The Kapunda community has shown immense support for their favourite local businesses, with more than 1300 votes cast in last night’s 2024 Kapunda Business Awards.

Hosted by the Kapunda Business Alliance (KBA), a member-based organisation dedicated to connecting, supporting and promoting local businesses, the awards saw 44 businesses nominated across seven categories.

Member of Parliament Tony Piccolo MP congratulated the nominees, finalists, winners and KBA for organising the awards, stating that the votes “suggest businesses in Kapunda are highly regarded by their customers.”

Member of Parliament Tony Piccolo MP congratulated those nominated, finalists, the winners and KBA for creating the awards, expressing how the votes “suggests businesses in Kapunda are highly regarded by their customers.”

“The awards quite rightly recognise excellence, and acknowledge the hard work involved in running a small business,” said Mr Piccolo.

“Small businesses are the backbone of rural and regional communities so awards like this recognise their importance to the wellbeing of local communities.”

The KBA STAR awards recognised the highest-ranking businesses in Kapunda based on Google Reviews, with 34 businesses meeting the eligibility criteria of having at least 25 reviews.

Markers Market goers in Kapunda last December were asked to vote on their favourite stall, which were tallied up for the Market Stall of the Season award.

Additional awards included Best New Business 2024, Outstanding Customer Service and Business of the Year, all based on public votes.

While only “new to the area” and “part-timers”, the Prince of Wales Hotel owners Peta and Troy Apps took out the highest honours of Kapunda’s Business of the Year.

“We can’t thank everyone enough for their support,” Mr Apps said.

“The community has got behind us and without them, we wouldn’t have a business, like everyone else here.

“We rely on the community to grow and build our businesses and if we all work together, we will achieve a lot more.”

Com Viet owner Maggie Bosankoe was overjoyed to win the Best New Business 2024 and Best Window Display awards and expressed her gratitude to the community, fellow businesses and KBA for their support in organising her business.

Kapunda Home Hardware won Outstanding Customer Service, with co-owner Andrea Duregon expressing the significance of the award for her husband and co-owner, Peter Duregon.

“This award means a lot to us as it’s been a dream for Peter to own a hardware store – he worked there for years and was born into hardware, whereas I’m new to it,” Mrs Duregon said.

“We were worried about making changes when we took over, but the community have supported us.

“We realised that while we didn’t have to make changes, we have done them for the community.”

Chair Bridget Kimber described the awards as “a little bit of fun and a lot of recognition for local businesses.”

“It was great to have such an incredible level of engagement and contribution from the community, and a wonderful turnout at the event from businesses,” Ms Kimber said.

“The fact 34 of our businesses had not only more than 25 Google reviews, but each had a rating higher than four stars is very pleasing considering reviews influence a business’ visibility, people’s decisions and provide valuable feedback.”

“As Kapunda grows, so does our business offerings and each year brings a selection of new businesses to the region.

“Business is tough – especially in the first few years - so it’s important to celebrate the achievements of our businesses.”

Light Regional Council Deputy Mayor Michael Phillips-Ryder opened the awards, emphasising the importance of businesses in the community, the need to celebrate business success, his commitment to supporting the local economy and his openness to addressing any issues businesses may have.

Guests enjoyed delicious canapés prepared by Com Viet, Little Mo's and 2B Nourished, along with refreshing beverages.

RESULTS

KBA STAR AWARDS

Trade & Industry Star

Feltus Electrical

Services & Community Star

Beauty Vine Barossa

Retail Star

Sallys Treasure Hunt and Plant Pot & More

Tourism & Hospitality Star

Kapunda Historical Society Museum

INNOVATION TRANSFORMATION SUSTAINABILITY

Anlaby Station – winner

BEST WINDOW DISPLAY

Com Viet - winner

MARKET STALL of the SEASON

Pure Grace - winner

Kapunda Honey - finalist

Supertags - finalist

BEST NEW BUSINESS 2024

Com Viet - winner

Kapunda Flower Room - finalist

Kapunda Dental – finalist

OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER SERVICE

Kapunda Home Hardware - winner

Luvenit Clean - finalist

The Prince of Wales – finalist

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

The Prince of Wales - winner

Plant Pot & More – finalist

Luvenit Clean - finalist

Kapunda Home Hardware – finalist

Sally's Treasure Hunt - finalist