The David Awards have today announced the finalists for 2025, shining a spotlight on some of New Zealand’s most determined and dynamic small businesses.
Now in their 17th year, The David Awards recognise the “Davids” of the business world – Kiwi entrepreneurs who, like their biblical namesake, punch above their weight to overcome challenges with courage, ingenuity, and heart. Open to businesses with up to 10 full-time employees, the awards highlight the extraordinary contribution small business owners make to their communities, industries, and the wider economy.
This year’s finalists represent a wide spectrum of industries, from health and beauty to social enterprise, innovation, and design.
Small Business owner, serial connector and The David Awards Judge Pam Martin said the judging panel was struck by the resilience and creativity on display in this year’s entries.
“The judges were impressed to see so many inspiring entries in such a challenging economic environment. The passion felt by entrants for their businesses shone through in many of the entries,” she says.
Voyager is the principal sponsor of The David Awards for the fourth year running. Angela Hunter, Chief Revenue Officer at Voyager says that with more entries in 2025, even in challenging economic times, Kiwi small businesses continue to show up with grit, creativity, and relentless commitment.
“I know many of these business owners are wearing multiple hats, making every dollar stretch, and doing it all while staying deeply focused on their customers. For that level of dedication, every single entrant deserves recognition. Congratulations to all the 2025 finalists, making it this far in such a competitive year is an achievement to be proud of,” she says.
Finalists for 2025
Most Outstanding Fledgling Business
- Bloom Boutique Beauty
- Haloguard Limited
- ISpy Nits
- Milo’s Cat Hotel
Most Outstanding Established Business
- Dignity New Zealand
- Spacebar Design
- Speculo
- The Cozy Corner
Most Innovative Business
- Faster Masters Rowing
- Haloguard Limited
- ISpy Nits
- Spacebar Design
- Speculo
Most Inspired Use of Marketing
- Bear & Moo
- Telescopicgoal
- The Social Collective
Most Outstanding Social Impact
- Haloguard Limited
- ISpy Nits
- My Wonderland
- Spacebar Design
- The Cozy Corner
- Yrless Ltd
Solo Meo Award
- Bloom Boutique Beauty
- Campbell Carving
- Case in Point Design
- Julia Grace
Voting for the People’s Choice Award is still open, and closes on Friday, September 26 at 12pm. Cast your vote here.
The winners of The David Awards 2025 – including the Supreme and People’s Choice winners – will be revealed by video presentation on Friday, October 17 at 12pm via The David Awards home page.
Check out our profiles on the 2024 winners, here.
