The Illawarra Women in Business (IWIB) is set to host the 2026 IWIB Business Women's Awards on Friday, April 24, marking a significant milestone as the organisation celebrates 20 years of championing women in business across the region.
A Day of Recognition and Support
Glenda Papac, director of Illawarra Women in Business, expressed her pride in this year's event, which commemorates the 18th annual Awards Day. "It's a day to celebrate and support all 52 finalists, and there is no better place than a room full of women who do it so well," she said. "Networking and supporting each other in their awards journey, women supporting women, something which I am proud of."
Papac emphasised the importance of entering awards for personal and business development. "Entering awards is an important part of an individual's business and personal development. It gives applicants an opportunity to reflect on their business, where they were in the business 12 months ago and how they have developed and grown in their business and themselves." She added that awards acknowledge a job well done, which is imperative for both the business owner and the team.
Celebrating All Finalists
IWIB ensures that all finalists are celebrated at the IWIB Finalists Lunch event before the Awards Day, as only 13 winners and a handful of highly commended businesses are selected. This approach gives everyone the opportunity to acknowledge their own success and the success of their team and peers. The 2026 IWIB awards finalists are described as a vibrant group of women, all achieving great things in their own businesses.
Sponsors and Support
Illawarra Women in Business is proud to have The Works Corrimal back as major sponsors of the awards, also sponsoring the IWIB Business Woman of the Year and IWIB Young Business Woman of the Year categories. This year, IWIB welcomed two new awards sponsors: Tiny Tins and White Lady Funerals. Returning sponsors for the 2026 IWIB Business Women's Awards include Access Law Group, Better Business Accounting, Lancaster Law & Mediation, Fiducian Illawarra, Foye Legal, Commonwealth Business Banking Wollongong, Wallawa Traffic Group, ANZ Business Banking Wollongong, and Destination Wollongong.
Inspiration from Past Winners
Kylie Moffit from PhysioHealth Corrimal achieved remarkable success at the 2025 awards, winning five categories, including IWIB Business Woman of the Year and Innovative Business Woman. Reflecting on her experience, Kylie said winning in 2025 was epic and a moment she'll never forget. "It was a true career highlight. The Awards Day experience was invaluable; the application and the interview process was a time to stop and reflect on our achievements, which gave us clarity into where our business was going," Kylie said. "Winning the awards gave the team and myself momentum, it opened doors, lifted visibility and gave us a stronger platform to share our purpose with credibility."
