After a record-breaking response to this year’s refreshed Geelong Business Excellence Awards program, we’re excited to reveal the 2026 Finalists, and it’s a line-up worth celebrating!
With over 300 entries received from businesses and individuals across the Greater Geelong region, this year’s judging process was the most competitive in the Awards’ 40-year history. Our independent panel of judges faced the incredible challenge of narrowing the field down to just eight finalists in each category, a true mark of standout achievement.
The calibre of this year’s entries was extraordinary, showcasing the innovation, resilience, leadership and excellence that make Geelong one of Australia’s most dynamic business communities to watch.
Being named a finalist is no small feat. It places these businesses and individuals among the very best our region has to offer.
Let’s hear it for the 2026 GBEA Finalists!
Business of the Year
- Hamilton Group
- Microkeeper
- Norlane Dental Aesthetics & Implants
- Pivot Stove & Heating
- Ramp Advisory Partners
- The Q Train
Business Leader of the Year – Sponsored by 939 bay
- Dr Saba Qutub
- Marie-Claire Trotter
- Matt Cowdell
- Zoe Waters
Young Entrepreneur of the Year – Sponsored by Deakin University
- Brad McAuliffe
- Dr Elise Davey
- Laura Alobaidy
- Tom Simic
Commercial & Operational – sponsored by Harwood Andrews
- Australian Tea Masters
- Body Recon
- Enterprise Monkey
- Hamilton Group
- Norlane Dental Aesthetics & Implants
- Pivot Stove & Heating
- Ramp Advisory Partners
Marketing & Brand Impact – Sponsored by Furphy
- Body Recon
- Enterprise Monkey
- Microkeeper
- OmniSAM
- River’s Gift
- The Q Train
Customer Experience & Service – Sponsored by Care Super
- Australian Tea Masters
- Geelong Mobile Vaccination Services
- Hamilton Group
- Montessori Minds Childcare Centre
- Norlane Dental Aesthetics & Implants
- OmniSAM
- The CONNECT Initiative
- The Q Train
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion – Sponsored by TAC
- Barwon Asset Solutions
- First Step Support Services
- Geelong Disability Services
- Geelong Golf Academy
- Morpheus Publishing
- OKAY Therapy
Outstanding Growth – Sponsored by Roderick Insurance Brokers
- Calm Minds Clinic
- Geelong Access Hire
- HK Solutions
- Pre Loved Geelong
- Prestige Event Hire
- SPM – Sustainable Project Management
Healthy, Safe & Well – Sponsored by WorkSafe Victoria
- Ability DN
- Calm Minds Clinic
- Montessori Minds Clinic
- Perry Demolition
- Tradetech Services Australia
Emerging Business – Sponsored by the Gordon
- Barwon Events trading as Geelong City Market
- Brand Tales
- Hypergen
- Play Sense
- Revive Preloved
- Simic Financial
- Wonderkind & Co Therapeutic Consultancy
Technology & Digital – Sponsored by DuSol Australia
- Ability DN
- Enterprise Monkey
- First Step Support Services
- Microkeeper
Employer of Choice – Sponsored by the City of Greater Geelong
- Arthur St
- Burke Britton Financial Partners
- HK Solutions
- Montessori Minds Childcare Centre
- Norlane Dental Aesthetics & Implants
- ReCreate
Community & Social Impact – Sponsored by the Give Where You Live Foundation
- Arthur St
- Barwon Health Foundation
- Complete Health Geelong
- Feed Me Incorporated
- Geelong Community Foundation
- Morpheus Publishing
- River’s Gift
Innovation Excellence – Sponsored by LBW Business + Wealth Advisors
- Arthur St
- Australian Tea Masters
- Barwon Asset Solutions
- Braille Sign Supplies
- Calm Minds Clinic
- Perry Demolition
Environmental & Sustainability – Sponsored by SCAADA
- Future NRG
- Harvest Experience
- Montessori Minds Childcare Centre
- Perry Demolition
- Tradetech Services Australia
- Wet Dog & Co
Congratulations to each and every one of them. We can’t wait to celebrate their success alongside our wider business community.
Check out the article from The Geelong Times celebrating the Finalists!
Save the Date: Presentation Night
The wait continues, and winners will be revealed live at the Presentation Night:
📅 Thursday, 5 November 2026
📍 Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre
Whether you’re a finalist, a sponsor, or simply passionate about Geelong business, you’re invited to join us at the city’s newest world-class venue for a night to remember.
🎟️ Tickets will be available shortly, so keep an eye on your inbox and our social media channels for the official release. You won’t want to miss it.
Congratulations again to all our finalists, and a huge thank you to everyone who entered the 2026 Geelong Business Excellence Awards. Together, you’ve helped create one of the biggest and strongest programs in our history.
See you there, and let’s celebrate business excellence together this November!
Image: Winners of the 2025 Geelong Business Excellence Awards