29 APRIL 2026 

 

ENTRIES OPEN FOR THE 2026 IMB BANK ILLAWARRA BUSINESS AWARDS 

 

The Illawarra’s most prestigious celebration of business excellence has officially launched, with entries now open for the 2026 IMB Bank Illawarra Business Awards. 

 

Delivered by Business Illawarra in partnership with principal sponsor IMB Bank, the awards recognise the outstanding businesses, leaders, employees and organisations driving economic growth, innovation and community impact across the Illawarra, Shoalhaven and Southern Highlands. 

 

Now in its 32nd year, the IMB Bank Illawarra Business Awards continue to showcase the depth, resilience and ambition of the region’s business community, from emerging enterprises and micro businesses, through to large employers and globally connected firms. 

 

Business Illawarra Director, Coralie McCarthy said the awards play a critical role in recognising business leadership at a time of ongoing economic pressure. 

 

“Our businesses are navigating rising costs, skills shortages and ongoing uncertainty, yet they continue to invest, innovate and support their communities,” Ms McCarthy said. 

 
 “These awards are about recognising that effort and celebrating the people and organisations who are helping shape the future of our region. It's about taking time to congratulate teams and leaders in our region.” 

 

The 2026 program features a comprehensive suite of categories recognising excellence across leadership, workplace culture, innovation, sustainability, inclusion and the visitor economy, as well as awards tailored by business size to ensure fair recognition at every stage of growth. 

 

“Whether you are a sole trader, a fast-growing employer or a long-established organisation, there is a category that reflects your contribution,” Ms McCarthy said. 

 
 “We strongly encourage first-time entrants and businesses of all sizes to put themselves forward” Ms McCarthy said.   

 

As principal partner, IMB Bank continues its long-standing commitment to supporting regional businesses. 

 
 “Strong local businesses support strong communities, and these awards highlight the innovation and leadership that underpin long-term regional prosperity.” Ms McCarthy said.   

 

The IMB Bank Illawarra Business Awards also celebrate strong collaboration across the region’s chamber network, with Kiama and Shoalhaven both operating local business awards programs aligned to the regional awards framework. 

 

Winners from those local awards will progress through to the Illawarra regional awards, ensuring businesses at a local level are recognised, supported and encouraged to take the next step in showcasing their success. 

 

Ms McCarthy said the approach reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the region’s business ecosystem. 

 

“Our local chambers play a critical role in recognising business excellence at a community level,” she said. “By creating clear pathways from local awards through to regional and state recognition, we’re backing collaboration, consistency and pride in local business achievement.” 

 

Winners from the IMB Bank Illawarra Business Awards will progress to represent the region at the NSW Business Awards with Business NSW, providing an opportunity for local success stories to be recognised at a state level. 

 

2026 IMB Bank Illawarra Business Awards categories 

  • Outstanding Employee – sponsorship available  
  • Outstanding Young Business Leader – supported by media partner SCA 10  
  • Outstanding Business Leader (20 employees and under) - supported by our print media partner Illawarra Mercury 
  • Outstanding Business Leader (21 employees and over) – sponsorship available  
  • Excellence in International Business - supported by NSW Ports 
  • Employer of Choice (20 employees and under) – sponsorship available 
  • Employer of Choice (21 employees and over) – supported by Housing Trust 
  • Excellence in Innovation – on hold 
  • Excellence in Sustainability – supported by Bluescope 
  • Outstanding Community Organisation - supported by Warrigal  
  • Outstanding New Business - sponsorship available 
  • Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion – supported by Wollongong City Council  
  • Excellence in Micro Business (5 employees and under) sponsorship available  
  • Excellence in Small Business (6–20 employees) sponsorship available  
  • Excellence in Medium Business (21–99 employees) sponsorship available 
  • Excellence in Large Business (100+ employees) supported by media partner Seven Network  
  • Excellence in Workplace Health & Wellbeing - supported by Peoplecare Health Insurance 
  • Outstanding Local Chamber - supported by our radio media partner the Wave FM 
  • Outstanding Visitor Experience - supported by Port Authority of NSW 
  • Outstanding Visitor & 24-Hour Economy Collaboration – on hold 
  • Excellence in Sustainable Tourism - sponsorship available for this category 

 

Entries open: 29 April 2026 
Entries close: 10 June 2026 
Awards Gala: September 2026, more details to come! 

For more information or to enter, visit: https://www.businessillawarra.com 

 

 

Business Illawarra is also welcoming interest from organisations seeking to partner with the awards, with a range of sponsorship opportunities available across categories and program activities. Enquiries can be directed to Lisa Brown; email: lisa.brown@businessnsw.com or mobile: 0438 816 136. 

 

________________________________________________________________________  

 

Media Contact 

 

Coralie McCarthy 

Director, Business Illawarra

M: 0417 431 564

E Coralie.McCarthy@businessnsw.com

 

— ENDS —

 

About Business Illawarra

 

Business Illawarra is the region’s peak business organisation; a not-for-profit advocacy group dedicated to the economic development of the Illawarra, Shoalhaven and Southern Highlands. On behalf of our members, we develop policy and are the leading voice representing business across the region. 

 

Business Illawarra is owned and supported by Business NSW, the state's leading advocacy voice for business across NSW. Of the few enduring, independent, not-for-profit organisations in Australia, Business NSW is the only one focused on the wellbeing of the business community. Our purpose has always been to provide a strong advocate to all levels of government on issues affecting businesses, undertake research to guide greater public and private sector investment in economic infrastructure, and support the development of workforce capacity and skills in our region.