Great Southern businesses and individuals who have gone above and beyond are being encouraged to put themselves or each other forward for this year’s business awards.
Nominations are now open for the 2026 Great Southern Business Awards, giving the community the opportunity to recognise local businesses, employees and entrepreneurs making a difference across the region.
The awards follow a two-stage process, with businesses able to nominate themselves or others until 5pm on August 17, then complete an application before 5pm on September 7.
The Great Southern Business Awards are run by the Albany Chamber of Commerce and Industry and celebrate excellence across a range of industries, culminating in a gala awards dinner later this year.
Last year’s Great Southern businessperson of the year, Kristeen Ko from Quality Apartments Banksia Albany said being recognised through the awards encouraged her to reflect on her own work and achievements.
“You know you do the job, you do your best at work, you believe you are doing your best, but when it’s recognised by something like the ACCI, it makes you think about yourself, what you have done, and what you need to do in the future,” she said.
Ms Ko said the awards night provided an opportunity for local business owners and operators to connect with others across the region.
“Getting to know or see people from the same industry or sometimes different industries, but are from the same region (was great),” she said.
“Even though we are in a different business or industry, our goals are quite similar as business people, so it was great to be there and it was also a special honour for me as well.”
Ms Ko said she encourages businesses and individuals to apply, saying the nomination process itself provided valuable reflection.
“It’s great even if you’re not a winner,” she said.
“While you are putting the application through, you see yourself and I think that the whole process is great . . . It makes you feel a bit more assured that we are on the right track of running the business.”
Nominations and applications can be completed via the ACCI website.
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