Close to 11,000 votes have been cast in the highly regarded Eastside Business Awards, almost double the number of votes in 2020, before the pandemic gripped the economy.

The 5th annual Awards attracted 10,974 votes, up from 9584 last year and 4097 more compared to March 2020.

The City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters is home to more than 7000 businesses, which create jobs for nearly 25,000 people.

Today, 30 finalists were announced across 10 categories, including two new categories: Best Arts & Culture / Entertainment Experience and Best Professional Service.

There is also the prestigious Hall of Fame Award for a business that has been operating in the area for more than 20 years.

The following business are finalists in the respective categories:

The winners will be announced at a special awards ceremony on 12 April and the results will be published in InDaily the following day.

City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters Mayor Robert Bria said he was absolutely thrilled with the participation rate of both voters and businesses.

“The Eastside Business Awards are a brilliant opportunity to recognise outstanding people and businesses who are excelling in our community,” Mayor Bria said.

“After more than two years of battling with Covid and the subsequent restrictions, it is so pleasing to learn that there was a record number of votes.  I would like to congratulate all the finalists and thank everyone who voted.

“At times like this, it’s so important that we continue to support each other, and the Eastside Business Awards is the perfect platform in which to do this.”

The Awards – which are a partnership between Solstice Media and the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters – celebrate an array of businesses and sectors from family-owned enterprises to vibrant cafes and restaurants, iconic food manufacturers and retail precincts.

Solstice Media’s Jim Plouffe, the Publishing Editor of Masthead Studio and one of the judges of the Eastside Business Awards, said the response to the awards illustrates how vibrant the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters is and how well the community supports their local businesses.

“Throughout the pandemic we have urged the readers of CityMag, InDaily and SALIFE to shop local and help the South Australians doing it tough,” Plouffe said.

“As a South Australian-owned media company we know the hardships but also have the ability to help with spreading the news of what’s happening in Adelaide and the state, especially through our business coverage and lifestyle features on how shops and businesses are working to service their customers.

“We pride ourselves on bringing the best of South Australia to our readers and look forward to sharing the winners with our readers.”

Among the finalists are Norwood barbershop Bladez the Barber Lounge, Kensington restaurant Rising Sun Inn, and St Morris clothing store Love Affair Boutique.

Award winners receive $1000 in digital advertising to be spent with Solstice Media and a choice of a business advisory service of $1000 with AFM Services.

To read more about the Eastside Business Awards visit the website here.