Queensland Social Enterprise Awards finalists have been announced, recognising Queensland’s purpose-led businesses and social enterprise leaders for their impact across the state.
The awards celebrate organisations and individuals using business as a force for good through creating jobs, strengthening communities, improving environmental outcomes and driving innovation across Queensland.
Finalists have been selected across 10 categories, showcasing the diversity and impact of the state’s social enterprise sector.
2026 Queensland Social Enterprise Awards finalists
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.
The finalists represent businesses and leaders from metropolitan, regional and remote Queensland, spanning sectors including environmental sustainability, workforce development, technology, community services and First Nations enterprise.
The winners will be announced at the Queensland Social Enterprise Awards Gala Dinner on Friday, 21 August 2026, bringing together the sector to celebrate the achievements, collaboration and growth of Queensland’s social enterprise community.