Business Illawarra will announce the finalists for the 2026 IMB Bank Illawarra Business Awards on Monday, 3 August, with category announcements rolling out online from 9:00am throughout the day.
A new category will be revealed every 30 minutes, recognising the businesses, leaders, employees, chambers, community organisations and visitor economy operators helping shape the strength and future of the Illawarra business community.
The IMB Bank Illawarra Business Awards are one of the region’s most significant celebrations of business excellence, showcasing achievement across businesses of all sizes, sectors and stages of growth.
Business Illawarra Director, Coralie McCarthy, said the finalist announcements are always an important moment for the region’s business community.
“Finalist day is a celebration. It is a chance to recognise the businesses and individuals who have put their hand up, reflected on what they have achieved, and shared the stories behind their success,” Ms McCarthy said.
“From sole traders and emerging businesses through to major employers, this year’s program reflects the depth, diversity and ambition of the Illawarra business community.”
Finalist announcements will begin at 9:00am on Monday, 3 August and continue every half hour across the day, released on all Business Illawarra social channels at the same time, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
Finalists will progress to the next stage of judging, with interviews to take place from Tuesday, 4 August to Friday, 21 August. Winners will be announced at the 2026 IMB Bank Illawarra Business Awards Gala Ceremony on Friday, 11 September.
Finalist announcement schedule
Announcements will be released throughout Monday, 3 August on Business Illawarra’s Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, plus category announcement videos will also premiere on YouTube across the day (direct links to YouTube premiere below).
- 9:00am Outstanding Local Chamber;
- 9:30am Outstanding Employee;
- 10:00am Outstanding Young Business Leader;
- 10:30am Outstanding Business Leader;
- 11:00am Excellence in International Business;
- 11:30am Employer of Choice;
- 12:00pm Excellence in Innovation;
- 12:30pm Excellence in Sustainability;
- 1:00pm Outstanding Community Organisation;
- 1:30pm Outstanding New Business;
- 2:00pm Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion;
- 2:30pm Excellence in Micro Business;
- 3:00pm Excellence in Small Business;
- 3:30pm Excellence in Medium Business;
- 4:00pm Excellence in Large Business;
- 4:30pm Excellence in Workplace Health and Wellbeing;
- 5:00pm Outstanding Visitor Experience; and
- 5:30pm Outstanding Visitor and 24-Hour Economy Collaboration.
How to get involved
- Share and support the online finalist announcements on Monday, 3 August 2026, as Business Illawarra celebrates business excellence across the region.
- Feature, interview or profile finalists in the lead-up to the Gala Ceremony, where winners will be announced on Friday, 11 September.
- Speak with category sponsors about their involvement in the Awards and the stories behind their support for Illawarra businesses.
- Attend the 2026 IMB Bank Illawarra Business Awards Gala Ceremony and be part of one of the region’s leading celebrations of business achievement.
- Interview or feature category winners after the awards, more to come!