Ararat Rural City's top businesses were recognised tonight at the 2025 East Grampians Business Excellence Awards, with E2E Growth Consultants named Business of the Year for its outstanding commitment to building affordable and inclusive housing locally.
E2E Growth Consultants also received the Innovation & Change Award for its thoughtful, sustainable house designs, which are setting new benchmarks for future development in the region.
Ararat Rural City Council Mayor Cr Jo Armstrong congratulated E2E Growth Consultants on being recognised for making a lasting impact in our community and broader region.
"From providing quality homes that meet the needs of our unique community, to engaging local tradies and suppliers to build the homes gives so many people a chance to be part of this lasting change. Well done to the team at E2E Growth Consultants!" said Cr Armstrong.
Other winners included The Mess & Barracks, which was named Best New Business and also took home the People's Choice Award, while Barney's Bar & Bistro was recognised for Outstanding Customer Service.
Ararat Wellness won the Professional Services Award, and Foragers Café claimed the Grampians Golden Mug Award for serving the best local coffee, a category that also included finalists Kerrie's Kreations and Fred & Bets.
Ararat Neighbourhood House Inc received the Accelerating Woman Award for its support of women of all ages and backgrounds through education programs, workshops and opportunities that empower individuals.
Hosted by Ararat Rural City Council, this year's East Grampians Business Awards attracted 40 entries across all categories.
"Tonight's awards celebrated the fantastic work our local businesses are doing to deliver high-quality services, food and drink, and retail experiences," said Cr Armstrong. "Customers from near and far are lucky to enjoy such a vibrant and innovative business community."
Cr Armstrong said it was particularly pleasing that almost 1,500 votes were logged in the People's Choice Award - a record in the five-year history of the East Grampians Business Awards.
"The overwhelming response to public voting shows just how much our local businesses mean to the community and how valued and appreciated their work is," she said.
Cr Armstrong also extended her thanks to the many sponsors who contributed to the trophies, prizes and overall success of the event.
East Grampians Business Awards 2025 winner summary:
Business of the Year
Winner: E2E Growth Consultants
Runner Up: The Mess & Barracks
Best New Business
Winner: The Mess & Barracks
Runner Up: Black & Ginger Wines
Commendations: Rhythm & Dance Studio Motion, Merch On.
Accelerating Woman Award
Winner: Ararat Neighbourhood House Inc.
Runner Up: Ararat Wellness
Outstanding Customer Service
Winner: Barney's Bar & Bistro
Runner Up: Black & Ginger Wines
Innovation & Change Award
Winner: E2E Growth Consultants
Runner Up: AF Ararat
Professional Services Award
Winner: Ararat Wellness
Runner Up: Block & Cleaver Hospitality
Grampians Golden Mug Award
Winner: Foragers Cafe
People's Choice Award
Winner: The Mess & Barracks
Runner Up: S.E.D.E Cafe
