Illawarra Women in Business director Glenda Papac is encouraging all businesswomen to enter IWIB’s annual awards. Photo: NEG Photography.
The first Illawarra Women in Business Awards were a small affair with just two categories: Business Woman and Young Business Woman of the Year.
The judges that year clearly knew their stuff – the two winners from 2009 are still in business today, 16 years later.
The Business Woman of the Year was Katrina Rowlands, of Mortgage Success, who today is CEO of the business. The Young Business Woman was well-known Wollongong identity Angela Saville, whose fledgling business in 2009, Savvy Fitness, has expanded to become The Savvy Community.
Fast-forward to 2025 and the annual awards have expanded to 13 categories, targeted at businesses of all types and sizes.
Illawarra Women in Business (IWIB) is a local networking community where women connect and collaborate to grow and prosper.
The face of IWIB, director Glenda Papac, said IWIB was a strong, supportive network for all women in business.
“We’re all about building a strong, supportive network through connection, opportunity and community,” she said.
“IWIB is for people who are keen to learn, share ideas and collaborate with others for mutual success – whether you operate a home-based business or are looking to start up your own business, employed or self-employed, a professional, an experienced executive or someone who has a great business idea.
“It’s a space where women with passion and energy, insight and empathy come together to uplift and encourage each other.”
Glenda, director of IWIB since 2007, is encouraging business owners to start working on their applications now, ensuring they could submit their “best possible application”.
She said feedback from entrants over the years was that the application and judging process was a great exercise in analysing their business growth and their personal development.
The awards are open to all businesses in the Illawarra that are either owned or operated by a female or are a female-friendly working environment, that demonstrate energy and vision, as well as tangible business success.
As well as the Business Woman and Young Business Woman (aged under 30) of the Year awards, the other categories are:
- Best Business
- Best Small Business
- Best Home-Based Business
- Best New Business – operating for less than two years
- Innovative Business Woman – a businesswoman who has made a significant contribution to business success through innovative ideas, technologies or processes
- Outstanding Customer Focus – businesses that go above and beyond for their customers, have displayed initiative and innovation and have found new ways to reward customers
- Outstanding Commitment to the Community – an individual who has made a noticeable impact on a local charity, not-for-profit or community group; or an employee leading a business in social responsibility within the community
- Outstanding Charity – recognises and rewards charitable organisations for their exceptional work undertaken through initiatives that have significantly benefited their causes
- Outstanding Employee – recognises extraordinary performance, goal achievements and dedication and is for employees who are standout performers
- Outstanding Executive Employee – recognises executive employees who have had an outstanding impact in contributing to the success of a business or organisation
- Champion Networker (awarded by IWIB).
Glenda said the awards had unearthed many new businesses over the years, and recognised businesswomen who had been flying under the radar.
“I like to encourage all businesswomen to enter our awards, as well as those within their industries, as you learn so much during the process,” she said.
Last year’s Business Woman of the Year, Karlie Zec of Tiny Tins, cleaned up in the awards, also claiming Highly Commended in the Innovative Business Woman category and winning the Outstanding Commitment to the Community accolade.
Later in the year, Karlie was again on the winner’s stage when Tiny Tins won the top gong in the Environmental Business category of the 2024 Australian Women’s Small Business Champion Awards – the country’s biggest celebration of women in small business.
Karlie said the IWIB awards were a “game-changer” for her and Tiny Tins.
“Winning Business Woman of the Year and Outstanding Commitment to the Community has amplified my credibility, opened doors to new opportunities and helped shine a spotlight on the work we’re doing in sustainability and community support,” she said.
“The recognition from these awards not only validates the hard work and passion I pour into my business but also inspires others to strive for excellence and give back to the community.
“IWIB truly celebrates and empowers women in business, and I’m so grateful to be part of such an incredible network.”
Last year’s Young Business Woman of the Year was Ellen Noye, managing director and clinical nurse consultant at Solve Care.
“Winning this award is a humbling honour and a privilege that motivates me to continue pushing boundaries, breaking stereotypes and empowering others along the way,” she said.
Entries for the 2025 awards close on Monday, 3 March. Winners will be announced at the awards’ lunch on 2 May.
Click here for more information on the awards and IWIB events.
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