Kristine Young, Director of Bella Venezia restaurant on the Sunshine Coast, has been announced as the Champion in the Restaurant category and Champion Influential Woman for the 2024 Australian Women’s Small Business Champion Awards – a national accolade celebrating women in small business.

Bella Venezia secured the top spot in the Restaurant category, judged by an independent expert panel that assessed various aspects of small business operations, including strategies, growth plans, financial performance, sustainability credentials, innovation, customer service quality, and community support. Her recognition of Champion Influential Woman was based on judges assessing various aspects of operating a small business. 

“The awards are a recognition of small businesses in regional Australia, where women are playing a major role in building resilience in the hospitality sector. It’s also further proof of the burgeoning food and wine scene outside of Australia’s capital cities. On the Sunshine Coast, overlooking the surf at Mooloolaba Beach, we’ve created a fine dining experience that rivals anything you’ll find in the capital cities,” said Kristine Young, Director of Bella Venezia.

Young became Director of Bella Venezia in 2015 and has since helped lead the restaurant to win multiple accolades, including those from the Australian Good Food Guide, Restaurant and Catering Industry Awards, the Sunshine Coast Business Awards, and the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence - thanks to its extensive wine list.

“The hospitality industry is a tough game, and with cost-of-living pressures impacting many businesses, it’s important to recognise the role of women in the sector. Our focus on paddock-to-plate and port-to-plate means we’re creating a ripple effect in our local community by sourcing the freshest locally grown produce,” added Young.

Young’s achievements were recognized by Steve Loe, Awards Founder, who said: “Being selected as a Champion in this major program from a national entrant pool of thousands speaks volumes about the tenacity and leadership at Bella Venezia.”

“The Awards honour the nation’s most exceptional female leaders who are making an indelible mark on the small business sector. Kristine Young is now among a highly esteemed group of recognized Champions and, as such, she should feel immensely proud of her achievements and her team,” he added.

Returning home to the Sunshine Coast from Sydney, Young said she was overwhelmed with the support and encouragement received by her team and she is truly grateful to her husband, Todd Young who has been beside her every step of the way.