Four female-led businesses in the Highlands are finalists in this year's Australian Women's Small Business Champions Awards.
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The national initiative shines a spotlight on, and celebrates small businesses ran by women, and how their work and vision benefits their communities.
An extension of the Australian Small Business Champion Awards which began in 1999, the first women's award ceremony took place in 2022.
The winners will be announced on September 23 at the Western Sydney Conference Centre in Penrith.
See which businesses in the region are up for national recognition below.
Planetsmiles
This Bowral all-female clinic is up for the dental services award.
"It's really well-deserved for everyone," said receptionist Georgia Bell.
For dentist Dr Lynette Wallace BDS, being a finalist was recognition for the "passion, dedication and hard work we've poured into Planetsmiles."
"This spotlight is a reminder of the progress we're making as women entrepreneurs," she said.
"It's a celebration of breaking barriers, challenging norms and paving the way for more diverse landscape."
Dr Wallace BDS said it would not have been possible without the support of customers and the professional women the business has collaborated with.
Our Lawyers
This Mittagong business is up for the award in the legal services category.
Principal solicitor and accredited family law specialist Alana Jacquet said it was a great opportunity to recognise the team.
"It's brilliant, it's good to know we are doing the right thing," the business owner and mother said.
For Ms Jacquet, giving women the opportunity to have and achieve work-life balance was critical.
Ladies Behind the Tradies
Ladies Behind the Tradies supports and offers a range of business services to tradespeople across the region.
The Bowral business is a finalist in the financial services category.
"It's exciting, it's lovely the whole team is being recognised," said bookeeper and BAS agent Geraldine Arnold.
"Our biggest thing is we love working with our small businesses."
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Ms Arnold said all the women have helped other tradespeople with their businesses, or are partners of tradies.
"I feel like as women we are behind our husbands, brothers, I was always helping with the the business and I feel like we are a big part of it all," said bookkeeper Whitney Smith.
First Choice Earthworks
The Robertson business is a finalist in the services category. The family-owned company was founded in 2009, and specialises in driveways, house arenas, drainage management, road construction, clearing and landscapes.
Co-director Larna Woodward said it was unexpected, but great to be recognised.
"It's always good," she said.
Mrs Woodward is also up for the Small Business Champion Woman Entrepreneur award for women over 30.
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