Five amazing Canberra women were awarded prestigious Canberra Women in Business Awards on Friday night at a Gala Dinner hosted by Canberra’s happiest retiree, Alex Sloan, and CWB President Nicole Williams, and attended by CWB Awards founder Barbara Baikie, a former CWB President.

Penny Hyde of a Penny Hyde Buyers Agent took out the first award, earning the prestigious title of 2017 Micro Business of the Year. With close competition in this category, Abby Rees of PunkPD was given a Highly Commended certificate.

The 2017 New Business of the Year Award was hotly contended, with Sarah Rajic of Capital Recruit being awarded the title and Kylie Wood from Kylie’s Gardening Services given a Highly Commended certificate.

Danielle Dal Cortivo of the Asthma Foundation ACT and Raize the Roof was awarded Executive of the Year.

The Young Businesswoman of the Year went to Alix Merope O'Hara of Mashblox.

The 2017 Businesswoman of the Year is Angela Backhouse of Backhouse Legal.

“With over 100 nominations for the 2017 Canberra Women in Business Awards, our winners and finalists are among the best of the best in a Canberra and we are very proud of each and every one of them,” CWB President Nicole Williams said.

“We are also proud of every women who reflected on their business success and put themselves forward for the 2017 Awards. Your courage and your determination in business is helping us show the business world that Canberra is an innovative territory that fosters creativity and provides a magnificent launch-pad for businesses of all sizes.”

The Canberra Women in Business Awards were announced at a Gala dinner at a The Hyatt Hotel on Friday evening.

The CWB Awards are a highlight in the Canberra business community, having recognised the achievements of women from all walks of life and all business areas. 

“Many of our past winners have gone on to even greater success in their business through the extra media coverage, networking opportunities, and invitations to speak that have stemmed from their recognition through our awards. It’s such a privilege to watch these businesses go from strength-to-strength as their profile is raised after winning a CWB award,” Nicole said.