Victorian small and family businesses from diverse industries — including a mobile dental clinic, a multicultural hair salon and a regional artisan cheese producer — have been honoured at the 2026 Victorian Small Business Awards.
The awards ceremony, held at the National Gallery of Victoria, celebrated the contribution of small businesses to local communities and the state economy. Minister Natalie Suleyman praised the sector, calling small businesses “the beating heart of local communities across our State”.
Among the standout winners was Teeth On Wheels, which received the Youth in Business Award. Founded in 2015 by brothers Joseph and Rami Zeid, the mobile dental service has worked with more than 250 schools and provided treatment to over 80,000 children across Victoria.
Melbourne-based Rakis on Collins won the Multicultural Business Award. Founder Stavros Tavrou was recognised for his long-standing contribution to the hair and beauty industry, as well as his mentorship of young professionals entering the field.
The Women in Business Award was presented to NLA Logistics, established by Nicole Appleton. Beginning with a single truck in 2016, the company has grown into a major women-owned logistics business supporting infrastructure and construction projects throughout Victoria.
Regional business Apostle Whey Cheese received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Owners Julian and Dianne Benson expanded their dairy farming operation into artisan cheese production in 2005 and later diversified into tourism and local produce, helping boost regional tourism and showcase innovation in Victoria’s agricultural sector.
The Victorian Government said the state is home to more than 735,000 small and family businesses, employing over 1.3 million people and contributing more than $417 billion annually to the economy.