From emerging entrepreneurs to businesswomen overcoming extraordinary challenges, the NZ Small Business Awards 2026 recognised the determination, creativity and contribution of...
From emerging entrepreneurs to businesswomen overcoming extraordinary challenges, the NZ Small Business Awards 2026 recognised the determination, creativity and contribution of women in business.
By Webfit News | 20 October 2026
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND: Eight award recipients have been named following the NZ Small Business Awards 2026, held on Thursday, 15 October, at Fabric Café Bistro in Hobsonville Point, Auckland.
Organised by Empower Her Community and She Owns It, the awards celebrated women who are building businesses, creating opportunities and making meaningful contributions to their communities.
The event brought attention to different aspects of entrepreneurship, from launching a new venture and delivering exceptional services to storytelling, innovation, resilience and community leadership.
Jane Bogust | Double Undies
Jane Bogust of Double Undies received the Emerging Business of the Year award, recognising her business in the emerging enterprise category.
Amanda Jeffs | She is AI
Amanda Jeffs of She is AI was named the recipient of the Trail Blazer Award, a category highlighting entrepreneurial leadership and new directions in business.
Shira Ghyoot | My Wonderland Indoor Playground
Shira Ghyoot of My Wonderland Indoor Playground received the Against All Odds award, a category recognising resilience in the face of challenges.
Megan Foster | MC Collective
Megan Foster of MC Collective took home the Excellence in Storytelling award, highlighting the importance of communication and storytelling in business.
Ella Gleeson | Neck's Best Thing
Ella Gleeson of Neck's Best Thing received the Best Service Based Business award, recognising her business in the service sector.
Sheree Miller
Sheree Miller was named the People's Choice winner, receiving recognition in the category decided through public participation.
Aisha Addison | HAPA
Aisha Addison of HAPA received the She Owns It Award, one of the event's named honours.
Tammy McCann | Ray of Light Coaching
Tammy McCann of Ray of Light Coaching was recognised with the Empower Her Community Award.
Small businesses play an important role in New Zealand's economy and local communities. Yet behind every business are the practical challenges of finding customers, managing costs, building a reputation and maintaining the confidence to keep going.
The NZ Small Business Awards offered an opportunity to recognise women working across different industries and at different stages of their business journeys.
The range of award categories also reflected a broader understanding of business success. Recognition was not limited to commercial performance, but extended to resilience, communication, innovation and community contribution.
The eight recipients represent a range of businesses and professional backgrounds, from artificial intelligence and creative services to coaching, retail and family-focused recreation.
Their recognition highlights the variety of paths women are taking into entrepreneurship in New Zealand.
For emerging business owners, events such as these also create opportunities for visibility, professional connections and wider community support.
The NZ Small Business Awards 2026 brought those achievements into the spotlight, recognising not just businesses, but the people behind them.
Webfit News congratulates all eight award recipients and everyone involved in celebrating New Zealand's small business community.
Photography credit: Dynamic Digital
Award recipient information supplied to Webfit News. All event imagery credited to Dynamic Digital.
