Twenty-five businesses in the Kiama local government area are celebrating after being named finalists in this year’s Local Business Awards.

The popular awards recognise excellence across many types of businesses in Illawarra and South Coast, from cafes and restaurants to retail shops and service providers.

For many businesses, being a finalist or winner offers recognition within the region.

Many familiar names from Kiama have made the cut. From new enterprises to well-established businesses, the list highlights how diverse Kiama’s local scene is.

Local business Acai Fix is among this year’s finalists. The popular Acai bar has built a strong following since opening six months ago by Kiama local Amelia Beahan.

“It feels pretty amazing that the Kiama community has just pulled together to support my small business. I think it shows how strong our little community actually is," she said.

"I've put lots of time and effort into building a community presence, and so for them to show up for me and vote me in to become a finalist, it feels pretty amazing."

For Amelia, community involvement plays a key part in small business success. She has sponsored several local sporting teams, including the Kiama Knights rugby league club, the Kiama under-14s rep netball side, and teams from Gerringong.

"I really like to chat with all of our customers and make sure that they know I'm interested in who they are. They're not just a customer to me,” said Amelia.

“I like to make their visit really personal, and I think that has helped me build a really strong sense of community."

For all the local finalists, the awards night brings valuable networking opportunities, where other business owners can meet and learn from each other.

"A business can sometimes be lonely and you feel like you're doing it on your own, but getting to attend these awards nights and come together with other local business owners provides an opportunity to know that there's other people out there doing it with you as well,” Amelia said.

Businesses become finalists based on the number of public nominations they receive, and once they are shortlisted they will be judged to determine a winner.

There is a clear set of criteria, including a questionnaire where the business shares details about how it is run and its successes, and its online presence. This ensures a fair approach for businesses of all sizes.

"We also get a secret shopper, so a judge who comes and pretends to be a customer and we serve them our product and they do some judging there,” Amelia said.

One of the most rewarding things for Amelia about running her business is not the awards or success but her staff.

“I have a team of six young women. So I think watching the girls really come into themselves and become confident, we’re all under 21,” she said.

“We're all watching us just pull the business together and see the growth and our hard work really paying off has been one of the most rewarding things.”

Winners will be announced at a presentation evening on 2 July, at The Fraternity Club in Fairy Meadow. The event will bring together business owners, staff and supporters for the night of celebration.

The complete list of Kiama Municipality finalists for the 2025 Local Business Awards includes: Acai Fix, Belinda Doyle - South Coast Photography, Burnett Trees, Butchers Nook Kiama, Coloured Bubble, Crooked River Estate, Deer Willow, Entwine Glass Designs, Epics Music, Feather & Heart Candle Collective, First National Coast & Country - Kiama, Gerringong Pet Accommodation, HILL to AIR, Jamberoo Valley Meats, Kiama Academy of Early Learning, Kiama Family Before and After School Care, Lucy Rose Flowers, Marketing Movement, Meats and Greet BBQ Kiama, Miss Arda, Native. Kiama, Platinum Solar Designs, The Chronic Creatives, The Collective Beat Gerringong, The Farmer’s Table.