2026 Cooper Small Business Awards
2026 Cooper Small Business Awards
Recognising the entrepreneurs, business owners and staff whose efforts help our suburbs thrive.
Every May is Small Business Month in Queensland. Last month we had the opportunity to recognise many of our own local small businesses in the Cooper Small Business Awards hosted by Jonty Bush MP.
From family-run cafes and restaurants to professional services, retailers, tradies and community enterprises, these small businesses help create the unique character and vibrancy of our neighbourhoods.
Imagine what it would be like if your favourite coffee spot was no longer on your walking route, The Friendly Grocer wasn’t open on public holidays or you had to get in your car and travel much further to go to the gym, see a lawyer, accountant or physiotherapist.
These are the everyday services and conveniences that small businesses provide, often becoming an integral part of our daily lives and local identity. They also strengthen community connections by sponsoring local sporting clubs, supporting school fundraisers and contributing to community events.
Their economic contribution is equally significant; providing local job opportunities, keeping investment circling through our local communities and supporting our shopping precincts.
Whether established for decades or newly opened, these businesses demonstrate the resilience, innovation and community spirit that make our part of the world one of Brisbane’s most vibrant and connected.
We celebrated their contributions with an awards night hosted by Jonty Bush MP on Thursday 21 May at Warehouse 25 in Milton. The perfect location for the lively 2026 Cooper Small Business Awards.
With approximately 100 of our local small business owners in attendance, the atmosphere was electric, with business owners sharing stories, building connections and celebrating each other’s achievements.
Congratulations to the winners and runners up in the following categories.
Health and Allied Health:
Winner: Kirsty Eng Acupuncture, Paddington
Runners Up: Embody Pelvic Health Physiotherapy, Paddington; Ashgrove Counselling Services, Ashgrove
Retail and Sales:
Winner: Gap Games, The Gap
Runners Up: Labels Loved, Paddington; Friendly Grocer, The Gap
Professional Services:
Winner: Carmen Briggs Harcourts Property Centre, The Gap
Runners Up: SC Lennon & Associates, Ashgrove; Craig Ray & Associates, The Gap
Social Enterprise:
Alexandra Street Op Shop, Paddington
Runners Up: The Western Echo, The Gap; Paddington Then and Now, Paddington
Wellbeing and Fitness:
Winner: Studio Pilates The Gap
Runners Up: U&I Pilates, Bardon; Studio Pilates Ashgrove
Beauty and Hairdressing:
Winner: Savvy Hair, Ashgrove
Runners Up: The Brow Bar, Paddington; Gals and Guys Hairdresser, Paddington
Bars and Breweries:
Winner: Freya Café and Wine Bar, Milton
Runners Up: Blind Tiger, The Gap; Franks Social, Paddington
Trade and Services:
Winner: Bernard Building, The Gap
Runners Up: Chandlers Corner Auto Centre, Ashgrove; Paddington Hardware, Paddington
Creative Arts:
Winner: U Create Art, The Gap
Runners Up: Francesca Flowers, The Gap; Field Trip Gallery, Paddington
Café and Restaurant:
Winner: Birdie Coffee, The Gap
Runners Up: Corn Street Café, Ashgrove; Vecino Café, The Gap; Café Tara, The Gap
New Business:
Winner: ALIA Gelato, Milton
EDITOR’S NOTE:
The Western Echo sincerely thanks our community for your support. We are very proud of our runner-up award in the Social Enterprise category, and grateful for everyone’s kind comments we have received.
Thank you Jonty Bush MP and Team for recognising and acknowledging the importance and tremendous contribution of small businesses in our community.
Congratulations to all the winners! You all provide an amazing service and are well-deserved winners – Mel + Kym
Images: courtesy of Jonty Bush MP, Kym Bierenbroodspot, and Melanie Grevis-James.
Cover image: Gap Games team (winner of the Retail & Sales category), with Jonty Bush MP
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