Celebrating our Businesses

Social Impact & Change Maker Award

This award recognises a local business who generously gives back to the community, develops innovative solutions to addresses social issues and/or shares their profit with a charitable organisation.

Winner: SOARING TOGETHER

Soaring Together is redefining disability support through a people-first approach focused on independence, inclusion, and meaningful employment opportunities. Led by Ifa Saboor and Ebony Swan, the organisation has created innovative programs such as Barista Skillz and the Brew Crew van, empowering participants with real-world skills, fair employment, and stronger community connections while challenging perceptions of disability across the western suburbs.

Sustainability Champion Award

This award recognises a local business that prioritises environmental responsibility, reduce their carbon footprint, and apply sustainable practices.

Winner: AUSTRALIAN GREEN CLEAN

Australian Green Clean is leading the way in sustainable waste management and environmentally responsible cleaning practices across South Australia, helping businesses, schools, and major events reduce their environmental impact through education, innovation, and measurable outcomes. Through initiatives such as achieving a remarkable 99% landfill diversion rate at the 2025 Royal Adelaide Show, AGC continues to demonstrate outstanding leadership in sustainability, resource recovery, and community education.

Highly Commended: VENERGY SOLAR AUSTRALIA

Women in the West Award

This award recognises a woman-led business or business leader demonstrating leadership, resilience, and positive impact.

Winner: CHARLIE SYKES OF AUSTRALIAN GREEN CLEAN

Charlie Sykes is an inspiring and purpose-driven leader who has transformed Australian Green Clean into one of South Australia’s leading sustainable cleaning and waste management companies through innovation, resilience, and a strong commitment to her team and community. As a woman leading in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Charlie has built a culture focused on empowerment, environmental responsibility, and meaningful impact.

Highly Commended: ALL ADELAIDE SPEECH PATHOLOGY

Most Improved Business Award

This award celebrates a business that has shown significant growth, transformation, or improvement over the past two years.

Winner: GELISTA

Gelista has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past two years, evolving into a more agile, innovative, and internationally recognised business through major investment in advanced manufacturing, product development, and brand growth. With expansion into global markets including Malaysia, Qatar, and Singapore, alongside the launch of new premium product ranges and refreshed marketing initiatives, Gelista has demonstrated outstanding growth, resilience, and forward-thinking leadership.

Highly Commended: BOWDEN BREWING

Innovative & Outstanding Entrepreneur Award

This award celebrates an entrepreneur demonstrating innovation, creativity, and leadership.

Winner: MARK KIRTLAND OF SOLAFLO

Mark Kirtland is a South Australian innovator and clean technology leader with nearly five decades of experience in the water pumping industry, dedicated to developing sustainable, energy-efficient solutions that support local manufacturing and reduce emissions. Through groundbreaking inventions including the award-winning Intelligent Zero Emissions Pump (IZEP) and SolMate solar module, Mark has positioned Solaflo at the forefront of advanced clean tech innovation and green manufacturing in Australia.

Highly Commended: GELISTA

Home Grown Award

This award recognises the dedication and motivation in sustaining a home-based business.

Winner: MONDEES BEES

Mondees Bees is a passionate home-grown beekeeping business dedicated not only to producing high-quality honey products, but also to strengthening the wider beekeeping community through education, mentorship, and environmental advocacy. Through initiatives such as the “Getting to Grips with Varroa” program, Mon has demonstrated exceptional leadership in supporting local beekeepers, promoting sustainability, and building industry resilience across South Australia.

Highly Commended: BEHAVIOUR FOR LEARNING

Best Small Business (less than 20 Employees) Award

This award recognises small businesses creating opportunities for growth, stability, a positive working environment, and outstanding client/customer relationships. This category was very competitive and really challenged our judges.

Winner: CIRELLI COFFEE ROASTING CO

Cirelli Coffee is a family-owned specialty coffee roaster and café that has combined strong growth with a genuine commitment to quality, customer relationships, and staff development. Through major achievements including HACCP certification, workforce training, operational innovation, and expansion into new retail channels, the business continues to demonstrate excellence in small business leadership and community impact.

Highly Commended: BANCA