MENTORING PROJECT
Presenter: Kate Waters
Winners Video
Business & Professional Women Western Australia was established in 1946 and is part of a global network of Business and Professional Women organisations across 100 countries, making real differences in women’s lives by taking action for women’s equality and facilitating economic independence through support and mentoring. Members give their time and passion to support various gender equality campaigns and empowerment projects that benefit women and their communities. BPW Business Incubator ONLINE Training and Mentoring Projects are conducted by Belmont BEC, which is a specialist business improvement provider to women owners and managers in small businesses across WA, Australia, and beyond. BPW Business Incubator also partners with TCF Global and Belmont BEC to deliver NGO Forums as part of UN CSW New York with the theme ‘Economic Empowerment of Women,’ featuring women making a difference around the globe.WINNER: Aida Oakdon, Hope Services Australia
Accepted by: Aida Oakdon
Hope Services Australia is a provider of home care nursing and disability services in the community. As a verified NDIS provider, their mission is to empower participants in the management of their daily activities so that they can live meaningful and fulfilling lives. Aida Oakdon and her staff are committed to delivering the best possible care, ensuring participants receive the highest quality of life. Aida has developed various outreach programs promoting volunteerism, global charitable initiatives, and free nursing and health services for those who need it most. Hope Services Australia, in partnership with the Filipino Australian Health Workers Association, has led impactful outreach programs addressing urgent needs and creating lasting positive changes.
INTERNATIONAL TRADE AWARD
Sponsor: TRANSITAINER WA
Presenter: Kelly Crossley
Winners Video
Transitainer WA, based in Perth, is a leading innovative logistics and freight solutions provider. We deliver reliable logistic services globally because we are committed to excellence and customer satisfaction. Our dedicated team ensures seamless operations, making us a trusted business partner worldwide. At Transitainer WA, we continually enhance our services to meet the evolving needs of our clients, driving industry standards forward.WINNER: Visa Express
Accepted by: Kevin Koh
Established in 2001, Visa Express has expanded to include affiliate offices in China and Vietnam. Founded by Kevin Koh, who serves as the principal and is a member of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA) and the Migration Institute of Australia, the agency has built a strong reputation in migration consultancy. Having migrated to Australia from Malaysia in 1990, Kevin brings over 20 years of experience in Australian migration programs, specialising in business skilled, independent skilled, 482, family, partner, and employer nomination visas. His extensive business background enables him to navigate the distinct cultures of the East and West, which is essential for preparing business skilled applications.
Sponsor: MUSTERA PROPERTY GROUP
Presenter: Nick Zborowski
Winners Video
Mustera Property Group Ltd (Mustera) is an Australian focused Real Estate Investment and Development Company listed on the ASX, with a particular focus on quality residential, commercial, industrial, and mixed-use projects. Mustera provides integrated real estate investment solutions with the ability to pursue a diverse range of Australian real estate opportunities across all investment types, capital structures and asset classes.
WINNER: Shoma Mittra, Write Click Writing Services
Accepted by: Shoma Mittra
WriteClick Writing Services is a content creation and management company. Founder Shoma Mittra has been a human-interest writer and editor for over two decades and is a dedicated book coach for emerging and established writers. Shoma simplifies the publishing process and supports authors on their journey to success with her dedicated team of editors, book cover designers, illustrators, and marketers. She also offers monthly mentoring sessions for those struggling to get their book ideas on paper. Shoma’s dream is to impact the world, change lives, and showcase authority by writing and publishing books.
BUSINESS MIGRANT OF THE YEAR
Sponsor: BEC GLOBAL
Presenter: Kumar Peiris
Winners Video
Business migrants play an integral part of the WA business community, with Western Australia having the highest rate of new migration of all states in Australia. Belmont BEC since 1994, has always attracted an extensive network of culturally and linguistically diverse clients who wish to start a new business and/or grow their existing business. As a result, Belmont BEC has delivered many migrant-related projects. Belmont BEC & BEC Global has extensive links with global trade associations and business networks that assist with opportunities to support our client base and has linkages to over 120 countries.WINNER: DH Holistic Care
Accepted by: Dorcas Prosper and Hannah Gongar
Dorcas Prosper and Hannah Gongar are co-founders of DH Holistic Care Services; a family-owned company established in 2020 and based in Cloverdale. Dorcas and her sister Hannah migrated to Australia in 2005 from Guinea with a dream to become business owners. With a background deeply rooted in healthcare, the sisters and their team offer nursing care, personal care, community and social support, respite care, and accommodation services to the community. Dorcas understands that illness does not recognise day or night and is on call 24 hours a day. She is passionate about offering services tailored to each client’s individuality, empowering them to live life on their own terms.
YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR AWARD
Sponsor: VENTURD
Presenter: Adam Blake
Winners Video
venturD, formerly Blake Digital, are passionate about branding and building businesses. We help you build and develop your business’s brand through award-winning design, innovative corporate communications, strategic planning, and targeted marketing. Building a business can be seen as an adventure. Trust us with your branding so you can get on with building your successful business venture.WINNER: Andrew Hook, Bara Electrical
Accepted by: Andrew Hook
Andrew Hook, Managing Director of Bara Electrical, began his journey in the electrical industry when he left school in year 11 to pursue a pre-apprenticeship. He started his first business in 2020 and acquired Bara Electrical in 2023. Based in Carlisle, Bara Electrical brings a wealth of expertise to every project, ensuring top-tier solutions. Bara has grown into a thriving business with over 25 dedicated staff members and a fleet of more than 15 vans servicing the Perth area. Throughout his business journey, Andrew credits the importance of effective leadership and the value of fostering a positive workplace culture for his ongoing success.
ENTERPRISE OF THE YEAR
Sponsor: DOWNS ACCOUNTING
Presenter: Graham Downs
Winners Video
Downs Accounting is a medium-sized Chartered Accounting firm based in Rivervale, established in 2007. We offer a comprehensive range of services including tax and financial statement preparation, business advisory, and bookkeeping. The firm is dedicated to helping individuals and businesses manage their finances effectively and has experience in most industries. Downs Accounting provides personalised service and expert advice to meet each client’s unique needs.
WINNER: The Crommelin Group
Accepted by: Kevin Wilson
Founded in 1958 by Terry Crommelin, The Crommelin Group, based in Welshpool, has grown from its humble beginnings selling equipment out of the back of a Holden station wagon into a robust family-owned business. Today, it employs over 30 people, many of whom have been with the company for more than 20 years. Crommelin lists their strengths as having engaged and decisive executive leadership and board, a strong culture, and great financial management. They approach every situation with a “Can Do” attitude and employ a “One Team” method to ensure that the solutions they offer are cohesive and safe.
BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR
Sponsor: FLINTEL
Presenter: Nathan Cheung
Winners Video
Having sponsored the BSBA for over 6 years, Flintel is a WA telecommunications company providing voice services and high-speed internet including NBN, mobile, and fibre. Focusing on the business market, Flintel has proven to be reliable with a level of customer service second to none. Flintel offers various plans to suit your business, whether you have a storefront, an office, or work from home. With a 3CX business phone plan as low as $15 for retail stores, Flintel provides excellent value for money.WINNER: Whitney Consulting
Accepted by: Tara Whitney
Tara Whitney started the consulting firm as a sole trader in 2017 in the WA town of Pingelly, and in just over 7 years, has secured over $200 million in funding that changes communities, expands businesses, and makes life better for Australians. Whitney Consulting comprises skilled professionals who understand the intricacies of grant and tender applications, including identifying suitable funding opportunities, crafting compelling proposals, and navigating the complex requirements set by grant-making organisations. With a presence in Perth, Regional WA, Sydney, and Adelaide, they offer comprehensive expertise across different geographical areas.
JUDGES AWARD
Sponsor: FRIENDS OF BELMONT BEC
Presenter: Cassie Rowe MLA, Member for Belmont
Winners Video
Belmont Business Enterprise Centre Inc. established the Belmont Small Business Awards in 1994, and since then, many thousands of small businesses in WA have participated as Award Finalists and Winners, with many going on to win state or national awards. In 2024, the Judging Panel has nominated two small businesses they would like to recognise for their achievements and the services being provided. Friends of Belmont BEC acknowledge support from Cassie Rowe MLA, Member for Belmont, and Samantha Rowe MLC, Member for East Metropolitan Region.WINNER: Viet-Coffee
Accepted by: Van Collin
Vietnamese coffee culture has a rich history, and one entrepreneur who played a pivotal role in introducing Vietnamese coffee to mainstream Australia is Van Collin. Her journey from humble beginnings to becoming the proprietor of Viet-Coffee (the largest internet retailer of Vietnamese coffee and tea in Australasia) is nothing short of inspiring. Van emigrated to Perth in 2008 with her two boys and sought a job that allowed her to work from home. From humble beginnings, she now has partnerships with many Vietnamese coffee brands and sponsors a number of charitable programs in Vietnam.
JUDGES AWARD
Sponsor: FRIENDS OF BELMONT BEC
Presenter: Cassie Rowe MLA, Member for Belmont
Winners Video
Belmont Business Enterprise Centre Inc. established the Belmont Small Business Awards in 1994, and since then, many thousands of small businesses in WA have participated as Award Finalists and Winners, with many going on to win state or national awards. In 2024, the Judging Panel has nominated two small businesses they would like to recognise for their achievements and the services being provided. Friends of Belmont BEC acknowledge support from Cassie Rowe MLA, Member for Belmont, and Samantha Rowe MLC, Member for East Metropolitan Region.
WINNER: iDNA Health
Accepted by: Sharon Palmer
iDNA Health is a leading integrated health clinic specialising in Clinical Genetics. They start with each patient’s unique genetic profile to deliver personalised healthcare. They offer predictive and preventive healthcare which allows them to identify potential health risks before they manifest. iDNA Health has its own proprietary genetic test and DNA-based software. Via their online telehealth services, they are now able to serve patients not just locally, but across the state, interstate, and internationally. In 2023, they expanded their educational and marketing reach by developing their own podcast and are currently developing a DNA personalised nutrition app.