2026 Finalists Announced

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Finalists announced for inaugural Queensland Social Enterprise Awards

 

Queensland’s most inspiring purpose-led businesses and leaders have been revealed today, with finalists announced for the inaugural Queensland Social Enterprise Awards.

The awards celebrate organisations and individuals who are redefining business as a force for good – creating jobs, strengthening communities, advancing environmental outcomes, and driving innovation across the state.

Adele Laughton, CEO of the Queensland Social Enterprise Council, said the finalists demonstrate the growing contribution social enterprises are making across Queensland.

“Social enterprises are proving that business can be both commercially viable and purpose-driven. Every finalist announced today is using business as a vehicle to create positive social, cultural or environmental impact, while strengthening local economies and communities.

“What stands out about this group of finalists is not just the diversity of sectors they represent, but the diversity of challenges they are addressing. From creating employment opportunities for people facing barriers to work, to supporting First Nations communities, advancing environmental outcomes and delivering innovative solutions to complex social issues, these organisations are creating real and measurable impact.

“The quality of nominations received has been exceptional and reflects a sector that is continuing to mature, innovate and grow. These awards are an opportunity to celebrate the people and organisations leading that work, while also raising awareness of the significant contribution social enterprise makes to Queensland’s economy and communities.”

Finalists have been shortlisted across 10 categories, highlighting the diversity of Queensland’s social enterprise sector.

The finalists for the 2026 Queensland Social Enterprise Awards are:

Catalyst for Change Award

  • Reef Catchments
  • SEFA
  • Social Impact Hub
  • The Freedom Hub

Environmental Impact Award

  • Bin Bypass
  • Reef Catchments
  • Sustainable Lithium Cells Australia
  • The Nest Community

Impact Through Innovation Award

  • Happy Paws Happy Hearts
  • Nundah Community Enterprise Cooperative
  • The Nest Community
  • TradeMutt

Indigenous Social Enterprise of the Year Award

  • Adapt Mentorship Indigenous Corporation
  • Deadly Coders
  • Fire and Wattle
  • WV Technologies

Jobs-Focused Social Enterprise of the Year Award

  • Ability Enterprises
  • Australian Spatial Analytics
  • Brick and Block Careers
  • Human Quotient Group

One to Watch Award

  • Aqua Ubique Systems
  • Bloom Cycle
  • Olive Express
  • Stationery Aid

Regional & Remote Impact Award

  • Ability Enterprises
  • Aspire Cairns Community
  • Neurokindred
  • Strong Communities

Social Enterprise of the Year Award

  • Ability Enterprises
  • Lighthouse Care
  • Nundah Community Enterprises Cooperative
  • Wounded Heroes Association

Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award

  • Zoe Black, Co-Founder & CEO – Happy Paws Happy Hearts
  • Nikki Phillips, Café Manager – Lovewell Café
  • Geoff Smith, Co-Founder & CEO – Australian Spatial Analytics
  • Claire Torkington, CEO – Ability Enterprises

Youth-Led Social Enterprise of the Year Award

  • By Chloe and Younpreneur Markets By Chloe
  • Croc Candy
  • Futurum Education
  • Thadus Group

The awards recognise organisations that reinvest profits to deliver meaningful social, cultural and environmental outcomes, while demonstrating strong business performance and innovation.

Finalists span metropolitan, regional and remote Queensland, with representation across industries including environmental sustainability, workforce development, technology, community services, and First Nations enterprise.

Winners will be announced at the Queensland Social Enterprise Awards Gala Dinner on Friday, 21 August 2026. The event will bring the sector together to celebrate impact, collaboration and growth.

The inaugural Queensland Social Enterprise Awards are an initiative of the Queensland Social Enterprise Council (QSEC) and made possible thanks to the support of partners, including Queensland Government, The University of Queensland,  Cape York Partnerships, QUT, Social Enterprise Finance Australia (SEFA), Hand Heart Pocket, Future Anything, The Connection Table

For more information, visit:
www.queenslandsocialenterpriseawards.com.au